U.S. State Department Travel Advisories (travel.state.gov)

{
  "area": "Germany",
  "code": "GM",
  "destination_description": "See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.",
  "embassies_and_consulates": "Embassy Name: U.S. Embassy Berlin\nStreet Address: U.S. Embassy Berlin\nClayallee 170\n14191 Berlin\nFederal Republic of Germany\nPhone: +(49) (30) 8305-0\nEmergency Phone: +(49) (30) 8305-0\nFax: +(49) (30) 8305-1215\nEmail: ACSBerlin@state.gov\nWeb: https://de.usembassy.gov/",
  "entry_exit_requirements": "Helpful resources\n- Embassy of Germany in the United States\n- U.S. Travelers in Europe’s Schengen Area\n- Schengen Area Visa Information\n- Dual Nationality\n- Prevention of International Child Abduction\n- Customs Regulations\nTraveling through Europe\nIf you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.\n- Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.\n- We recommend you have at least 6 month’s validity remaining.\n- You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.\n- For more information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.\n- Visit the Embassy of Germany for the most current visa information.\nPrescription medications\nIf traveling with prescription medications, review all requirements related to pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.\nHIV/AIDS restrictions\nThe U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.",
  "health": "Health Resources\n- Germany Traveler Information\n- Health Traveler Information\n- Medical Tourism information\n- International Air Quality Index\n- Insurance Coverage Overseas\n- World Health Organization\nEmergency numbers\nDial 110 for police or 112 for emergency services. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.\nGermany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names are different from those available in the United States.\nAmbulances are widely available.\nMedical payments and insurance\nThe U.S. government does not pay medical bills.\n- U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not work overseas.\n- Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.\n- Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.\n- Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available.\nWe strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Review our Health Abroad page for more information.\nVaccinations\nBe up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\nFurther health information:\n- World Health Organization Travel advice page\n- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page\nAir quality\nAir quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter.\nPeople at highest risk from particle pollution:\n- Infants, children, and teens\n- Anyone over 65 years of age\n- Have lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.\n- Have heart disease or diabetes\n- Work or are active outdoors\nAir pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.\n- Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollu… [2,959 more characters]",
  "last_updated": "2025-08-11",
  "local_laws_and_special_circumstances": "Criminal penalties\nYou are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.\nArrest notification\nIf arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.\nCustoms regulations\nGermany has strict customs regulations on:\n- Temporary importation or exportation of firearms.\n- Military artifacts (from World War II)\n- Antiques\n- Medications/pharmaceuticals\n- Business equipment\nIt is illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or items that glorify fascism, the Nazi past, or the \"Third Reich.”\nContact the German Embassy in Washington or a consulate in the U.S. for customs requirements.\nFaith-based travelers\nSee the following webpages for details:\n- Faith-Based Travel Information\n- International Religious Freedom Report – Review country reports\n- Human Rights Report – Review country reports\nInternational volunteers\n- Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad\nLGB Travelers\nGermany has no laws criminalizing consensual, same-sex sexual relations or restrictions on information, literature, or events focused on sexual orientation. Most large city governments, including Berlin and Munich, encourage Pride events. This includes those in Cologne, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.\n- Same-sex marriage is available in Germany.\n- Federal anti-discrimination laws protect people based on sexual orientation.\nFor more information:\n- Human Rights Report for Germany\nTravelers with accessibility needs\nThe law in Germany prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced.\n- Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is as common as in the United States.\n- Accessibility can be limited in older public transportation and lodging. This is especially the case outs… [550 more characters]",
  "safety_and_security": "Emergency numbers\nLocal authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.\n- Dial 112 for ambulance services.\n- Dial 110 for the police.\nContact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin at +49-30-8305-0 to report crimes or emergencies (after calling local authorities).\nTerrorism\nCredible information indicates terrorist groups and individuals radicalized or inspired by terrorist organizations and Jihadi ideology remain a persistent threat in Germany and Europe.\nEuropean governments are acting to prevent terrorist attacks. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.\nTerrorist attacks from groups and radicalized individuals aim to attack U.S. citizens abroad with knives, firearms, and vehicles.\nTerrorists may target crowds at:\n- High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)\n- Tourist sites\n- Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants\n- Places of worship\n- Schools\n- Parks\n- Shopping malls and markets\n- Public transportation (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)\nCrime\nViolent crime is rare in Germany but can occur. It is more common in larger cities, large metropolitan subway systems, and in train stations. Most crimes occur during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.\nTheft and pickpocketing mainly happen at train stations and on public transport. They also occur at tourist spots and large public events.\n- Always pay close attention to your valuables.\n- Stay aware of your surroundings.\n- Exercise caution when gathering in popular expatriate hangouts.\n- Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States. You could also be breaking local law.\nDemonstrations\nDemonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to pol… [6,890 more characters]",
  "source_url": "https://cadataapi.state.gov/api/CountryTravelInformation/GM",
  "travel_and_transportation": "Helpful resources\n- Road Safety Abroad\n- Driving in Germany\n- Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI)\n- Dial 112 for emergency services or roadside assistance.\nRoad conditions and safety\nRoad conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States:\n- Driver errors are a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.\n- If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can drive in Germany for up to six months without acquiring a German driver’s license.\n- Many German traffic laws and traffic signs are different from those in the United States.\n- Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas, and when the road has many curves.\n- Although high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings may pose significant hazards.\n- Speed limits are strictly enforced.\n- Use of seat belts is required in front and back seats.\n- Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks.\n- These items must always be in your vehicle: Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, and a reflective triangle.\n- In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow or all-season tires (M+S marking). Otherwise, you will be fined.\nBicycles\nGerman streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes.\n- Bicycles have priority in bike lanes over pedestrians and cars.\n- Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets.\n- Before turning onto side streets, check for cyclists. Do this even if the light is green.\n- You will be responsible for any injury or damage if you turn into a side street and hit a cyclist in a marked bike lane.\nIf you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes.\nTraffic laws\nIn Germany, if you're in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you must stay with your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive.\n- It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germa… [1,429 more characters]"
}