how to travel to germany from usa

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced) .

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN  Clayallee 170 14191 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT  Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH   Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF Willi-Becker-Allee 10 40227 Duesseldorf Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (211) 788-8927 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (211) 788 - 8938 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg Alsterufer 27/28 20354 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (40) 411-71-100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (40) 411-71-222 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 04107 Leipzig Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (341) 213-84-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (341) 213-84-75 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.   

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .     
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds  and a  return plane ticket .   
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.   
• For transit through Germany to another Schengen country, passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of your visit to Europe.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Germany as they are in the United States; however, ATMs are widely available throughout Germany. 

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.  

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)  
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.   

Demonstrations:

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany.  Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues.  Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.     

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.   
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.   

International Financial Scams:

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:    

• Romance/Online dating  
• Transit flight issues related to romance scams 
• Immigration, and Detention issues related to romance scams

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.  

Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.  Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups. Seemingly racially motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above) . 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germay
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence: 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance.  Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.  

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein”  .

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:  Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers :  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The German government has authorized  several vaccines  , including the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines.  Visit the FDA's website to   learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Payment for medical services in Germany:

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.   Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Credit card payment is not always available.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.   
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office. Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always, carry your prescription
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.   Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany.  For additional information, see this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry (German language only).

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.  

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.  Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards.  Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and do not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report.  It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation:  Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although some taxis do not accept credit cards. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, germany map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Can I Go to Germany Right Now? (Your COVID-19 Questions Answered)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

If you’re starting to plan a trip to Germany in 2022, you might be wondering about the COVID-19 situation there and if Germany is safe to travel in. What do you need to know to stay safe and healthy on your vacation in Germany?

Here are answers to your Germany travel questions!

Note: the information in this post was updated and current as of the end of 2021.

Can US citizens travel to Germany? Can I travel to Germany right now? 

Yes. US citizens who are fully vaccinated and have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months can enter Germany for any reason, including tourism. US citizens who are not fully vaccinated can also enter Germany provided that they demonstrate an important need to travel .

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

What are the quarantine rules for Americans in Germany?

Fully vaccinated American travelers and American travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 are not required to quarantine. 

Not fully vaccinated American travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine period can be ended by taking a Covid test after 5 days, provided that the test result is negative.

However, regardless of the vaccination or recovery status, American travelers who stayed in a virus-variant area in the 10 days prior to arrival in Germany are required to quarantine for 14 days

The list of high-risk areas and virus-variant areas can be found here .

Can US citizens fly to Germany from the US this fall?

Yes, US citizens can fly to Germany from the US this fall provided that they show a proof of vaccination OR a proof of recovery OR a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure. They must also complete the Digital Registration on Entry .

What are the quarantine rules for Germany?  

Quarantine rules in Germany depend on the traveler’s vaccination status and the country they are traveling from. Each federal state within Germany sets its own quarantine regulations. Travelers should check the specific quarantine requirements and possible exemptions for their intended destination within Germany.

Travelers with a proof of vaccination or proof of recovery are not required to quarantine, unless they stayed in a virus-variant area in the last 10 days prior to arrival in Germany. 

Unvaccinated travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days. However, the quarantine can be ended with a negative test taken after 5 days. Children under the age of 12 can end quarantine automatically after 5 days, even without a test.

All travelers who stayed in a virus-variant area are required to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. There is no possibility to shorten the quarantine period.

Does Germany check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? 

Yes. Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry in Germany. A mandatory COVID-19 testing at the airport may be required for certain travelers.

Does Germany require a negative COVID-19 test for American travelers?  

American travelers fully vaccinated with a vaccine accepted in Germany are not required to provide a negative COVID-19 test. To be considered fully vaccinated, the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the first shot of a one-dose vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry in Germany.

American travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months prior to entry in Germany are not required to provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Not fully vaccinated American travelers and travelers entering from virus-variant areas (regardless of vaccination or recovery status) are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter Germany. These travelers will not be allowed to board their flights without a negative result. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted provided that the tests meet the requirements laid out by the German government. The PCR test must have been taken less than 72 hours prior to entry to Germany, while a rapid antigen test must have been taken less than 48 hours prior to entry.

Does Germany require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? 

A proof of vaccination or a proof of recovery from Covid-19 is required to visit Germany for any reason and without quarantine. Alternatively, a negative Covid test can also be used by American travelers who are not fully vaccinated, provided that they demonstrate an important need to travel.

Am I required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or to quarantine if I have been vaccinated?  

No. Fully vaccinated Americans are not required to provide a negative Covid test or undergo quarantine (unless they stayed in a virus-variant area in the last 10 days prior to arrival in Germany).

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

What are my COVID-19 testing options for returning to the U.S.? 

If you’re a US citizen, while you’re in Germany you can get a PCR test or Rapid antigen test by booking an appointment here or by calling local health authorities at 116 117. You may be charged for the test. Results are typically available within 72 hours.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Germany who get the virus?  

Hospitals and clinics are open in Germany. Persons with health concerns can contact the local health authorities at 116 117 or go to this website .

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Germany?  

Shops are now open in Germany. Bars and restaurants have also reopened. The rules and limits on indoor/outdoor dining are set by individual states and may differ in various parts of Germany.

Are face masks required in Germany? 

Yes. Individual states in Germany have the authority to implement their own rules regarding face masks so be sure to check local rules and regulations (try asking about this when booking accomodations).

Are buses running in Germany?  

Yes, public transportation is operating in Germany. You’ll need to wear a medical grade mask (e.g., a surgical mask, or one that meets the N95, KN95 or FFP-2 standard) on all public transportation. You will not be allowed to sit in the front seat of taxis.

Other important information:

• When entering from virus variant areas, there is a ban on passenger transport by train, bus, ship, and flights from these countries.
• Americans who spent time in a high-risk or virus-variant area in the 10 days prior to arrival in Germany are required to submit a Digital Registration on Entry . As of August 15, 2021, the United States has been designated as a high-risk area.
• In most states, you can end quarantine by providing a PCR COVID-19 test at 5 days after arrival. However, travelers entering Germany from a virus-variant area will not be able to end quarantine early by testing negative. Antibody tests are currently NOT accepted by German authorities as evidence you are negative for COVID-19.  
• If you violate quarantine you may could be prosecuted. Violations could be punishable with a fine of up to 25,000 Euros. 

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

Similar Posts

Best Travel Wraps And Scarves For Your Germany Trip in 2024

10 Simple Tips for Taking Great Food Photos While Traveling in Germany

Best German Street Food

15+ Things We Take On Every Germany Trip

How to Use Your Cell Phone While Traveling in Germany In 2024

Best Hidden Pocket Scarf For Travel

Here’s how we can help you plan your perfect trip in 2024.

GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

One Comment

• Pingback: How to Plan a Trip to Germany (Your Step by Step Germany Trip Planner for Traveling to Germany for the First Time!) - My Germany Vacation

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Everything you need to know about traveling to Germany

Berlin is full of life again, bustling with tourists trying to capture the best picture for their Instagram feeds. The clubs the city is famous for are open again, with tourists and locals alike dancing to techno into the wee hours of the morning.

“Berlin is open and is as vibrant and dynamic as it used to be before covid-19,” says Ralf Ostendorf, the director of market management of VisitBerlin .

Your guide to planning a European vacation

Susan Choi, owner of cocktail bar Mr. Susan , depended on locals to keep the doors open during the height of the pandemic. Now that travel is back, Choi has noticed the influx of international guests through her doors, especially visitors from the United States.

“You can see at the bar all the Americans are back drinking margaritas and dirty martinis,” Choi says.

With the easing of coronavirus restrictions in the past few months, there has been a clear sign of pent-up travel demand as visitors slowly return to Germany for a little European holiday. Here are a few tips if you also decided to go.

How to get there

Travel to Germany is open for all, regardless of vaccination status. As of June 11, travelers no longer need to show a negative test or proof of recovery for entry. But there are other restrictions: Although the European Union has recommended lifting the mask mandate when flying, FFP2 or medical-grade masks are required for flights taking off or landing in Germany. In German airports, masks are recommended but not required.

Everything you need to know about going to France

Airports in Europe are seeing the same crowds and chaos as U.S. airports because of labor shortages, so be sure to give yourself enough time to check baggage, get through security and immigration checkpoints, and eat before a long flight.

What to know about restrictions

You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask to enter shops, hotels, bars and restaurants in Germany. A mask — specifically an N95, KN95 or FFP2 — is required on public transportation. Since regulations easily can change, Ostendorf recommends regularly checking for updates in Berlin and other regions you will visit.

Getting around

To ease the rise of the cost of living, the German government is offering a 9-euro monthly transit pass valid anywhere in the country for June, July and August. This ticket is available to everyone, including visitors, and can be used for local and regional trains, buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased at Deutsche Bahn ticket machines or local public-transport stations.

While the discount ticket encourages people to use public transportation, trains throughout the country have been packed with travelers taking advantage of the deal. Deutsche Bahn warns that if you are planning a trip along touristy routes with the 9-euro ticket, expect a higher number of passengers, especially on the weekends and sunny days. To avoid crowds, travel on the weekdays if possible.

How to dine and explore

Katherina Klimke, vice president of operations of 25hours Hotels , said bookings from Americans have doubled compared to last year, but they are not at pre-pandemic level. She advises visitors to book their hotel stay early to secure the best rates and availability.

“While leisure destinations fill up more quickly and reservations two to three months in advance would be advisable, some city destinations might also have last-minute availability,” Klimke adds.

Everything you need to know about going to Italy

Sebastian Riewe, director of sales and marketing of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin , also has noticed an increase in bookings from Americans. They have had some last-minute booking requests that they were unable to accommodate.

“So ideally, we would recommend that clients go back to the old booking patterns — i.e., a lead time of at least six to eight weeks, or ideally two to six months for international trips,” Riewe says.

Hotels and restaurants are not the only ones seeing an increase in bookings; tours around Germany are on the rise again. Since March, BottleStops founder Jerome Hainz has gotten many inquiries and bookings for his wine tours and tastings for Mainz and the surrounding German wine regions. The one significant difference is that more people are opting for private tours.

“This has to do with people wanting to be careful about sitting in a car with strangers,” Hainz says.

Because of this demand, Hainz suggests booking private tours three to four weeks in advance, but he said public tours are more flexible and can sometimes be arranged at the last minute.

How to find tests before returning home

As of June 12, it is no longer required to show a negative coronavirus test to enter the United States. You still might want to get tested before your flight home for peace of mind.

You should still test for travel, health experts say

You can find testing sites at any major airport in Germany, but expect to book an appointment and pay a premium. The easiest and cheapest way to test is to buy an at-home coronavirus test, which can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies for less than $2.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

travel inspiration!

Travel Germany: Ultimate guide on traveling to Germany for the first time (2023)

Wonderful Amazing Deutschland! Germany happens to be my #1 favorite place on planet earth! and so my favorite thing to do is to travel Germany!

What’s so great about Germany? and why should you travel to Germany?

• German Food : German food is the very best food!
• German’s: While very different from Americans, once you get used to the nuances of the German people you’ll grow to love them.
• Castles: Germany is home to endless castles and if you love them, you’ll never run short on castles to visit in Germany! There are over 20,000 of them! Get ready to visit Germany’s opulent palaces, atmospheric ruins, and fantastically restored fortresses!
• Natural Beauty: Germany has some to some of the world’s most striking natural beauty. From the towering peaks of the Bavarian Alps, to the dense forests of Germany’s Black Forest , to stunning Alpine lakes, caves, interesting rock formations, and everything in between!

If you have never been to Germany you are in for a treat. On this page is a whole lot of travel Germany inspiration! Plus maps and travel tips to help you plan Epic trips to Germany.

