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Weather & climate
Weather in Germany
Germany
20°
Slight rain showers
Thu
9°
20°
Fri
11°
19°
Sat
8°
19°
Sun
10°
16°
Mon
5°
12°
Tue
3°
13°
Wed
2°
14°
SPF level in Germany
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Germany
What British travellers need to know
You can travel visa-free to Germany for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before you arrive and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At German border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money for your stay.
The new Entry/Exit System may require you to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo on first entry, which will take extra time at the border.
Until the new Entry/Exit System is fully in place, make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit to prove you haven't overstayed the 90-day limit.
Good to know:
Poland has introduced border checks on the Germany/Poland border, and vehicles may be stopped and documentation checked.
You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types when entering Germany.
Safety in Germany
Tips when travelling
Germany is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant against bag-snatching and pickpocketing, especially at airports, railway stations, and in crowded public places.
Do not leave your bags unattended in public places as this can pose a security risk.
It is not a legal requirement to carry ID, but if police ask for it and you cannot show it, they can escort you to retrieve your passport.
Possession, use, or smuggling of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties such as long jail sentences and heavy fines.
When participating in organised outdoor activities, check that the company is reputable and has documented safety procedures.
Bonus tips:
When paying in cash, always check your change to avoid accepting counterfeit currency.
If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you, carry written permission from the registered owner.
More information
Driving in Germany
A valid UK driving licence is accepted in Germany. If you are staying for more than 6 months, you may need to register your vehicle and exchange your UK licence for a German one.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
Unlimited (recommended 130 km/h)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Germany drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Germany
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Germany. However, it's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities.
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for travel to Germany from the UK. However, ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Germany. Medical facilities are of a high standard.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Germany, especially in larger establishments, hotels, and tourist areas, though cash is still preferred by many smaller businesses.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Germany
Tipping is customary in Germany for good service. It's usually expected to round up the bill or add a small percentage.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, or round up to the nearest Euro.
Bar/Café
Round up to the nearest Euro or add a small tip.
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest Euro.
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night, left in the room.
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'roam like at home' policy no longer automatically applies to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider before traveling to understand roaming charges in Germany. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Germany
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in cities. Coverage may be less extensive in rural areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Germany has good internet connectivity, making it easy to stay connected. Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Germany
Country code
+49
To call a Berlin number (030 1234567) from the UK, you would dial 00 49 30 1234567.
The country code for Germany is 49. The exit code from the UK is 00.
Language in Germany
UK Embassy
British Embassy Berlin
Wilhelmstrasse 70-71, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
6 days ago
Passport validity
- Passports issued before 1 October 2018 may now be invalid if the issue date is more than 10 years before arrival.
- A passport must still be valid for 3 months after your planned departure, but the issue date is now more strictly enforced.
EU Entry/Exit System
- The new EU Entry/Exit System is now being implemented, not just 'rolled out'.
- EES is replacing manual passport stamping for short stays.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.