Going to Germany: Travel and safety advice

_{^{NAME: Axel Strauss 
DATE: Jan. 24, 2024}} 

Home of Oktoberfest, Beethoven, and — among many, many other things — the original Barbie, Germany is the fifth most visited country in Europe. And when it comes to overall safety, it tends to have a pretty good track record. For example, UNESCO’s GPI (i.e., Global Peace Index) — which ranks 163 countries on their level of overall peacefulness — had Germany at number 15 in 2023. 

But if you’re planning a trip to Deutschland any time soon, you still might find yourself asking how safe it really is. And if that’s the case — AXA has all you need to know below. 

• What documentation do I need to visit Germany? 
• What health risks should I be aware of? 
• What COVID restrictions does Germany have?
• General safety and security tips for visiting Germany 
• Local laws and customs in Germany 
• Should I get travel insurance when visiting Germany?
• Why choose AXA travel insurance? 

What documentation do I need to visit Germany?

One of the very first things that will help ensure your safety in Germany is having the proper documentation. So to enter the country, you’re going to need the following (at the very least): 

• A valid passport (issued less than 10 years before and valid for at least 3 months after departure); 
• Your itinerary; 
• Proof of accommodation; 
• Proof of sufficient funds; 
• A letter of invitation (if applicable); 
• A travel insurance certificate (if applicable; more on that below).

Do I need a visa to visit Germany?

But Germany is also a member of the Schengen Zone. So depending on where you’re coming from, you may also need a Schengen visa to enter its borders. 

For example, you don’t need a visa for Germany if you are a national of the Schengen area and/or one (or more) of roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU — such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., the U.S., and so on. 

But if you’re a citizen of a country that doesn’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU — which, for instance, includes all of Africa, India, Russia, and most countries in Asia and the Middle East — then you will indeed need a Schengen Visa to visit Germany. 

PRO-TIP: The European Commission provides full lists of the countries above here. 

PRO-TIP 2: AXA can help you figure out if you need to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany in no time too. 

PRO-TIP 3: And if you do need a Schengen visa for Germany — worry not, because AXA can help you apply for one too.

What about ETIAS?

Meanwhile, ETIAS — aka the European Travel Information and Authorization System — is a planned new system of requirements for entering Europe (including Germany). And according to the official source above, it should go into effect “mid-2025.” In the meantime, AXA can tell you more about it here.

What health risks should I be aware of?

Once you have all your paperwork in order, here are some basic health factors to consider when planning your trip to Germany. 

According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer are among the leading causes of death in Germany in recent years. Roughly one in five adults, for example, smokes on a daily basis (and the growing popularity of e-cigarettes is also somewhat a cause for health concerns). 

Along with cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, being overweight, high cholesterol, and hypertension also tend to be major health risk factors. 

The general life expectancy in Germany is around 80 years — i.e., about two years more than the U.S. but two years less than neighboring France. German women, meanwhile, on average live nearly 5 years longer than German men. 

And according to the Global Health Security Index, out of 53 European nations Germany came in at 7th place in 2023 (with a score of 81.4). This ranks it among the top 10 healthiest countries in Europe — and healthier than Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain (but not Denmark, Switzerland, and the first-place winner the Netherlands). 

In other words, if you don’t party too hard and are conscious of what you eat and drink, you should be ok. Tap water, by the way, is perfectly safe to drink in most major cities. And the food — both in supermarkets and at restaurants — tends to be subject to rigorous health inspections and oversight. So if you wash your hands, fruits, and/or vegetables — you should be ok too. 

Of course, like most European nations, Germany was also hit hard by the recent COVID pandemic — leading to an increase in respiratory and other complications. But, overall, its health concerns tend to be similar to those of its European neighbors (and most developed nations) — with no one particular risk factor to be aware of. Other than maybe altitude sickness — but more on that below. 

And if you have a preexisting condition (and even if you don’t), it’s best to consult your doctor any time you travel. Have all your vaccines in order. And make sure you have all your medications — plus a basic medical kit — on hand too. 

PRO TIP 4: If you’re coming from the States or the U.K., the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.K. Government’s official website both provide a ton of helpful info regarding travel to Germany too.

What COVID restrictions does Germany have?

In the winter of 2023-2024, COVID-19 unfortunately seemed to be making a bit of a comeback in Europe — and that includes Germany. And while all COVID restrictions in Germany (and the rest of the EU) have been lifted for some time now, there is a chance that the situation might change at any given point. And, either way, you can never be too careful. 

So whether you’re traveling with a mask and hand sanitizer or not, we recommend you stay as informed and up-to-date regarding COVID in Germany as possible. And you can do so via the World Health Organization, the official website of the EU, and Germany’s official immigration website BAMF.

General safety and security tips for visiting Germany

Generally speaking, Germany is a very tourist-friendly country. Moreover, it continuously ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Nevertheless, here are a few other things to consider. 