How do I prepare for a trip to Germany? Read this comprehensive guide and you’ll be ready to explore wonderful Deutschland!

about Germany

official name: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Deutschland!)

time zone: Germany is usually anywhere from 6-9 hours ahead of the US, depending on where you are located. They have one time zone and participate in Daylight Savings Time. They move the clock forward 1 hour on the last Sunday of March, and back on the last Sunday in October. Save yourself a lot of trouble with calculations and just ask Google “what time is it in Germany.”

established: 1871 (After the fall of Rome, the country today known as Germany, was split into 300 different countries. Hence, all of the many castles!) Today the country is comprised of 16 states. After World War II Germany was split into two countries, East and West Germany, from 1945 to 1990.

population: 83.2 million (2021) It’s the European Unions most populous country!

size: 138,000 square miles (1/2 the size of Texas)

3 biggest cities: Berlin (3.65 million) Hamburg (1.8 million) Munich (1.5 million)

Official language : German (Deutsch) of which there are many different dialects. (want to learn a little German before you head over? How to learn a language for travel the easy way )

in case of Emergency: dial 112 for police and medical assistance

German Flag:

Travel Germany Attractions Map

Follow this link to be redirected to an interactive Google Map of Germany’s best attractions .

Germany points of interest by state

Find the best Germany attractions by state to add to your travel itinerary.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, for more information see my terms and conditions page.

These are some of the most popular attraction in each state:

• Konigssee/Obersee
• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber , Germany’s best Medieval town (especially nice at Christmas time !)
• Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain)
• Triberg Germany in the Black Forest (waterfalls, cuckoo clocks, and Black Forest Cake!)
• Lake Constance
• Hohenzollern Castle
• Ulm Cathedral (the worlds tallest)
• Trier (Roman City)
• Medieval Burg Eltz Castle
• The best of the Rhine River
• the Moselle River Valley
• The Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Dresden with it’s Baroque architecture
• Bremen (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Bamberg (UNESCO World Heritage and smoked beer!)
• the famous Cologne Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Aachen Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Berlin, Germany’s largest city
• Dachau Concentration Camp

Must see additions for your Germany Travel Itinerary

• Authentic Medieval Castles in Europe (Germany has some of the best!)
• Must-see Rhine River Castles
• Germany Bucket list worthy attractions and activities!
• The most beautiful Medieval Towns in Germany
• Famous Landmarks in Germany

Hiking and Biking: Check out the Komoot website to plan out your trail activities. (Germany’s answer to All Trails!)

Booking tours and experiences

My favorite place to book is through Get Your Guide .

Free Germany Itineraries

• 2 Week Germany Itinerary including: France, Austria, Switzerland
• 2 Week Austria trip including: Southern Germany and Slovenia
• 10 Day Germany road trip including: Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Roman Trier, Black Forest, Neuschwanstein , Rothenburg
• 3 day Rothenburg ob der Tauber Itinerary
• 10 Day Medieval Christmas Markets in Germany

(struggling to plan your own Germany itinerary? 6 Simple steps for planning your dream trip )

Travel Germany Basics

Getting into germany (legalities).

Do I need I need a Visa to travel to Germany from the US?

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Germany from the United States. You are permitted to stay in Germany up to 90 days without a visa. For more information check the US Department of State . Non US citizens can check with Germany Visa.org .

ETIAS 

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization for visitors to the European Union or Schengen area who are visa-exempt. (non-Schengen countries requiring ETIAS: Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania with the exception of Ireland , which is part of the Common Travel Area.) This is NOT a visa, rather an authorization to enter. They expect the ETIAS system to be in effect in 2024. For more details check the Travel Europe website or their FAQ page .

Passport validity

In order to enter Germany, you must have two valid pages on your passport and the passport must be valid for “three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced).” – US Department of State.

Germany travel restrictions and safety concerns

Is traveling in Germany safe?

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. No matter the the country or the situation, COVID or other pandemic, social or political instability, crime against tourists, the US Department of State is your best resource for keeping yourself safe and informed.

enroll in Smart Step Services

Consider enroll in the   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  travel advisory program to receive security updates on the country you will be traveling to and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

top 10 major German airports (listed in order by size):

• Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
• Airport Berlin Brandenburg Berlin (BER)
• Munich Airport (MUC)
• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
• Berlin-Tegel Airport Berlin (TXL)
• Hamburg Airport (HAM)
• Stuttgart Airport (STR)
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
• Hannover Airport (HAJ)
• Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

(source: World Data Info )

surrounding countries

There are 9 countries that border Germany, making it easy to add them into your Germany travel itinerary. All 9 are Schengen countries, meaning you are free to move between them without showing a passport or stopping at border control.

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Czech Republic

staying connected

You’ll want to stay connected while in Germany. Be sure to read my Germany travel tips article for information on the best ways to use your phone to stay connected.

what to buy in Germany

Popular options include cuckoo clocks, beer steins, nutcrackers…get a complete list in my Ultimate Guide to German Souvenirs !

what to eat in Germany

German is know for it’s beer, pretzels, wurst , and schnitzel but that’s just the beginning! Find out all about the best German foods that you simply must try !

One of my favorite German “snacks.”

where to stay in Germany

Accommodations in Germany run the gamut from luxury accommodations to hostels. You can find them all on Booking.com ! For vacation rentals my favorite place to book is VRBO . My favorite option? a castle hotel on the Rhine River !

(if you use these links to book your stay it helps me fund this website. Danke!)

Getting around Germany

I like to drive when traveling in Germany. It’s a joy to drive in Germany except for the infamous autobahn! There are SOME parts of the autobahn without a speed limit but good luck trying to get up speed with all of the construction and traffic! To avoid frustration, I try to avoid the autobahn!

Can I drive in Germany with a US Driver’s License?

You can drive in Germany for up to six months on a US Driver’s License, per the US Embassy in Germany . (see the website on possible extensions)

Rules of the Road:

I was raised as a military dependent and so prefer to use this Germany drivers test manual from the US Military.

International Driving Permit

You MAY need an International Driving Permit. These “permits” have no legal value. An IDP is simply a translation of your license onto a form so that your information can be quickly and easy located by authorities who may not speak English.

If you have a US driver’s license you do not need a IDP. However, if you happen to have contact with a German policeman whose English is not the best it may come in handy. Also, most rental car companies say they require one but I have yet to be asked for one. I travel with one anyway, just to be safe. You can get one at your local AAA office for around $25.

Train travel is easy and efficient in Germany. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the National Railway of Germany. Check their website for transit schedules (including bus schedules) maps, info on rail passes, and to check schedules. And don’t forget to download their VERY helpful app! I also like Rome2Rio for planning public transit routes.

ICE trains are the fastest and most expensive. IC and EC trails are slower but less expensive.

Buses are slower but cheaper! Check the DB or Rome2Rio websites.

The official currency of Germany is the Euro. The Euro is divided into Cents. You can check current exchange rates at Google Finance .

How much money do I need to travel to Germany?

You can get by on as little as $40 per day for meals and accommodations (Hostels and cheap eats.) I expect to spend around $75 per day for accommodations, and around $25 for food for a total of about $100 per day for meals and accommodations. (more for big cities)

tips on affording a trip to Germany

Be sure to check out my ultimate guide on how to travel to Germany on a Budget . It has great tips on how to save on everything from transportation, accommodations, flights, food and drink, discount cards, inexpensive ways to stay connected while your there, free things to do in Germany, the least expensive time to travel there, and more.

MORE Germany travel basics

I have an article that goes into traveling to Germany in even greater depth: Germany travel tips: Ultimate Guide for traveling in Germany for the first time . Things included in the article you wont find here:

• details on getting cash
• wattage and how to use your electronics in Germany
• when is the best time to visit Germany?
• festivals and events
• a few of the most common German travel phrases
• safety tips
• and a whole lot more!

Lonely Planet Germany Video

(Germany blog feed)

The Latest Germany Blog articles:

Germany blog articles to inspire your next adventure:

Find cheap flights to Germany from $153

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to germany departing on 9/16. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to germany.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best Germany Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking germany flights, what child safety seat regulations must i be aware of before renting a car in germany.

Children up to the age of 12 who are shorter than 1.5 meters (59 inches) are required by German law to ride in an authorized car seat or booster. In case all the other restraints in your rented car are being used by other kids, the child may ride in the rear seat of the car, but they must have a seat belt.

What other cities can I access from MUC Airport once I reach Germany from the US?

MUC Airport serves several other nearby cities that can be easily accessed by public bus services, a rented car, or a cab. Some of the nearby cities to MUC that you should consider visiting on your visit to Germany include Freising, Neufahrn, Erding, as well as Eching in addition to Munich.

Are there affordable airport lounges on flight routes between the USA and Germany?

Yes. Travelers who wish to enjoy airport lounges before boarding their preferred airlines from the US to Germany should consider flying from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). This airport features an economy lounge known as the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 1. This lounge is widely affordable for passengers who plan on traveling from the US to Germany on a budget.

How can I catch the first flight at New York Stewart International Airport on the SWF-BRE route to Germany?

You should consider booking a hotel room in a nearby hotel to SWF Airport if you intend to catch the earliest flight to Germany from SWF. One nearby hotel for consideration is Homewood Suites by Hilton Newburgh-Stewart Airport, located 0.61 miles away.

Which airport is most convenient to Berlin?

The city of Berlin is served by two major international airports: Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) and Berlin Tegel (TXL). Flying into either airport can get you to downtown Berlin in less than an hour via the 24/7 S-Bahn trains, but coming from Tegel can shave around 10-15m off your total travel time.

Where should I fly into to visit the Black Forest?

For travelers looking to visit the Black Forest, there are a handful of airports that can be a good option. Frankfurt Airport is one of the closest airports in Germany, but it can also be convenient to fly into Zurich, Switzerland, and travel to the Black Forest from there.

Do I need a visa to visit Germany?

US nationals currently don’t require a visa to enter Germany for less than 30 days. However, in 2021, US citizens will be required to apply for an ETIAS before traveling to Germany and the rest of the Schengen Zone. Official information can be sought on US government websites, as the guidelines are subject to change.

I’ll be flying to Germany to visit the Rhine Valley, which airport should I fly into?

The Rhine Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. To reach the Rhine Valley, it is most convenient to fly into either Cologne or Frankfurt. If you’re traveling exclusively to Rhine Valley, Cologne is technically the closest air hub; however, Frankfurt is a popular destination and can also provide convenient access.

How long is the flight to Germany?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Germany takes 9h 27m, covering a distance of 4544 miles. The most popular route is New York - Frankfurt am Main with an average flight time of 7h 40m.

What is the cheapest flight to Germany?

The cheapest ticket to Germany from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $168 one-way, and $332 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Frankfurt am Main and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $416.

Which airlines fly to Germany?

Lufthansa, United Airlines & Air Canada fly the most frequently from the United States to Germany. The most popular route is from New York to Frankfurt am Main, and Brussels Airlines, United Airlines and Lufthansa fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Germany?

