Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[49] (30) 8305-0; US Embassy in Berlin, Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany; https://de.usembassy.gov/; BerlinPCO@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
49
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate, and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasionally warm mountain (foehn) wind
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
German
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 27.7%, Protestant 25.5%, Muslim 5.1%, Orthodox 1.9%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brandenburg Gate; Cologne Cathedral; Black Forest; Neuschwanstein Castle; Miniatur Wunderland & Historic Port of Hamburg; Heidelberg; Dresden; Nuremberg; Munich; Saxon Switzerland State Park; Rhine Valley; Berlin's Museum Island; Rothenburg and the Romantic Road
Major Sports
Soccer, handball, basketball, ice hockey, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Punctuality is considered a virtue in Germany. Being on time is not just a social nicety: it’s considered a matter of respect.
Tipping Guidelines
Round up the bill in a restaurant. If the service is particularly good, you may add a few euros and/or leave a 5-10% tip. Tip taxi drivers 5-10% of the total fare. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag. Leave 1-2 euros for housekeeping per night.
Souvenirs
Carved wooden cuckoo clocks, music boxes, nutcracker figurines, and Christmas ornaments; crystal, porcelain, and glassware; traditional clothing, beer steins and glasses, Steiff teddy bears, Hummel figurines, antiques
Traditional Cuisine
Sauerbraten — beef braised in a marinade typically consisting of red wine vinegar, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, and juniper berries and simmered in a pot for several hours; typically served with potato dumplings and red cabbage
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
