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Non-German nationals need a valid passport to enter Germany. When entering Germany and/or the Schengen area your passport must be valid for at least a further four months. For nationals of other EU member states a valid official identity card is sufficient for entry. Children must be included on their parents’ passport or they must have their own child’s passport with them. For nationals of certain countries a visa is required to enter Germany. Detailed information can be obtained from the German embassy in your country.

Dogs, cats and ferrets which are being transported across borders within the EU need to have a pet passport. The passport must be clearly assigned to the animal, such that the animal is identifiable by way of a tattoo or a microchip and the registration number is entered in the passport. Alongside information relating to animal and owner the passport must contain a veterinary certificate of a valid vaccination against rabies.

Detailed information can be obtained from the German embassy in your country.

Eurocity (EC) trains link Germany’s major cities with neighbouring European countries. Travelling by night train is particularly pleasant. Reservations can be made for a small fee until shortly before departure. InterCity (IC) trains and the high speed train InterCity Express (ICE) connect more than 50 German cities on an hourly basis. The high speed ICE train reaches as far as Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands.

For frequent travellers German Rail offers a number of special offers, such as the BahnCard for example. Current timetables and fare information can be found on the website of German Railways.

Travellers can import goods from a third country into Germany without paying duty. The goods must be carried by the traveller and must be for personal use. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco can be brought in free of duty. 1 litre of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22% vol or 2 litres of spirits, aperitifs made from wine, alcohol, sake or similar drinks with an alcohol content of 22% vol or less or 2 litres of sparkling wine / liqueur wine or a combination of these goods and 2 litres of non-sparkling wine may be brought in free of customs duty.

Further information on customs provisions can be found on the website of German customs.

Germany’s motorways are one of the most modern and efficient transport networks. They are toll-free to use. Drivers must always have a valid driving licence, the vehicle’s registration document and proof of insurance with them when driving. If there are no speed limit signs visible on the road, the following rules apply:

In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h
Motorway: No speed limit.
Advisory speed limit is 130 km/h.
Cars with trailers: Maximum speed limit on motorways: 80 km/h

Within and around towns and cities many destinations can be easily reached on the underground, on local rail services (S-Bahn), or by tram and bus. Tickets for public transport and for short train journeys can be bought from machines. The fares are generally calculated according to the distance travelled. Tickets and travelcards valid for a day or a week are better value for longer stays.

Detailed information on travel to and within Germany can be obtained via the German Tourist Office (Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus):

Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e.V (DZT)
Beethovenstraße 69
60325 Frankfurt/Main

Fax: +49 (0) 69/75 19 03
E-mail: info@d-z-t.com
Internet: www.deutschland-tourismus.de

If you need urgent medical treatment call 112. In every German town there is an emergency doctor service available through the night and at weekends. Telephone numbers can be found in the local phone book. Pharmacies also organise night and Sunday services. Every pharmacy displays the address of the nearest pharmacy open outside normal hours.