The next most popular destinations are Munich (22%) and Berlin (14%). Searches for flights to Düsseldorf (5%), to Hamburg (3%) and to Stuttgart (2%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Germany

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Germany flight deals.
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) is widely preferred as the arrival airport for most travelers flying from the US to Germany because of its close proximity to Berlin, the country's capital city. Passengers traveling this route have the choice of flying on indirect flights with just one layover at Zurich Airport (ZRH) for SWISS Airlines or Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for Scandinavian Airlines, among others, from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
• A majority of travelers who plan to tour Germany from the USA’s east-coast region depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to different destination airports in Germany. Those travelers who wish to take the shortest time possible from the US to Germany should consider following the JFK to Munich International Airport (MUC) route. JFK acts as a hub for Lufthansa airlines, one major airline offering direct flights from the USA to Germany.
• Consider using Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you are planning on traveling to Germany from the central regions of the USA. Travelers who fly via this route from the USA to Germany have the option of using connecting flights only as there are no airlines offering direct flights on this route.
• Consider landing at airports like Hamburg Airport (HAM), Hannover Airport (HAJ), or Bremen Airport (BRE), if you are planning on visiting any of the cities located in the northern region of Germany. All major international airports serving flights from the US to Germany use these three airports.
• Travelers coming from the Northwest region of the United States should consider flying out of Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Those who indent to take the shortest time possible from SEA Airport should consider landing at MUC. Even though there are no nonstop flights on this route, there is a considerable number of airlines serving indirect flights with a single layover at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), like Lufthansa and American Airways.
• When you’re booking your flight to Germany, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself with a layover. There are nonstop flights from the US to Germany departing from Baltimore, New Jersey and New Orleans, but those departing from other cities will most likely have at least a single stop along the way.
• If you’ll be making your way through Bavaria, it can be handy to fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to make getting around more convenient. Flying into Frankfurt Airport puts you more readily within reach of Stuttgart and Rothenburg. However, if you’re traveling throughout the entire area, you can book your return flight out of Munich to save time.
• For easy access to both southern Germany and Austria, it can be beneficial to book your flight to Germany via Munich Airport (MUC). Munich is a popular destination on its own, and its proximity to Austria can help you add several areas of interest to your vacation with little extra effort.
• Flying into Prague can be an option if you’re sticking to attractions in eastern Germany and the Czech Republic. Prague is convenient not only to several areas of the Czech Republic, but also Leipzig, Dresden and Nuremberg once you cross over into Germany. A popular route is flying into Prague and returning from Leipzig.
• Oktoberfest, one of the most internationally famous festivals in Germany, generally runs from the last week of September to early October. Flight prices can surge during these few weeks, so unless you’re traveling to Germany specifically for Oktoberfest, it can save you money to book your flights outside of these dates.

Top 5 airlines flying to Germany

Everything was great except for the seat. The backrest would not stay in the upright position.

I usually have a positive experience with Delta. Complimentary upgrades are always nice!

Flight delayed about 2 hrs so it made it a VERY late night

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

It was a crowded flight. They did the best they could.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

Worst flight in my life. Only was scheduled for a 45 min flight to get our connection flight. It was late by 40 minutes and we missed our connection. Delta was totally useless trying to help and unable to get my family on the next flight because they overbooked it Thus had to get a hotel at my expense and lost a day at Disney as a result. Cost me about a $1000 if you add 2 hotels meals shuttles etc to get thru the day Awful customer service by Delta in Detroit totally useless people

The experience was good and the flight departed on time and landed early

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

check-in luggage charge when they send email for free check-in luggage

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

Good dinner and nice plane.Smootz flight. Breakfast had no sweet option. Seats hardly reclined.

Flight from CLT to DUS via MUC ticketed by United Airlines and operated by Lufthansa. 2nd leg of flight from MUC to DUS was cancelled and no notification provided. At check in , Lufthansa agents at airport were unable to locate record and wanted us to contact United Airlines directly.

Boarding went well, staff was friendly. Food was not goods at all. I had ordered vegan meal. The seat I picked didn’t have storage area in the front and so had to put my small back pack at the top.my flight to Bangalore from Munich, the tv was broken so I got complimentary wifi which never worked. Food there too wasn’t good. I had paid extra for the seats. The only good thing is that the fact we have a flight direct from Charlotte to Bangalore with one stop in Munich!

one hour to board connecting flight from frankfurt trying to beat the far Z gate and with immigration of USA ppus waited for delayed boarding in gare for an hour and fly half gour late worst transit im frankfurt this airlines are for profit passengers are victim of dysfunctional airline frankfurt so crowded restroom are too small

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

Seat controls of lights were broken, and only 1 of the 2 seat TVs ever worked on the long flight. On the short flight there were no USB connections, on the long one they were difficult to access. Part of my meal was frozen, though the hot portion was good.

Lufthansa fails at mentioning no luggage when booking through points. We had to pay added fees to take checked bags to Europe for 2 weeks. The staff at check in were not helpful at all. told us "if we don't like it, then book another flight". Food was bad, they ran out of half the options. Vegetarian was terrible. The flight crew was nice, and tried to make it work ok.

My school age daughter was not sat near me. We left almost an hour late. Therefore arriving late and missing another flight. Since it was not a connecting flight there was nothing Lufthansa could do about it. After the selay in take off and arrival we waited almost an hour for baggage claim. There was zero concern for my inconvenience. I asked if we could insure being seated together on the return. They stated no because we booked through Kayak. I typically love Lufthansa. This was very disappointing.

Great seats assigned and comfortable, movies are good, food is delicious, great experience. No delays and they prioritize boarding children with parents which is plus.

they canceled my flight and we’re absolutely atrocious and helping me rebook

My flight was canceled. New flight is 40 hours later and I still didn’t get the flight from Frankfurt to Zagreb.

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

Horrible seat allocation. Boarding was slow. Food was average and so was entertainment. The TV terminal didn't work and so had to use remote.

Lost one checked bag.and wasted 30min waiting and filing missing baggage report. Very unsatisfied.

I’m not happy because I discovered there is something wrong and my miles have not been getting put on my AA account. So this needs to be fixed because I have traveled a lot since October and none of my miles are registered

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

Brand new airplane Airbus 330. Great crew. The staff on the ground is always a bit mediocre at Condor.

Some pretty unfriendly check in crew members. This is a no frills airline.

Seat was the worst I ever had in an airplane

I will definitely recommend your service. This is my first experience with Condor and so far it was great!

A flight attendant placed a meal on my tray. I was in 44E. The passenger who was in 44G had gone to the bathroom. I ate the meal. When the passenger in 44G asked where his meal was the flight attendant put the blame on me. She claimed another attendant put the meal on my tray. She then claimed when she gave me the meal she asked me if I had ordered a special meal. She did not Worst experience I have ever had with a crew member.

Entertainment screen was not functioning, there was no effort made by flight attendants to take care of the problem. All I could do was looking at customs forms and watch landing videos for 10 hrs 😁 Bruno Volk

I did not get a flight from JFK to Portland nonexistent Condor flight 308 does not exist and JetBlue knew nothing and someone changed my ticket and eliminated that leg of the flight. I would love to know who’s going to pay for my $750 car rental.

My return flight from JFK to Portland Maine disappeared and it cost me $750 to rent a car and drive home from New York. I don’t even know where to start with who screwed up or what condor blaming the ticket sales or JetBlue JetBlue knows nothing. Everyone giving me the runaround. Gotta say the service all-around sucked.

The flight was fine. We were served a meal and a snack. Boarding was fine.

I don't believe we were given any food... but for the size of the plane, it was pretty comfortable and a nice flight. I dont believe there was any individual onboard entertainment, and the headphone jack was the one with 2 holes, so I couldnt use my headphones... the boarding times were all over the place, and we never really flew on time.

Book Cheap Germany Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to germany, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to germany, return flight deals:.

Germany - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

While I love exploring new places, there’s something special about travel in Germany that just gets me.

There’s mindblowing nature next to fairytale towns, big vibrant cities next to mounds of potato and meat 😉 By my accounts, it’s a near-perfect place.

… and that’s why I love it here!

There are certain quirks  however that I wish was aware of before I decided to travel in Germany (and um, you know, eventually move there).

Save this post for later on Pinterest:

Despite being so similar to North America in many ways, there are radical differences to home that disorient even the most seasoned travellers.

Having learned most of these things the hard way, I’ve decided to valiantly compile my best tips for you – the important things you must keep in mind when you travel to Germany!

PS: I know, I know – Germany is a massive country, and it’s bad to generalize.

Much of my experience has been in Bavaria , where I live, and no, not all these tips will apply  everywhere,  but I have travelled a fair bit around the country as well and have found that much of this holds true.

Anyways, enough yapping – grab a beer and notepad – it’s time to travel Germany through these 17 important tips!

TIP: If you are still doing research for your trip to Germany, here are some recommendations. I always use Omio to compare/book transport options in Europe. It’s a free site that compares planes, trains and buses all at once and sorts them by price, convenience, etc. Also  HotelsCombined offers a similar price check for hotels if you’re still needing a place to stay 🙂

17 Important Must-Knows Before You Travel in Germany

1. it’s all about that cash money, yo.

You might expect Germany, producer of supercars and epic technology to be on board with the whole credit card trend, but this simply isn’t the case.

I know it’s weird, but you’ll find that many places in Germany  don’t actually   take credit card, even shops in major transit hubs like central train stations.

So, if you plan to frolic/travel Germany for a while, make sure you have plenty of cash on you.

BONUS TIP: Coins are good to have as well. Carry at least some change with you at all times, especially if you have a weak bladder because…

2. Good luck if you wanna pee for free

The chance to travel in Germany is really like a fairytale come true… but sadly one where   happily ever after involves paying to urinate.

Free public restrooms are quite rare, which means you’ll usually have to cough up 50 cents or more to pee at train stations, bus stations, shopping malls and even McDonalds (yeah, for real!)

NOTE: Often these places with paid washrooms will give you a little coupon to use on a future purchase, so if you need to go, head to the washroom first before buying your McNuggets.

Even restaurants and clubs aren’t immune to this, so that’s why I say you should bring change with you  at all times. 

Often washrooms in busy restaurants/clubs/events will have an attendant there who keeps it clean. In these cases, a tip isn’t mandatory, but heavily expected, sooo unless you enjoy getting vicious side-eye, bring some change with you.

3. On Sundays, may the odds be ever in your favour

So I’m not saying that Germany becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays…. but Germany kinda  becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays.

In many parts of Germany, Sundays are a day of rest, which means that most shops (supermarkets, retail stores, malls, etc.) will be closed. Many restaurants will still be open, but if you’re hoping to run any errands or do any shopping, plan around the Sunday closures……. or you know, starve. It’s cool.

4. German punctuality is not a joke

Germans are crazy punctual. And for the most part, so is their public transport (at least in Munich, anyway!)

This means you should always get to your bus, tram and train and few minutes early, otherwise it will mercilessly leave without you.

Likewise, when making plans with a German person, don’t expect to get the whole 30 minutes buffer time you get in North America, where you both message “on my way! sorry! traffic is bad!” back and forth until one of you dies. No, a German will be on time. Maybe even ten minutes early.

Do not disappoint the German.

5. I hope you like staring contests

In my experience, Germans seem to  really like staring.

Sometimes I like to pretend it’s because I’m a radiant goddess, but then the sensible part of me realizes it’s just a cultural thing.

If you think you’re being judged by that grumpy grandma sneering at you from two seats away, let’s be honest: you probably are.

We even have a special word for the older judgey people – the Oma and Opa-Polizei, (aka the grandma/grandpa police) who are sure to cast shade at you for even the most minuscule of offenses.

One time, an old woman stopped a friend of mine and yelled at him because she didn’t like his lederhosen. It’s just a way of life. Learn to laugh at it and move on. On that note…

6. Keep your voice down, lest you be judged

Germans don’t tend to speak very loudly (unless they’re shrieking folk songs after a few beers).

In fact, public transit is often eerily quiet, and if you don’t keep it down, your English voice will surely pierce through the calm and tear through the entire fabric of German social propriety.

Refer to #6 – people will stare at you, and you will feel awkward.

7. You might see some naked people

Ironically, for people who hate small talk and being loud on public transit, Germans are weirdly down with being nude.

Like, you wanna go to the park in the summer time? You will likely see a naked human being.

I mean maybe this is an odd Bavarian thing, but I learned it the hard way.

Once upon a time, I tried to have a peaceful picnic by the river in Munich’s English Garden (one of the world’s largest city parks). Eating my pretzel was difficult as an elderly man ran naked, wild and free across the river from me, periodically bathing himself and flaunting his body like he was Ryan Gosling on steroids.

Anyway, nudity can be common – just prepare yourself.

PS: In many saunas, wellness spas, etc., nudity is not only expected, but mandatory. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. *cringe*

8. When you travel in Germany, look for group discounts on travel/train tickets

If you decide to travel Germany by train, make sure you take advantage of all the amazing discounts!