• Strikes and demonstrations in Germany 
  Protests and strikes are not very common in Germany. However, they do happen — for example, such as those of transportation workers in early 2024. And while these demonstrations tend to be peaceful, they can lead to disruptions in services and an enhanced security presence. 
  
  So stay tuned to local media and news reports — as well as the internet in general — to make sure you’re up to date and/or see if you need to readjust your travel plans.
   
• Terrorism in Germany 
  Terrorism, unfortunately, remains a threat to most European nations — including Germany. And while there haven’t been any major incidents in recent years, the country’s Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community states that “Islamist-motivated international terrorism is now and will for the foreseeable future remain the greatest threat to the security of the Federal Republic of Germany and the West, and one of the greatest challenges for the security authorities.” 
  
  So remain diligent, stay informed, and listen to the local authorities. You can also learn all the facts and figures on the threat of terrorism in Germany via the official website of the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution (although you’ll need to translate it). 
   
• Crime in Germany 
  Crime in general is not as common in Germany as in some other European nations. And the most common crimes are, fortunately, non-violent and do not involve fatalities. Among these are car theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson. 
  
  But being a top tourist destination, Germany — and especially its major cities — does have its fair share of pickpocketing, purse-snatching, scams, credit card and ATM fraud, and cybercrime as well. 
  
  So don’t leave your belongings unattended, be careful in crowded areas and when using public transportation, and be wary of who (or what) you give your personal info to. Remain diligent, stay alert, and trust your instincts. And if you sense something is wrong — call the police. 
   

• EMERGENCY NUMBERS TO KNOW IN GERMANY: 

  • General emergency: 112 
  • Police emergency: 110 
  • Emergency medical service for urgent but not life-threatening situations: 116 and 117 

  
  NOTE: The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance also has a citizen service, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: 0228 99 550-3670. 
  
  And, of course — if you can — it helps to have the numbers of a few local contacts on hand too such as friends, colleagues, family, your hotel, and so on. 
  
  PRO TIP 5: Germany's official website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community is a great resource for info on all of the above (and more). 

• Public transportation in Germany 
  Germany’s infrastructure is highly advanced — which makes getting around relatively quick and easy no matter which part of the country you’re in. The basic modes of public transportation are trams, buses, and railways. 
  
  For Berlin (and often beyond), locals and tourists alike tend to use either the U Bahn or the S Bahn — i.e., the city’s main subway and bus services. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn connects the rest of the country via an intricate system of rails. In smaller towns, Google Maps should be able to provide you with a local bus or two. 
  
  And you can always opt for an Uber, Bolt, and/or taxi too, especially in the major cities. Just beware of scams from the latter — as these are not uncommon in any major city in the world, unfortunately. 
   
• Driving in Germany 
  If you’re planning a road trip, Germany is the perfect spot for it. The roads are well-maintained and far-reaching, and provide plenty of breathtaking scenery as well. Moreover, with 11,000+ km of autobahns (i.e., highways) — infamous for their lack of speed limits — you can explore almost any corner of the country in record time. That said, do drive carefully. 
  
  And keep in mind that top tourist destinations like Berlin tend to be extra crowded — and, therefore, tricky to maneuver. For example, along with commuter traffic, scooter, segway, and bike accidents are not uncommon. So no matter your mode of transportation — use diligence and common sense.
   
• Recreational Activities in Germany 
  There are plenty of ways to get some R&R in Germany. For example, there are over 7,000 museums and art galleries, over 12,000 bars, and some 25,000 castles (i.e., the largest number in the world). There are Roman ruins, beautiful lakes and beaches, glorious hillsides and mountains, and roughly 90 billion trees. Not to mention over 1,000 varieties of sausages. 
  
  So your level of safety will ultimately depend on what exactly you’re looking for. But, in general, use caution and diligence no matter the activity — especially when in the great outdoors. For example, when hiking, stick to the marked trails. In the wintertime, check the weather reports and dress accordingly (because it gets cold). 
  
  And if skiing, check the local snow and weather conditions. Keep in mind that avalanches are not uncommon in certain areas, for instance. You can learn more about avalanche risk via the European Avalanche Warning Service. 
   

• Altitude sickness 
  One unique health concern for Germany can also be altitude sickness. And that’s because Deutschland’s roughly 360 square kilometers have plenty of areas with altitudes ranging from 2400m to 3650m (or more). So more adventurous travelers should take precautions to avoid the negative effects of being at high altitudes — including Acute Mountain Sickness (i.e., AMS), which can be life-threatening. 

  The U.S. National Institute of Health has some helpful info if you’re planning to scale some of those German mountains.

Is Germany safe to travel alone as a woman?

In general, yes. For example, travelladies.com states that “Germany is generally a very safe destination for solo female travelers,” that “the crime rate is low and local citizens are typically courteous and helpful.” They add that “German people usually speak English, which makes communication easier.” 

