{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711394958,"date":"2024-03-25 15:29:18"}},"data":{"country-iso":"DE","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Germany","url-slug":"germany","geo-group":"Europe","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 15:08 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"The Need help? section was updated.","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in Germany due to the threat of terrorism.<\/p><\/div>","security":" Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs.<\/p> Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:<\/p> There is a significant increase in stolen passports on trains, particularly during the summer and winter holiday season. <\/p> Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.<\/p> Violent crime is uncommon, but does occur.<\/p> Crimes committed by far-right extremists against individuals belonging to ethnic, religious or political minorities occur.<\/p> While tourists are not specifically targeted, you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.<\/p> Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.<\/p> Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.<\/p> Targets could include:<\/p> The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media.<\/p> More information about public security<\/a> - Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community<\/p> Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Strikes occur regularly, particularly in key sectors including aviation and ground transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt services.<\/p> If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:<\/p> Roads conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country.<\/p> Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing dedicated bicycle paths, as bicycles have right of way.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the German authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.<\/p> If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.<\/p> The German government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Germany, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period As a tourist, you can’t stay in Germany longer than 90 days. If you wish to stay beyond this 90-day limit, you must apply for a residence permit and provide a valid reason.<\/p> If you unexpectedly have to stay beyond the 90-day limit, contact the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in the district you are staying in to regularize your extended stay.<\/p> If you intend to reside in Germany for more than 3 months, you must register at the local Residents‘ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), usually within 7 days of your entry into the country.<\/p> If you don’t, you may be fined.<\/p> Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> Tick-borne encephalitis<\/a> (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.<\/p>\n Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from tick bites<\/a>. The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. <\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.<\/p> Private healthcare is expensive. Care providers usually require upfront payment. If you need a detailed breakdown of expenses for a Canadian insurance claim, make sure you clearly request it, as German hospitals don’t usually provide one.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Canada and Germany are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Germany to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Germany authorities.<\/p> This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.<\/p> Local police may ask to see your identification at any time.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> There are strict laws regarding the diffusion of propaganda material and the use of symbols from the Nazi party or other organizations linked to fascism and the Third Reich.<\/p> Illegal activities may include:<\/p> Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or fines.<\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Germany.<\/p> If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Germany, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Germany.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Germany, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the German court.<\/p> If you are in this situation:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> You must be at least 18 years old to drive a vehicle in Germany.<\/p> You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you must exchange your Canadian licence for a German one. Allow up to 6 weeks for German authorities to exchange your licence.<\/p> You must always carry written permission from the registered owner of the vehicle if the vehicle doesn’t belong to you.<\/p> Winter tires are mandatory during icy conditions.<\/p> Speed limits vary considerably in Germany. On the highway network (autobahn), limits are generally much higher than the ones in Canada. On certain sections, there are no speed limits.<\/p> Certain cities have put in place low-emission zones (Umweltzone) to reduce air pollution.<\/p> Access to these zones is restricted. You may need to obtain a permit to prove that your vehicle responds to environmental standards.<\/p> Drivers of light electric vehicles, such as electric scooters and e-skateboards, must follow the rules of the road. Insurance is mandatory.<\/p> To drive such vehicles, your blood alcohol limit must not exceed 0.05%. New drivers and individuals under 21 years of age must not have any alcohol in their system. Convicted offenders can face heavy fines and have their licence confiscated on the spot. Authorities may ask for the fine to be paid right away.<\/p> You cannot drive on pedestrian walkways and in pedestrian zones.<\/p> The currency of Germany is the euro (EUR).<\/p> If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:<\/p> This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.<\/p> EU cash controls<\/a> - European Commission<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Heavy rains, particularly in spring and summer, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.<\/p> Forest fires may occur, particularly during summer months.<\/p> The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.<\/p> In case of a major fire:<\/p> There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially following heavy snowfalls. Some have resulted in deaths.<\/p> Be particularly careful in the alpine areas of Bavaria.<\/p> Avalanche forecasting and warnings<\/a> - European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS)<\/p>","offices-help-abroad":{"opening-text":"","closing-text":" <\/p>"},"offices-html":" In case of emergency, dial:<\/p> Germany<\/p>Appointment<\/span><\/span> Book your appointment online<\/a><\/div><\/details>Crime<\/h3>
Petty crime<\/h4>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Cybercrime<\/h4>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Strikes<\/h3>
Mountain activities<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Schengen area<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Temporary border controls<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: required<\/p>Extension of stay<\/h4>
Registration<\/h3>
Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
\n
\n
\n
Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
\n
Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
\n
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
\n
Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
\n
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Transfer to a Canadian prison<\/h3>
Identification<\/h3>
Drugs<\/h3>
Illegal activities<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Driving<\/h3>
Speed limits<\/h4>
Low-emission zones<\/h4>
Personal light electric vehicles<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Money<\/h3>
Flooding and landslides<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Wildfires<\/h3>
Avalanches<\/h3>
Local services<\/h3>
Emergency services<\/summary>
Consular assistance<\/h3>
Berlin<\/strong> - Embassy of Canada<\/summary>
D\u00fcsseldorf<\/strong> - Consulate of Canada<\/summary>