Germans LOVE rewarding you for having friends, so group tickets will often save you ludicrous amounts of money.

As an example, in Munich a one-way bus ticket is 2.80, whereas a 3 day group ticket for unlimited travel for up to 5 people is less than 30! That’s only 6 euros a person, for 3 days of  unlimited joy rides. It’s insane.

Likewise, look into special regional tickets for trains which get cheaper the more friends you bring. In Bavaria, we call this a “Bayern ticket”, but I know other states have them too. For us, you pay 25 euros for the first person, then 7 euros additional for every extra human you get on there, which means huge savings if you get up to 5 (the maximum) on the same ticket. It’s also valid for unlimited train travel within that region, which means  Godzilla-sized  savings. For more info, you can click here for my full Bayern ticket guide.

9. Water will cost you, and it’ll probably be fizzy

One of the biggest shocks for North Americans who travel to Germany is that in restaurants, a) water isn’t free and b) fizzy, carbonated water is usually what you get by default.

This thrills me because I would literally carbonate everything if I could, but I know a lot of folks hate fizzy water (ugh, weirdos ).

So, be sure to clarify whether you want still or sparkling. Sadly, there’s not much you can do about paying for it though (unless you have your own sneaky bottle of water with you).

PS: Buying bottled water at the shop will become the most confusing thing in the world (and a significant source of anxiety).

Every brand has their own colour code/name for which water has gas or not.

Some consider “natural” to be with gas, some without, some use blue for fizzy water, others use green…. They even categorize by  how  fizzy it is (e.g. Medium), and I just about lost it when once, I saw a teal bottle that said “EXTRA STILL” on it. What even is extra still water? How could still water possibly get any still-er? Turns out, it’s a cryptic German code for mildly fizzy water. Nothing is safe, folks. Enjoy your Russian roulette of hydration. [Sorry for the rant, I am just weirdly passionate about this topic]

10. Most people speak English, except (weirdly) where it counts

I always joke with friends that I could stop anyone on the street here in Germany and they would probably speak fluent English, yet as soon as I step into any bureaucratic environment (e.g. to get my visa sorted, to open a bank account, etc.), I’m left flailing in broken German.

Fair enough though – after all, remember that you’re in a foreign country so you shouldn’t expect people to automatically speak  your  language. That’s why it’s helpful to brush up on some basic German phrases, although you shouldn’t worry too much because there usually at least some fluent English speakers lurking around, especially in big cities like Munich and Berlin.

Craving more fuel for your wanderlust? Connect with me on Instagram for real-time updates, photos and stories!

11. Avoid the bike lane or risk certain death

Biking culture is pretty big here, especially in Munich where I live. Trust me when I say that you have not gotten a real taste of travel in Germany until you’ve stared death in the face while accidentally prancing down a bike lane.

There’s not often a clear division between the path for bikes/for people, and they tend to exist side by side to really  shake things up  and get you that sweet adrenaline rush. Here’s your best survival tip: check whether or not you’re in the bike lane!

12. Oh yeah, jaywalking is worse than murder

So sure, maybe I’m exaggerating but I have literally never met a group of humans so collectively and vocally against jaywalking.

I once saw a guy in the suburbs who still waited dutifully for the light to change before crossing, despite not a single car or witness in sight (besides me, always a’lurkin).

Especially when there are kids around, parents get super angry at you for setting a bad example (which is fair enough), so it’s better safe than sorry.

There are few things more terrifying than being yelled at by an old German woman from across the street. Well, apart from trying to select the right water at the grocery store that is. Sorry – still not over it. 

13. Travelling to Germany is a lot of Pfand

This is a very lame pun that won’t make sense unless you speak German, but Germans are really into recycling and the term “Pfand” essentially refers to a refundable deposit that you pay on things like cans, bottles and even glasses/mugs at beer gardens and Christmas markets.

It functions as an incentive for you to return those items to get your money back. So, in the case of cans/bottles, it encourages recycling and in the case of glasses/mugs, it prevents you from pocketing them as fun souvenirs (though many still do).

This is a really important word to know, because often items will be more expensive than the listed price at the store  because  of the pfand. So that 1 euro can of Coke might become 1.25 at checkout. Similarly, let’s say you’re at a German Christmas Market for the first time and want to get yourself a nice mulled wine for 3 euros. You might end up paying 5 euros at first, because of the 2 euro pfand on the mug. Extra picky places will even give you a token to return alongside your glassware to get your refund back.

Soooo remember: if your cashier slides you a plastic coin at the beer garden, it’s not some kind of sketch business dealing, it’s just something you must return to get your moola back.

14. Small talk and pleasantries are not a thing

As a Canadian, it’s in my DNA to fill any voids of silence with meaningless chit chat. “It’s a windy day out, eh?” I’ll often murmur, yearning for that sweet human connection as I do.

Germans hate this.

Germans literally do not understand the point of small talk. Often, if you try it, they will be confused at why you are wasting their time and getting all up in their personal space. On that note…

15. Expect customer service to be frostier than a snowman on skis

There are of course exceptions to this, but generally speaking, customer service is not very friendly or warm in Germany. This goes for restaurants, retail shops and yes, official places like banks.

But hey, if you play your cards right and smile sweetly, you might get a vague acknowledgement of your presence in return 😉

Yay, little wins.

So, the next time your waiter ghosts you and doesn’t return for like, 10 years, don’t take it personally – it’s not you!

On that note, tipping  is  still expected – but not to the crazy extent that we take it to in North America. Generally, rounding up is enough.

16. Good luck at the Grocery Store AKA the freaking Olympic Games

Never in my life did I think I’d need to do warm-up exercises before visiting the grocery store.

… Then I moved to Germany.

I swear the cashiers in Germany are all training for the Olympic Games.

They scan items so absurdly quickly that it’s like a duel every single time. Like, dude – I just wanted some bananas, why are you rushing like your wife has gone into labour?

So, be prepared if you choose to visit the grocery store (which you should, because it helps you save loads of money!!).

Another important thing is to bring your own bag – most people do. There are bags you can buy at the checkout, but remember to pick one up and put it at the front of your item haul, otherwise you’ll be left with a million items from the Usain Bolt of groceries and nowhere to put them.

17. Be ready to giggle at fun words like “fahrt”

German is a different language than English. Duh, yes, hi – Captain Obvious reporting for duty.

BUT, there are some German words that sound just like words we have in English, usually with very different meanings.

Fahrt is one such word.

To complicate matters, it is SO common. You will literally see it everywhere – road signs, transit hubs, everywhere . And while I wish the Germans were simply big fans of flatulence, the truth is the word “fahrt” means a lot of things like trip, drive, way, outing, etc. Feel free to giggle about it though – you’re an adult who can do whatever you want.

Full disclosure: even after 2 years here, I still giggle when the little ticket machine tells me “Gute Fahrt!” after I’ve purchased a ticket. They really are trying to say “Have a good trip!”

PS: “Rathaus” (aka Rat House) means town hall and “schmuck” is actually jewellery. Heh. German is such a fun language.

  A post shared by Christina 🇨🇦 happytowander.com (@happytowander) on Oct 17, 2017 at 10:09am PDT

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows for those who plan to travel in Germany! As always, if you have any more travel in Germany tips, let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

88 thoughts on “17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany”

You crack me up Christina!!! I actually met a German trauma surgeon working here I. Seattle for a year and I am laughing out loud cuz I witnesssed some of these very things ha! ( no not the nudity )

I am actually thinking of going there to teach .. I am 3/4 German but have so many questions lol … maybe sometime I can email you and ask ?

Thx for sharing this ! Xo Valerie

Sure! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have, but I don’t have a load of experience with regular work visas (I’ve been here on student and youth mobility visas). Happy to chat about the experience of moving here though! And hehe so glad you liked the article!

I loved when shops were closed on a Sunday, they used to be like that in the Netherlands too until a few years ago. I see many similarities to the Netherlands really, great read.

It’s not so bad once you learn how to plan around it, and I totally get why it’s a thing, but I do miss the convenience of shops being open almost all the time hehe. I bet the Netherlands are super similar! Really happy you enjoyed the read 😀 Thanks for stopping by!

Haha, as a European I relate to many things, but I do think it’s funny 🙂 no. 16 is sooo true, but super weird i know 😀

Hahah so glad you could relate 😉 thanks for reading!

I love Germany SO much and loved this post! You captured so many of the great German idiosyncrasies. One other thing my husband and I can’t get enough of in Germany is how everyone always has to get the last word – or “Chuss!” in when we leave a store or a restaurant. If we say “Chuss” back they’ll end it with an “Abend!” It could go on forever! Love it 🙂

Oh my goodness you are SO write! I never realized that. I’m gonna be on a quest to always get the last word now hahah. Thanks for reading!

One of the few blogs that actually makes me laugh out loud! I really love your writing! (Yay you!! :-D) Great blog post and defo a few things I’ll keep in mind when I visit Germany.

oh my gosh you are too sweet! Thank you for appreciating my lame jokes hahah. You rock!

I have been to Germany once. Your tips just added to my knowledge. You’re a good writer, and if you lived my next door I would love to have you over for coffee. PS don’t get nervous your likely the age of my kids. GOOd JOB

Couldn’t agree more with everything! I live in Germany, in fact even Regensburg and I was surprised to see a picture of my beautiful adopted home town!

I LOOVE Regensburg! Naturally I needed a way to fit a photo in hehe. So happy you relate to this! Thanks for reading 🙂

I am a Canadian living in Germany for four years. Been here for two and a half – and agree with every single thing you said! Loved the article!

Hahaha hello from a fellow Canadian living in Germany!!! <3 Thanks for reading and laughing along.

This was very interesting, I had no idea about many of these, except for the naked people thing… I have a friend, he`s German and he loves being naked (he took his clothes off at a wedding party!!!) I had to send him this article… Like “Ahhhh, now I get why you do it!”

Hahaha that’s too funny, and I kinda want to know the story behind that wedding nudity….. 😉 but yes, I find that Europeans as a whole just find nudity a lot less taboo than we do in North America. It’s kinda nice actually – after the initial shock wears off!

I’m a German who’s living in Lima, Peru. When visiting Germany, I simply don’t have the patience anymore to wait for the green light, I’m too used to crossing the street when it’s somehow possible. On the other hand, I still remember my first grocery shopping in Lima. Oh great, just two people in front of me. Well, it would have been faster in Germany with 20 people in front of me ;-). As far as water is concerned, just drink tap water, cheaper and good quality. Punctuality is my most German habit and constantly giving me trouble in South America. I mean, I warn people beforehand that I am punctual and if I’m lucky, they’re just 10 minutes late :-).

Hahaha it’s so cool to hear your perspective! It must be so interesting bouncing between such different cultures. I had a Spanish friend I went to school with here in Munich and his lack of punctuality really drove our instructors insane lol.

I found this post so informative and helpful.

thanks for reading!!

Hahaha! I was laughing all along! The water bit, the jaywalking… it was all just spot on! Amazing article!

hahah yesssss! so happy you liked it 🙂 thanks for reading!

I’m glad Germany takes cash instead, haha, since I like to carry cash with me when I travel! When I went to London I felt like a dinosaur being the only one not paying with a debit card lol! 😛 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Sometimes I prefer cash too – helps me keep track of my spending haha

I think the naked thing is just much a stereotype as Lederhosen but I guess it does stick out to people that it is legal to go topless to the beach and that we do have coed saunas where everyone is naked. I remember it used to freak my American friends out.

I will send your post to the Deutsche Bahn because when it comes to punctuality they definitely have to catch up (pun fully intended).