Meanwhile, out of 210 countries ranked, solofemaletravelers.club gives Germany an average rating of 1.7 (with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous). 

But remember to always trust your instincts — and to call the police if something feels off.

Is it safe in Germany at night?

Again, yes. Being one of the safest countries in the world makes Germany fairly safe any time of day or night. However, you should take the same general precautions as you would anywhere else. 

So, again, trust your instincts, avoid dark alleyways and deserted and desolate areas, don’t carry large amounts of cash, have your phone charged and handy, and use common sense.

Local laws and customs in Germany

Like all countries, Germany has its own peculiar laws and customs that you should be aware of before your trip. 

For example, the police have the right to ask for your identification at any time. So it’s a good idea to keep your passport on hand. 

Operating a bicycle or scooter under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden — not to mention dangerous — and can lead to substantial fines or even jail time. So don’t be that tourist. 

Jaywalking, walking in a bicycle lane, driving in the middle lane on the autobahn, showing the Nazi salute, or even improperly recycling — all these things are against the law. Not to mention highly frowned upon (as is being late, by the way — yes, the stereotype is true). So familiarize yourself with the local culture as much as possible. Because while Germans are some of the friendliest people in the world, the culture is very specific. 

Theculturetrip.com has a comprehensive list of things they recommend you never do while in Germany. Meanwhile, the University of Passau has some great tips for international students — and anyone else visiting Deutschland — that will help you get a general idea of the law of the land. 

And if you’re looking for some more formal reading on the matter, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Justice can help too. 

FINAL PRO TIP: And, finally, keep in mind that Germans also value their peace and quiet. And quiet hours — aka the Ruhezeit period — are typically from 10 pm every day, 6 am to 7 am on weekdays, and all of Sunday. These times may vary depending on the city, but Germans generally take them quite seriously. For example, in Berlin, quiet hours are between 10 pm to 6 am, while in Hamburg they’re also between 1 pm to 3 pm. The Ruhezeit rule is also implemented on all public holidays (i,.e., when the entire day will be considered a quiet day). Oh, and no matter where you are — we don’t recommend vacuuming on a Sunday.

Should I get travel insurance when visiting Germany?

Yes, travel insurance is always a good call when going to a new place. Because your health and safety — and those of your loved ones — should always be your number one priority. Medical costs abroad, meanwhile, can be expensive. Moreover, learning to properly navigate the healthcare system of any foreign country on your own is time-consuming, tedious, and often confusing. And that’s even if you speak the language (which, with German, is no easy feat in itself!). 

So having the proper travel insurance will not only give you one less big thing to worry about — but it will also ensure that you and your family are well taken care of if something does go wrong. 

Meanwhile, If you need a Schengen Visa, having the proper travel insurance is mandatory. And the requirements for being granted a Germany Schengen Visa are that your travel insurance plan have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation), is accepted by all 29 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Germany), and is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.

Why choose AXA travel insurance?

And that’s where AXA comes in. First off, if you do need a Schengen visa, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements above. 

Not only that, but if your German Schengen visa application is rejected, AXA will refund your insurance fees in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

But even if you don’t need a visa, there are plenty of reasons to choose AXA. 

For example, our plans cover you in all Schengen territories (and beyond) — not just Germany. 

Getting an AXA plan, meanwhile, is quick, easy, and affordable. In fact, it can all be done online with near-German efficiency. 

The AXA certificate can then be downloaded online and printed instantly too. And it’s accepted at all German (and other Schengen) embassies and consulates. 

And — most importantly, visa or no visa — an AXA plan will ensure that you and your family are in good hands and have 24/7 support no matter where in Germany (or the Schengen) you happen to be. 

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans today. Ultimately, the right AXA plan will help make your upcoming trip to Deutschland gute Reise (i.,e., “safe travels”) indeed. 

Related articles: 

• How safe is it to travel to France? 
• How safe is it to travel to Italy? 
• How safe is it to travel to Europe (in general)? 
• How to apply for a work visa in Germany 
• Do I need travel insurance for Germany?
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance

Are there any COVID restrictions for visiting Germany?

No. As of late 2022, all COVID restrictions for visiting Germany have been lifted. But the official website of the German Federal Government can keep you up to date.

Is Germany part of the EU?

Yes. Germany is one of 29 members of the European Union. It’s also a member of the Eurozone — and its currency is, therefore, the Euro.

Is Germany part of the Schengen Zone?

Yes. Germany is also one of the Schengen member states.

Can I extend my Schengen visa when in Germany?

You can under exceptional circumstances, and you can learn more about it on the official Berlin Service Portal website. (and AXA can help too).

Can I work or study in Germany with a tourist visa?

A tourist (or “short-stay”/TypeC) visa allows you to visit the Schengen Zone for vacation, to see family, or for a short business trip. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.