Interesting about the stares – I never notices this as compared to countries like India. But as I said on FB I think it might also be a north south divide 🙂

Yeah it’s exactly those things! In North America we can be very prudish when it comes to nudity (being topless at the beach/naked saunas are definitely not a thing), so even those pretty “normal” things stand out to us a lot. And also re: the staring, it could very well be too that you blend in seamlessly whereas we expats/tourists have our ways of sticking out (being loud, speaking English, etc.) Just yesterday, my backpack accidentally grazed the tram ticket machine, which made a tiny sound and then this angry man looked up from his book and stared me down for a solid 5 seconds. It was awkward hahah

Hahahaha – this is so true!! The water thing – not being able to get tap water ANYWHERE drove me up the wall. And one of my colleagues (English) got done by the police for jay walking – now we just check for police before doing it! Oh and I ran into a nude man in my hotel… in the hallway…. gotta love the Germans

No way! I’ve never witnessed anyone actually getting ticketed for jay walking. I bet it wasn’t cheap either! I’ll definitely be more careful now. And LOL I feel like I need more context behind this nude encounter…….

Nicely done! I enjoy your witty writing and especially love the pictures.

Aw thanks so much, Mary!

So I learned some things about myself today. 1. As much as I hate the cold, I will definitely be visiting Germany in the winter so as to avoid the frolicking old naked men. 2. That Christmas mug is adorable and I will definitely steal it.

PS- your photography is so ridiculously gorgeous.

Hahahaa to be fair, it’s not like they’re *everywhere*. You’ll be more likely to see topless women around the parks than wrinkly old men. Maybe I just got lucky 😉 Also YES all the markets have different mugs too and it’s just the best thing. I highly recommend a separate suitcase just for them haha

You made me laugh so hard, Christina! I love this! I lived in Germany for 2 years and I can testify, everything is true!! I love this post.

Your comment makes me so happy!!! Thanks for reading, girl <3

I‘m German. I visited 18 differnt countries for job reasons, from US to Japan. And yes, you are totally right. It really tooks a smile on my face reading your 17 tips. They are so true. Brilliant. We are really a funny kind of peoples here. But wait, someone can easily write 17 funny facts for visiting the US

I would LOVE if somebody wrote that post. Even as a Canadian, there are certain funny things about the US I could write about haha

This is a fun idea for a post. I live in Germany, and what you listed is normal to me by now (still getting used to the staring, though). But I might try one about my passport country, or rather the Midwest. Something to ponder over the holidays… I only recently stumbled across your blog, and I’ll be back to read more.

Aw Beth – thanks so much! really glad you enjoyed it 🙂 One about the Midwest would be great! Let me know if you end up writing it!

Being of German descent and having visited Germany before this article rings so true and made me laugh out loud. I am taking my partner to Germany next year and this article is perfect for him as he is like the quintessential opposite of a German. One point made me want to share a story with you…. My friend and I weren’t aware of the jaywalking law and crossed on the red Ampel Man on a Sunday afternoon in Berlin, there was literally no one around and next thing we know we hear the revs and then screech of a police car mounting the kerb within a foot of our (now soiled) pants! The officer got out screaming at us, all the German I knew flew out the window. Let’s just say he thought it Germanly amusing when we finally muttered “Australien”! I still laugh about this to this day.

Hahaha wow – what a story! Thanks for sharing, Lear <3

I legit laughed out loud! Your righting is fan-freakin-tastic. I am an American who grew up around German culture here and have visited Germany many times so I can totally relate! I did not know about #8 – good to know! And #17… omg driving and you the AUSFARHT signs… I die every time! Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my day procrastinating real work and reading your blog!

Hey, I’m german and yes, you are so damn right about all those things! Really made me laugh! About speaking english in public offices (town hall, Bürgerbüro…) : Most of these guys there speak english, but they are not allowed to by law…

So glad you enjoyed it, Andrea! That’s really interesting – I had no idea there was a legal reason behind it. I’d love to learn more about why! Do you have a link or anything about the law in question?

I’m an American who’s been living in Munich for 5.5 years and I can say these are ALL true….hilarious. I’d also add to the supermarket olympics section to mind your spot in line so no one cuts in front of you!

Hahaha that’s a good one… some of those omas can be ruthless in getting ahead! Thanks for reading – so happy you liked it!

Great Article. I’m sure my husband will fail at #14 as he talks to everyone when we travel about anything! As for me, I’m just plain loud, so #6 is going to get me lots of stares, LOL As my husband is half German, your list also provided me with insight to his personality, ie #1 he likes paying cash for everything, #4 he has never been late a minute in his life, #7 he loves being naked (but what guy doesn’t). As for #2 we are in trouble…..he pees as if he were in his last month of pregnancy! LOVE your humor….and the article.

Hillarious read, quite entertaining. I loved it. Filled with useful information. I plan to visit Germany in the near future, I’ve been doing research and found your site. Gracias!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Ana! Glad you enjoyed it <3 <3 I hope you have an amazing time in Germany!

Always carry change! My 2 sister in laws and myself were chased out of a bathroom by “Broomhilde” the bathroom attendant. We figured out we only had 1 coin and all needed to pee . We didn’t let the door close and when she realized what we were up to chased us down the street shaking her fist and lecturing. It’s still our best story after 21 years!

I have a great jaywalking-story, as well. When I once crossed the street 3 seconds too early (the traffic lights for cars already switched to red), a police officer drove up to the christmas market I was heading to, jumped out of his car yelling and asked me if I planned to give my parents a dead daughter for christmas – then I had to pay 5 Euros. Haha he was crazy! However, here in NRW, the western part of Germany, people are generally much more friendly open-minded than in e.g. Bavaria!

What a fun read! I am a German, living in Texas with my family for 8 years. My 14 y old daughter often tells me “Don’t stare at the people!” while I am not aware of starring. I am just curious and interested … is that starring? The punctuality is really a thing. People who let us wait are rude because they are wasting our precious time (keeping us from being efficient). When we had our first big party here (Oktoberfest – what else – and I had cooked authentic food from scratch for three days) nobody showed up at the given time. We were totally irritated, double checking the (written!) invitations for time and date, calling some guests if they thought it would be in Oktober (since Oktoberfest is always in September!) etc. . The first guests showed up about 40 minutes late, some came more than an hour late and the most shocking thing: Some left after an hour, telling us that they also have to go to another party … this is like a total no-go in Germany. Well, we learned and adapted … to a certain point. But we are still always on time!

The credit card thing explained: The bank in Germany takes a high fee for credit card transactions. If you buy something for a small amount, it often would cost the store owner more to pay for the transaction than the item you bought. Germans have some sort of debit card which usually comes at a lower fee for the shop owner. But cash is still highly appreciated.

All 100% true, and not only for Munich. I grew up in the North of Germany and it is the same story. Then of course this stuff was normal for me until I moved abroad 😀 hilariously written!

Are the Christmas markets also closed on Sundays? Thank you!

Nope! Of course it depends on the actual market, but most will be open and very, very crowded haha 🙂

Hi Christina You just made my day I read your post and I as laughing sooo many times loud out . I am from Germany live now in the US ( east coast ) since 20+ years and same as you I LOVE TO TRAVEL and see the world. Mostly Asia You are mostly SO RIGHT in your description about Germany.Lucky me I am not from Bavaria but from the NORTH but most of your tips is true for all of Germany Again LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR POST

Some are really hilarious .Nice Tips for travelers who are planing for germany trip.

Hi Christina, Germany is one of my favourite countries to visit and for many of the reasons above, especially the silence on public transport. And yes, the towns are pretty. My blogging never does them enough justice!

Hillarious read, enjoyed it. Was planning to visit Germany, found your site during my research, learnt quite a lot. Cheers!

Hallo Christina,

I love your post. I am German (from Oldenburg in Loxer Saxony) and have been looking for something exactly like this as I’ll be welcoming a Texan friend in summer time. How cool. I didn’t wanna bore her with my “preparation list” (I wouldn’t even have known how to start it!) and then I found your blog. How cool. Thanks for your brillant descriptions of literally everything a foreigner needs to know about Germany and Germans. 🙂

We Germans are so weird but of course pretty friendly and funny, too. 😉

Have a great time and be safe.

Susanne :-).

thanks for the information

Just moved to Bavaria from the states – reading up on some tips after being here nearly a month. This is super helpful but mostly a hilarious read! I loved reading your take on things! Well written. Thanks for the tips for my German adventures!

I love Germany and have travelled there three times and hopefully will visit again. I feel that the whole Ampelmann thing is peculiar as an American, but also, charming. I saw stores with Ampelmann merchandise in Berlin and in Munich. I also scratch my head over getting assorted wursts…in the U.S., long rolls are used to accommodate the shape… but I’ve only seen round rolls used, especially what we here call Kaiser rolls.

Bravo for the wonderful write up Christina. very helpful. anyone looking for further information about Germany or needs travel documents to Germany can contact this email [email protected]

Christina, my son was stationed in Germany and loved it. He’s been back home in USA for some time longing to go back. He just got notice he has job in Germany and will be moving there with his family soon. My sister and I will go visit him and travel around Europe for first and probably last time (we are 70 +) and your tips are great! I live in Louisiana and it is a very funny state.

ha ha, loved this. So much of it I remember from my German holidays

Love your article! I met my German husband in Austria, and have had 39 happy years! Our grandchildren call us Oma and Opa. You nailed it with the punctuality for sure! Germany is a wonderful country with friendly people. Love Munich, Rothenburg, Berchtesgaden, ….. Enjoy your stay!

Germany is a beautiful country with a Rich cultural heritage and the people here are honest and straight forward, thanks for sharing the travel tips which are of great help to travellers and save them from getting into awkward situations. October is the best time to visit Germany as Oktoberfest the best folk festival is held in this month.

Hi Christina, My husband and I are planning a trip to Munich, then Vienna, Italy and Switzerland in September 2020. I came across your article on “17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany”…loved it. I would also enjoy advise on what to wear on our trip. We’re from Florida, where shorts and t-shirts are the norm. Thank you.

Your Travel Blog is really nice. I love german and culture. maybe I will do to visit one day. I would like to do a marathon run if someone invites me.

I don’t ever comment on blogs but I have quite a bit of experience in Germany and Munich is one of my favorites. Your post made me laugh out loud a couple times. I’m forwarding the link to my husband so he can enjoy it too. Thanks!

I agree with whatever you have mentioned here. I am here in germany for study and I have to change a lot of habits that is mentioned above. Speak in small voice, urinating, puncuality, taking care of cycle lane. Even some older people scold you, this is the most wierd thing. I thing the yonger genration is much better the older are sucking. But you will find good old people who speaks in english and help you. You cracked all the things i n your article. Thanks.

Next year I plan to visit Germany. This will be my first trip. Thanks for the exchange and your advices.

I love these tips! There is just so much to see in Germany! I went last year during the holidays and am dying to go back. There are too many cute towns to see!

Thanks for travelling tips to visit Germany. I will be visiting their very soon and I will probably use your tips and travel recommendation. Much grateful for the information though.

You made me laugh so much! Ah these are so true. Thank you for writing about them in such a hilarious way. It’s been four years since I moved home from Germany and escaped a few of these – and have missed some others. 🙂

Aw thanks for reading and for the kind words, Ava!! Hope you can make it back to Germany again sometime soon to visit haha 🙂

I LOVED this article! I have been living in Munich for about 18 months and all of these were spot on! I definitely laughed out loud when I read the one about the grocery stores. I still get soo stressed trying to bag my stuff! You just never get used to it!

Hey Christina, this very good written! I am actually german and do also live in Munich. I find it very interesting to see the german way of living from another perspektive from time to time 😛 Anyhow i wanted to add something about the jaywalking…(i think that is walking across the street with a red traffic light?) If you are unlucky and the police sees you while doing that it can be very expensive. I got caught once running over the strees a few seconds after the light changed and i had to pay 80€ So i do highly recommend to cross the street far far away from a traffic light (ofc after you made sure that there are no cars that could run you over) or just wait until the light turns green, because sometimes policemen also wait in plain clothes behind the traficlight for someone to cross it while its red… And there is someting else that i wamted to add to your list. I think that almost every household in Germany is a shoes off household. So if you get invited to someones house or appartement, take your shoes off or ask if you should/can leave them on. This could keep you from leaving a rude expression 🙂

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for reading and thanks for sharing your experiences/extra tips! I grew up in a shoes-off household too so it never crossed my mind that this was a cultural difference haha. Definitely a good tip for those who aren’t used to it!

The part about Still water killed me , i literally LOL! every time im in europe i break my head trying to find still water..

Doing research for my book where they visit Germany and this article was so HILARIOUS and helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to make it! <333

A very informative article about the German travel.I really appreciate your research. Thanks for sharing. Hope to read more articles on your blog…!!! Keep it up.

Christina I was laughing the entire time I read your blog thank you for the laughs and information I’m sure I’ll have a great time in Germany!

I AM a German living in Canada since a couple of years now. And what should I say: You are perfectly right with your accurate analysis. I laughed my ass of reading your blog. Thank you.

Great post, I want to thank You for sharing this as it contains a lot of details and it has been very useful.

It is great to know about places, I find such blogs which tell about a country like living, food, places to visit. Like I found a lot in this blog and I enjoyed reading it. I hope you will share such good blogs.

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and tips on traveling in Germany. Your article is well-written, informative, and packed with useful information that will undoubtedly help anyone planning to visit Germany.

I appreciate the practical tips you’ve provided on topics such as transportation, accommodation, food, and culture. Your personal experiences and anecdotes add a relatable and authentic touch to the article, and I found your advice on interacting with locals and adapting to the local culture particularly helpful.

Your suggestions for off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems in Germany were also a great addition to the article, and I appreciated the detailed descriptions and recommendations for each place.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

How to Move to Germany from the US in 15 Steps

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Looking to move from the US to Germany? I might be a bit biased, but I think that’s a pretty great decision (considering I live in Germany right now!).

Germany has great social care, a decent job market, and amazing links across the rest of Europe and worldwide. That being said, there’s a lot of bureaucracy in Germany, so it’s not always clear how you should go about moving here.

Also, I highly recommend traveling to Germany and living there for a bit before making your decision, and you can do that for free with Trusted Housesitters.

You can stay at someone’s house while they are away in exchange for watching their house or sometimes their pet.

It’s a great way to travel the world for free or test out a city in Germany without fully committing!

So, as someone who’s been there and done that, here’s my guide on how to move to Germany from the US. Are you ready? Okay, let’s get into it!

Before You Move To Germany from the US

In order to make your move as smooth as possible, you’re going to want to get started early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare before you make your big move.

If you come to Germany without the right paperwork or without enough money to survive out there, it’s going to be a huge waste of energy and airfare, so check out all the things you need to sort out before you travel to Germany.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Know Your Visa Type

Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you’re actually eligible to move to Germany. US citizens do not have the same freedom of movement as countries within the European Union, so you have to hit certain criteria to move to Germany.

Keep in mind that you can enter Germany for 90 days on a Schengen visa, but if you want to stay further than that you’re going to have to meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

Student Visas

If you’re looking to study in Germany, you can apply for a specific student visa. There are two ways to live in Germany this way. You can either apply while you’re still in the US and use your admission letter to get a student visa.

Alternatively, you can try and get a student resident visa which you can get without an admission letter. If this is the case, you can find a school or university while you’re actually in Germany.

This is probably the most common way that people move from the US to Germany. If you can get a job in Germany that is willing to sponsor your visa and give you an official job offer, you can stay in the country.

It’s that simple. Make sure to ask about work permit sponsorship during your job interviews – not every company will do it, but the majority will – just ask!

Freelancer Visas

Interestingly, Germany has completely separate work permits for freelancers and self-employed people. The freelancer permit is designed for those who have clients in Germany and are normally in a more creative field and usually more online and remote-focused.

Think graphic design, writing, marketing – that kind of thing.

Self-Employed Visas

Alternatively, the self-employed work permit is for those who have their own business, usually selling their services from an actual physical office or shop. This is more for consultants, architects, and small business owners.

I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!

Job Seeking

Don’t have a job lined up in Germany yet? There is a job seeker’s work permit that gives you six months to find a job in Germany. The caveat is that you need to have a degree or vocational training (like a trade) that your new job is going to match up. So, if you’re qualified but don’t have a job ready to go, you can apply for this permit and have six months to find a job that’ll sponsor a full work permit.

Artist Visa

Heading to the arts and culture mecca of Berlin? Well, there’s a niche subsection of the freelancer work permit specially designed for artists heading to the German capital. If this is you, it might be easier to track through to a work permit rather than sitting in a larger freelancer pile of applications.

Au Pair Visa

If you’re between the ages of 18-26, can speak a basic level of German, and plan on looking after someone else’s kids, then you can apply for an au pair visa. It’s a classic work abroad job and you’ll be able to save money on accommodation and food as you’ll likely be living with your host family.

Step 2: Budget and Start Saving

Moving countries is not cheap. Honestly, Germany is not the cheapest country to live in by a long shot, but that’s mostly due to the number of socialized services across the nation. You pay more, but you get a lot more back. 

When it comes to a good base amount to have is between €3,000-5,000 for all your start-up costs like housing deposits, paperwork, furniture, travel, etc. This obviously does not include your initial airfare. It’ll also vary based on where you’re living. For example, Berlin is going to be much more expensive than say, Dresden. 

Work out the average cost of living for the town or city that you’re thinking of living in and then compare it with the average German salary for your job or industry. You can work out the affordability from there.

Step 3: Get Your Paperwork in Order

It wouldn’t be Germany without red tape and bureaucracy, so make sure you have your paperwork in order. This means things like bank statements, work contracts, proof of income, and anything that indicates your financial security are going to be needed.  

If you’re self-employed, you’re going to need proof of income over the past couple of months as well as a comprehensive business plan and projected income given the climate and your field. You need to have all of this and you need to make sure it’s all accurate.

Get someone else to check it for you and make sure it makes sense, and most importantly, that nothing is missing. It’s always better to bring too much paperwork than too little.

Step 4: Prove Your Financial Means

If you’re a student, you’re going to have to set up a special blocked account and pay €861 every month into it to cover living expenses. These accounts work a lot like savings accounts so they don’t come with a debit card and there are fees that apply, but only run to about €5-10 a month.

It might sound like a random amount but this is the average amount that the German government has worked out to cover rent, food, bills, insurance, and other expenses that you’ll need during your study.

Scholarships

If you’re planning on moving to Germany from the US as a student, you might be eligible for a scholarship. Just because you’re an international student doesn’t mean you can’t have financial aid! Check out DAAD.de to see what you’re eligible for and how much you can save. Sometimes it’ll cover the full €861 and sometimes you’ll have to make up the difference, but every little bit helps when you’re moving across the world.

The best way to prove that you’re going to have the financial means to move and live in Germany is by using your pay stubs or work contracts. This way you can concretely show what you earn and how much you’re slated to earn moving forward.

As a student, you’re allowed to work 20 hours a week and you can reduce the €861 amount by showing your pay slips. It’s essentially saying that you’re financially secure and responsible enough to survive living in Germany.

Step 5: Get Sponsorship from a German Resident

This isn’t actually necessary but if you can use a German resident – a friend or a family member – to serve as a guarantor and vouch for you, this might help prove your financial means.

You’ll normally have to get all their financial paperwork to make sure that they can help you out if the worst happens. They’re saying that you’re all good financially, but if not, they’ll look after you financially.

Similarly, if you’re a student and your parents are going to support you throughout your studies, you’ll need to submit proof of their earnings to your local embassy, in order to lower that €861 monthly amount.

Step 6: Get Health Insurance

With Germany having socialized medicine, when you need treatment, it’s not going to cost you an absolute fortune, but it is the law that every adult needs to have German health insurance. This needs to be in place before you arrive as you’re likely going to have to show proof of it to get residency.

Although it’s mandatory, there are a ton of options, and if you’re under 30, you might be eligible for public health insurance rather than private health insurance. The best thing to do is sit down and go through your options before signing up for anything.

You’re likely looking at between €100 and €200 a month for insurance, but it pays off in spades if anything does happen to you or a loved one.

Step 7: Learn German

If you want to fully experience the culture of living in Germany – and if you’re deciding to move there, you probably do – you need to learn some of the languages.

I seriously love using Pimsleur to learn useful phrases quickly (instead of “The duck is yellow” like Duolingo!).

The phrases I have learned on Pimsleur have stuck with me for years, so I can’t recommend it enough for language learning.

Of course, learning a language is much easier when you’re actually in the country as you take in a lot more through immersion, but you’re going to want to know at least the basics before you arrive. 

Bureaucracy is difficult at the best of times but when you’re dealing with a language barrier or mistranslations, it can get frustrating really quickly.

Yes, a huge majority of Germans speak English, but if you’re likely to be dealing with forms in German and appointment booking systems that’ll need translating if you don’t know the language. You can minimize the hassle by getting on top of your language learning.

Also, it might be that your visa or work permit is contingent on you being able to demonstrate a basic level of German.

This was certainly the case with the spousal visa and is specially stipulated in the Au Pair visa, so check out the conditions of your permit and make sure you can meet it – they will require an A1 German test and they can get booked up pretty far in advance. 

Step 8: Book Your Flights

Once all your pre-arrival paperwork and language skills are sorted out, it’s time to book your flights. Remember, if you have applied for a Schengen visa then you do not have to pay any entry fees or do any paperwork on arrival in Germany.

Sites like Skyscanner can help you find the best days and routes to fly to your new home. If you can be flexible with your dates then your bank balance is really going to thank you.

As a general rule of thumb, flying and booking midweek is cheaper than on weekends, and obviously, if you can, avoid any school holidays or major festivals.

What to Do Once You Arrive in Germany from the US

Okay so you’ve made it across the Atlantic and you’re in Germany. Immigration has been cleared and your paperwork has all been approved – it’s time to head out to your new home city or town and start your new life.

Step 9: Get a SIM Card

First things first, you’re going to want to get a SIM card. This might seem like a weird first move, but in order to book viewings for accommodation and generally set up work interviews, you’re going to need a German SIM card.

The reason I say SIM card and not a phone contract is that you actually need a German bank account before you can sign a phone contract. A German bank account requires an address, permits, and all sorts of other steps that we’ll go into later.

So, first things first, get a prepaid SIM card, you can get them from most corner shops, and come with varying amounts of data. Don’t be surprised when you need to show your ID to get one, it’s pretty common in Germany.

Step 10: Find Your Accommodation

Next up you need to find somewhere to live. If you’re not living in student accommodation or have family or friends already in Germany, you’ll probably stay in a hostel or Airbnb while you look.

You need to register your new address within 14 days of arriving in Germany, so you’re going to want to set up some viewings and appointments before you arrive if possible.

The following sites are great for finding places ranging from spare rooms to full accommodation:

• Immowelt.de
• ImmobilienScout24
• Meinestadt.de
• Wohnungsboerse.net

Another great place to find places to live is through the expat forums and Facebook groups. They can help you with accommodation, bills, red tape, jobs, and tons of stuff. Sign up and benefit from their experiences!

This section is predominantly about renting a place in Germany as a lot of the time you’re going to want to get the lay of the land before committing to purchasing a property.

That being said, if you know the area and don’t want to waste money renting, there are no restrictions on US citizens buying property in Germany thanks to a mutual agreement between the two countries.

Check your location’s expat page for real estate agent recommendations.

You will need the following documents in order to rent a property in Germany, whether it’s the whole place or just a room:

• A copy of your passport
• The application form for the property
• Proof of financial means (see the list above)
• Credit record of Schufa if you’ve already rented in Germany. If you’re a first-time renter in Germany, you might have to get a co-signer or guarantor instead.
• Security deposit which will be around 3x monthly rent

To be honest this isn’t much different from renting in any other country and is pretty standard. You’ll need most of this to get into Germany in the first place, but just make sure you bring or make plenty of copies of each piece of paperwork. 

Step 11: Register Your Address

Okay, so this is going to be your first taste of German bureaucracy. Immigration is pretty straightforward and standard if you’ve done your research because it’s the same all across the country.

Things like registering your address are done on a local council level, so expect a slower pace and some regional differences.

So you have 14 days from when you arrive in Germany or move in to register your address. If you need longer to find a place, your local registration office, which is called a ​​Bergamot, will be able to help you out and advise on the next steps.

You need to set up an appointment first and once you’ve completed registering your new address, you’ll receive your German tax ID number in a couple of weeks.

After you receive this tax ID number, you can open up a German bank account, which will be super useful for utility bills, proof of address – all kinds of ID-based things.

When you go to your appointment remember to bring your passport, your renter’s contract or a letter from the landlord and the main tenant if you’re not on the lease but staying there, and your letter from the immigration office declaring that you have a valid reason to be in Germany in the first place.

Again, it’s worth making copies of all of these documents and keeping them somewhere secure.

Step 12: Apply for a Resident’s Permit

So, now you’ve registered your residence, you can now apply for your resident’s permit. Normally located in the district administration office of your town or city, you need to take your paperwork to the Foreigner’s Authority office. Here you’ll have your fingerprints taken and have to pay a fee of about €110 – it does vary based on your local office. 

It’s a pretty extensive list of paperwork you need for your resident’s permit, so make sure you have it all before you head down to the office:

• Your passport
• An additional 2-3 German-sized passport photos 
• Your address registration certificate that you’ve just secured
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of valid reason to be in Germany
• Proof of German health insurance
• Application form

This isn’t for everyone, but if your visa requires it, you’ll need to bring your proof of German ability. So this will be your A1 certificate or any other language certification that formally demonstrates your German ability. 

It’s worth noting that German red tape means that you can’t register your address without proving that you’re a resident. You also need to have a registered address to get your resident’s permit. Seems like a classic catch-22 situation to me. 

Realistically, every local Foreigner’s Authority realizes that this is not a straightforward situation so each one has its own way of getting around it. It may be worth asking your area’s expat group about the way around. 

One way is to get your proof of a valid reason to be in the country paperwork from the resident’s office as a sort of half approval.

This way you can go and register your residence, get that stamp, and return to the resident’s office to get that resident’s permit! It may sound like a bit of a hassle, but hey, that’s German bureaucracy for you. You can’t fight it so you might as well embrace its quirky inefficiencies.

Step 13: Open a German Bank Account

With your German tax ID and your shiny new German resident’s permit at the ready, you can now open a German bank account. This is obviously super important for getting paid while working in Germany, getting benefits and social care, and being able to get an actual phone contract.

In order to open up your new German bank account, you need to bring the following paperwork with you:

• German Tax ID 
• German residence permit 
• Address certificate

I wasn’t kidding when I said that you’ll need plenty of copies!

The main banks in Germany are Deutsche Bank, Volksbank, Commerzbank, and Sparkasse. There are tons of different kinds of accounts with different purposes and fees, so look at what you’re going to need and make an informed decision.

For example, if you need to send or receive money to and from the US, look at accounts with fewer international fees. Also, if you’re a student or young person under the age of 25, check out the specific bank accounts for that bracket. There are often fewer fees for overdrafts and special deals available.

Step 14: Get an Actual German Phone Number

Now that you have a German bank account and a German address, how about getting an actual phone number and contract? The main companies are Vodafone, Telekom, and O2 but if you want to sign up with the prepaid SIM that you purchased when you arrived that’s also an option.

Check out the fees for your prepaid versus a standard contract and all the data differences. Expect to spend around €30 a month, but obviously, this varies based on your provider, how much data you need, and any deals that might be on while you’re there.

Step 15: Pay any Extra German Fees!

Although visas, permits, and renter’s administrative fees have been outlined in this article, there are plenty of local fees and taxes that you need to be aware of. Check on your local expat forum for any city or local community taxes for the upkeep of the local area.

Although your main taxes will be taken out of your paycheck, you may need to actively pay some more locally. Best to check than be caught and hit out with a big bill at a later date.

Another mandatory fee comes in the form of a broadcasting fee. You’ll find these all over Europe and they pay for unbiased programming across TV and radio. It’s pretty inexpensive at €17.50 per household per month, and if you’re moving into a shared house then chances are that one of your new housemates is already paying it, or it’s shared between all the tenants.

Unlike places like the UK, it’s necessary even if you don’t watch German national broadcasting or even own a TV. If that’s you, it kind of sucks that you have to pay, but if you don’t, you will get fined and nobody wants that. 

Ready to Leave the USA for Germany?!

So, moving across the world is rarely pain-free, but hopefully, with this guide, you’ll be more than prepared enough for your move to Germany from the US. Obviously, each region of Germany varies, as do some of the average costs.  

I love living in Germany, there’s a great work/life balance, it’s much cheaper than when I was living in LA and the socialized infrastructure pays itself back time and time again. As I said, I might be biased, but if you’re thinking of moving to Germany from the US, I’d say 100% go for it!

Related Articles:

• Can Americans Move to Portugal?
• What I Need to Know in Moving to Europe?
• How to Move as an American to Europe
• The Top 16 Recruitment Firms in Europe

Between the US and a hard place, Germany's Scholz 're-engages' with China

• Medium Text

• German chancellor visits China after 'de-risking' push
• West and China clash over trade, Chinese overcapacity
• Germany to press China on business climate
• Two-thirds of German companies feel uneven playing field: survey
• Chinese support for Russia is hurting reputation, Germany says

BUILDING TRUST

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Tomasz Janowski

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Laurie Chen is a China Correspondent at Reuters' Beijing bureau, covering politics and general news. Before joining Reuters, she reported on China for six years at Agence France-Presse and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. She speaks fluent Mandarin.

World Chevron

Iran and Israel's open warfare after decades of shadow war

Israel launched a strike on Iranian soil on Friday, sources said, in the latest of the tit-for-tat exchanges between the regional arch foes whose long-running shadow war has broken into the open.

Two people were killed in a suicide blast attack in Pakistan's Karachi on Friday that struck a vehicle in which foreign nationals were travelling, broadcaster Geo News reported.

Explosions heard in Isfahan were a result of the activation of Iran's air defence systems, an Iranian official told Reuters on Friday, adding that no missile attack was carried out against Iran.

Russian oil and gas company Bashneft has equipped key facilities at its refineries with anti-drone nets, the RIA news agency cited the head of the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, as saying on Friday.

Middle East Crisis As Diplomats Visit, Israel Signals It Will Answer Iran’s Attack

• Share full article

• An Iron Dome antimissile battery near Ashkelon in southern Israel. Hannah Mckay/Reuters
• Enjoying the beach in Deir el-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Israeli armored personnel carriers leaving the Gaza Strip. Amir Levy/Getty Images
• A building destroyed during overnight Israeli bombing in Rafah, southern Gaza. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Palestinians at a protest to demand the release of their relatives from Israeli jails on Prisoners' Day in the West Bank city of Nablus. Alaa Badarneh/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Israeli forces in the village of Bani Naim in the occupied West Bank. Hazem Bader/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• An Israeli helicopter firing a flare above Nuseirat, Gaza. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Mourners attend the funeral of two Hezbollah commanders who were killed on Tuesday by an Israeli strike, in Chehabiyeh, south Lebanon. Mohammed Zaatari/Associated Press
• A Palestinian boy entering a building destroyed by Israeli bombardment overnight in Rafah. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• A soldier walks past posters with images of hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Israel will respond to Iran’s attack from last weekend, Britain’s foreign minister says.

For days, Israel’s closest Western allies have pleaded with the country’s wartime government not to risk igniting a wider war by responding too strongly to Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones last weekend. And on Wednesday, the top diplomats from Germany and Britain delivered that message in person to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

But Mr. Netanyahu emerged from those talks resolute that his country would not bow to any outside pressure when choosing its response. He declared before a cabinet meeting that Israel would “do everything necessary to defend itself” and warned the allies that “we will make our own decisions,” according to his office.

The British foreign secretary, David Cameron, acknowledged just before meeting with the prime minister that Israel was unlikely to heed pleas to turn the other cheek.

“It is clear that the Israelis are making a decision to act,” Mr. Cameron told the BBC. “We hope that they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible.”

The United States, Britain and Germany have been urging Israel to avoid making moves that could increase tension with Iran, which launched around 300 missiles and drones on Saturday night in what was believed to be its first direct attack on Israel. Most of the missiles and drones were shot down before they reached their targets — thanks in part to the assistance of the United States, Britain, France and Jordan — and the ones that got through did minimal damage.

Mr. Netanyahu thanked Israel’s allies for their “support in words and support in actions” in remarks before a cabinet meeting, according to his office. But he added: “They also have all kinds of suggestions and advice. I appreciate it, but I want to make it clear — we will make our own decisions.”

Iran warned that it would react forcefully to any Israeli aggression, with the army’s commander in chief, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, saying on Wednesday: “We will respond with more deadly weapons.”

Israel’s war cabinet has met several times since the weekend with no apparent decision on when and how to strike back against the attack. Officials are said to be considering a range of options , from a direct strike on Iran to a cyberattack or targeted assassinations, trying to send a clear message to Iran while not sparking a major escalation.

“Israel will respond when it sees fit,” an Israeli official said on Wednesday, adding that it had “multiple ways” to do so. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, announced early Thursday that new European sanctions would be imposed on Iran’s drone and missile programs as punishment for last weekend’s attacks.

“It’s a clear signal that we want to send,” Mr. Michel said, emerging after midnight from a meeting of leaders of the European Union’s member states in Brussels. “We need to isolate Iran.” He said more details about the new sanctions would be announced in the coming days.

Adam Rasgon and Lara Jakes contributed reporting.

— Matthew Mpoke Bigg

The U.N. seeks $2.8 billion in donations for the response to the crisis in Gaza.

The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza — and the difficulties faced by aid workers responding to it — goes “beyond what has been seen before” in other conflicts, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

The cost of addressing it may be similarly staggering.

The U.N. said its agencies and other aid groups would need more than $2.8 billion from their donors to continue their response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for the rest of the year.

“Widespread destruction. Multiple mass displacements. Looming famine. Collapsed health system,” the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement. “Every day is a struggle for survival for people in Gaza , as the war rages on and needs deepen.”

The amount requested, $2.8 billion, is only a portion of what the U.N. has estimated the full price tag of responding to the crisis to be: $4.089 billion. A majority of the money requested ($2.5 billion) would pay for relief work in Gaza, while a smaller amount ($297.6 million) would go to the West Bank, where violence has flared for months.

The U.N. scaled down its funding request to $2.8 billion needed to pay only for operations that appeared to be achievable in the next nine months, during which it assumed “many of the current security concerns and access limitations will continue.”

The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which Israeli officials said killed roughly 1,200 people. Since then, the distribution of aid in Gaza has been hobbled by a cascade of restrictions and dangers.

More than 200 aid workers have been killed during the conflict, a vast majority of them Palestinians from Gaza, according to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres. Earlier this month, seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, including six foreigners, were killed in a series of airstrikes on their convoy.

Their deaths started an international outcry and led to an internal investigation by the Israeli military, which reprimanded the personnel responsible for the strikes and said their killings were a mistake.

In the early months of the war, Israel imposed a near-total blockade on goods going into the Gaza Strip, including humanitarian assistance. It eventually relented, but insisted that entering shipments be meticulously inspected, and it barred a wide range of items, like scissors , that it said could have a potential military use.

Aid groups have said that whole trucks of aid have been turned away by Israeli inspectors because a single item on board was determined to have a possible military use. Groups are sometimes not told what the item was or why it was rejected, they say.

Israel has also accused Hamas of diverting aid. But American officials, including Samantha Power , the director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, and David Satterfield , the U.S. special envoy for humanitarian issues in the Middle East, have said there is no evidence for that claim.

The U.N. demanded that Israel improve the conditions under which aid is delivered, including by guaranteeing aid workers safe access to people in need, increasing the number of entry points and secure roads for humanitarian supplies, and improving the ability of aid workers to safely move around in Gaza.

In recent weeks, Israel has been eager to show that more aid is flowing into Gaza, and it has also been keen to blame the U.N. for delays in its distribution.

This week, Israel said that 553 aid trucks passed through the Kerem Shalom and the Nitzana border crossings and that 126 trucks were permitted to travel from southern Gaza to northern Gaza.

— Liam Stack

A Gazan describes losing four nieces and nephews in an attack that killed children playing in the street.

The children of the Abu Jayyab family in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza were hoping for a brief respite from Israel’s bombardment.

Their parents had allowed them to play outdoors, and a group of siblings, cousins and other children were gathered around a foosball table on Tuesday when an attack hit the street.

Four members of the extended family, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years old, were killed, according to Yousef Abu Jayyab, their 24-year-old uncle. Three more were left in critical condition.

Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, said the strike was an Israeli attack that killed at least 11 people, many of them children. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Abu Jayyab said the strike hit less than 10 meters from where the children were playing. “One strike, but that was enough to kill them,” he said.

Footage verified by The New York Times shows the chaotic aftermath of the strike, with a stream of injured children being carried away by bystanders, abandoned shoes lying in puddles of blood and bodies and debris in front of the foosball table.

At the Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, photos from The Associated Press show one stretcher arriving with the bodies of two children, one on top of the other, as other children watched in distress.

Mr. Abu Jayyab, a student who lives in the nearby Nuseirat refugee camp, said he rushed to the hospital to search for relatives after he learned of the attack.

In the hospital’s morgue, he found the body of his niece, 9-year-old Luji. Mr. Abu Jayyab said Luji had been eager to meet the new baby that her parents, Mr. Abu Jayyab’s brother and sister-in-law, were expecting. In his grief, Luji’s father decided they would name the baby after her, Mr. Abu Jayyab said.

By the time Mr. Abu Jayyab and his brother had buried Luji and returned to the hospital, they learned that her 3-year-old sister, Mila, had also died from her injuries.

Luji and Mila’s only surviving sibling, 7-year-old Ahmed, was injured in the strike and remains in critical condition. “Doctors say he needs a miracle to survive, and we should prepare ourselves for the bad news,” Mr. Abu Jayyab said in a phone interview.

Two of the girls’ cousins, 15-year-old Ahmed and 18-year-old Abdullah, as well as a 60-year-old neighbor were also killed in the strike, Mr. Abu Jayyab said. Two other cousins in the family were severely injured.

More than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s military offensive began Oct. 7, including nearly 14,000 children, according to local health officials and the United Nations.

Aric Toler contributed reporting.

— Anushka Patil and Abu Bakr Bashir

Two bakeries reopen in hunger-stricken Gaza City, but the question is for how long.

Throngs of Palestinians lined up to buy bread at two bakeries that reopened in Gaza City this week — a sign, the Israeli military said, of improving conditions for civilians in the part of the territory facing the severest hunger crisis.

But with Israeli bombardment continuing in parts of northern Gaza, it was unclear how long the bakeries would be able to continue to get the supplies necessary to remain open.

Fuel needed to power the two bakeries was delivered by the United Nations last Sunday and was scheduled to run out by Friday, Abeer Etefa, a spokeswoman for the U.N. World Food Program, said. It was not clear when more fuel would arrive, she said.

Northern Gaza has been largely cut off from aid since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza began in October, and most bakeries there have been closed for months because of the fighting.

Last week, a senior U.S. official told Congress that expert projections showed the north was experiencing a famine, but on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel rejected that claim, saying that “Israel was going above and beyond in the humanitarian sphere.”

Facing pressure from the Biden administration and other allies to ease the humanitarian crisis, Israel has been eager to show that more aid is entering northern Gaza, especially since its strike on April 1 that killed seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen , a food charity.

This week, the United Nations shared video online that showed bags of flour piled high in bakery storerooms and Palestinian children clapping for the aid truck from their windows.

The two bakeries were able to reopen because the United Nations, with the permission of the Israeli military, was able to bring in enough fuel and flour in recent days. Still, the World Food Program said that cooperation needed to continue to avert a disaster. “We need safe and sustained access to prevent famine,” the organization said.

Matt Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, praised the bakery openings but said more needed to be done.

“We have seen improvement — not yet to the level where it needs to be, and certainly once it gets to that level, we need to see it sustained over time, and that’s how we’re going to judge things,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Kamel Ajour, who owns one of the bakeries, said that the two bakeries together can turn out a million pieces of bread each day. The U.N. provided the fuel and flour to run both operations, he said.

“Bread is the most important thing in life after water,” Mr. Ajour, 51, said in a phone interview. “The starvation in northern Gaza is very dangerous. We need to put an end to it. This effort is one of the solutions.”

Bags of 50 pieces of bread were sold for five shekels, or roughly $1.30, he said. The U.N. said that was the lowest price bread had sold for in months.

But Mazen Harazeen, 39, a paramedic in Gaza City with nine children, said even five shekels was too much for many Gazans. He has continued to work as a paramedic during the war, but has not received a full paycheck in six months.

“People line up there for around three hours to get one and only one bag of bread,” Mr. Harazeen said, adding that he had walked nearly two miles to reach one of the bakeries. Their impact, he said, would be “very small.”

Maher Al-Mashharawi, 28, a software developer in Gaza City, said he had tried several times to get bread from one of the two bakeries, but on every attempt he was stymied by a seemingly endless line and left empty-handed.

“It’s really frustrating,” he said. “We’ve been hoping things will get better, but we’re still facing difficulties.”

But he said food prices had dropped significantly in recent days. A 25-kilogram bag of flour now costs 70 shekels compared with 1,900 during the worst days of the war, he said, and a kilogram of apples was 20 shekels, down from 120.

Israel’s bombing campaign and ground invasion have devastated the north, leading to a breakdown in civil order and chaos and violence engulfing many efforts to distribute aid.

Mr. Ajour said security for the bakeries was being provided by “private companies” and by bakery workers themselves, and that fences were built around both operations. He did not elaborate on who ran or staffed the private security companies.

Abu Bakr Bashir contributed reporting.

— Liam Stack and Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

A Hezbollah attack injures 14 soldiers in northern Israel.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a cross-border drone and missile attack in northern Israel on Wednesday that the Israeli military said had injured 14 soldiers, six of them severely.

It was one of the most damaging attacks in recent months by Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional proxy, in its continuing clashes with Israel. The attack came a day after Israel’s targeted killing of two Hezbollah commanders as fears continue to grow of a broader conflict between Israel and Tehran, which mounted a wide aerial attack on Israel over the weekend.

An internal Israeli army memo said an initial investigation found that Hezbollah had fired two anti-tank rockets at an Israeli Bedouin border village, Arab al-Aramshe , before dispatching an exploding drone. An Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment on the memo.

A senior Israeli defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operational issues, expressed concern about Hezbollah’s apparent ability to determine soldiers’ whereabouts and subsequently target them.

Hezbollah said its attack on the village was in response to the Israeli airstrikes a day earlier that Israel’s military said had killed the commanders. Those strikes triggered a series of retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah on Israeli military bases and barracks.

Hezbollah claimed that the target on Wednesday was an Israeli military reconnaissance unit. The military said that six soldiers had been severely injured, two moderately injured and six lightly injured. It said it had responded to the attack with strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Later on Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported an Israeli strike deep inside Lebanon in the Bekaa Valley, a bastion of support for Hezbollah that straddles the Syrian border. The Israeli military said its fighter jets had hit “significant” Hezbollah infrastructure.

For more than six months, Hezbollah and Israel have been locked in a tense cross-border conflict set off by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel that was led by Hamas, another of Iran’s proxy groups . The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border , and in recent months Israeli strikes on Lebanon have begun to creep deeper into the country’s interior .

On Tuesday, the Israeli military said that aircraft had eliminated Ismail Yusaf Baz, who it claimed was the commander of Hezbollah’s coastal sector, and Muhammad Hussein Mustafa Shechory, who it said was a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit . Mr. Baz “served as a senior and veteran official in several positions of Hezbollah’s military wing,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

The funeral for the two men took place on Wednesday in southern Lebanon, with their coffins — draped in Hezbollah’s yellow and green flag — carried through the streets by jostling crowds.

Before the targeted strikes on Tuesday, Hezbollah claimed to have also used explosive drones to target Iron Dome platforms in Beit Hillel, a border town in northern Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome system is one of the country’s key missile defense systems and proved instrumental in shielding it from Iran’s drone and missile attack over the weekend.

Nascent U.S.-led diplomatic efforts remain underway to end the fighting along the Lebanese-Israeli border. But Hezbollah has consistently made clear that it will not enter into any diplomatic talks until Israel ends its war on Gaza.

Aaron Boxerman , Johnatan Reiss and Gabby Sobelman contributed reporting from Jerusalem.

— Euan Ward ,  Ronen Bergman and Adam Rasgon reporting from Beirut, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem

U.N. report describes physical abuse and dire conditions in Israeli detention.

Gazans released from Israeli detention described graphic scenes of physical abuse in testimonies gathered by United Nations workers, according to a report released on Tuesday by UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees.

Palestinian detainees described being made to sit on their knees for hours on end with their hands tied while blindfolded, being deprived of food and water and being urinated on, among other humiliations, the report said. Others described being badly beaten with metal bars or the butts of guns and boots, according to the report, or forced into cages and attacked by dogs.

The New York Times has not interviewed the witnesses who spoke to UNRWA aid workers and could not independently verify their accounts. None of the witnesses were quoted by name. Still, some of the testimonies in the report matched accounts provided to The Times by more than a dozen freed detainees and their relatives in January , who spoke of beatings and harsh interrogations.

Israeli forces have arrested thousands of Gazans during their six-month campaign against Hamas, the Palestinian armed group. The Israeli military says it arrests those suspected of involvement in Hamas and other groups, but women, children and older people have also been detained, according to the UNRWA report.

The Israeli military and the Israeli prime minister’s office did not respond to a request for comment on the report. But asked about similar accusations of abuse in the past , Israeli officials have said that detainees are held according to the law and that their basic rights are respected.

UNRWA staff gathered testimonies from more than 100 released Gazans arriving at the Kerem Shalom crossing over several months. Palestinian medics would occasionally rush freed prisoners who were injured or ill directly to area hospitals, the report said, adding that they sometimes bore “signs of trauma and ill-treatment.”

Many of the detainees are taken to military holding facilities inside Israel, from which many of them are then funneled into Israel’s civilian prisons. At least 1,500 detainees had been released by the Israeli authorities at Kerem Shalom as of April 4, the report said.

The detainees’ treatment in prison included “being subjected to beatings while made to lie on a thin mattress on top of rubble for hours without food, water or access to a toilet, with their legs and hands bound with plastic ties,” the UNRWA report said.

In the report, one freed prisoner described how an Israeli officer threatened to kill her whole family in an airstrike if she did not provide the Israelis with more information. Another said he had been forced to sit on an electrical probe that burned his anus.

Some freed Gazans told aid workers that they had been beaten on their genitals, aggressively searched and sexually groped, the UNRWA report said. Women said they had been forced to strip in front of male officers, the report said, suggesting that some of the incidents “may amount to sexual violence and harassment.”

When presented with the findings in a draft of the UNRWA report that was leaked last month , the Israeli military said that all mistreatment of detainees was “absolutely prohibited,” adding that all “concrete complaints regarding inappropriate behavior are forwarded to the relevant authorities for review.” It said medical care was readily available for all detainees and that mistreatment of detainees “violates I.D.F. values.”

The Israeli military said last month that it was aware of the deaths of 27 Palestinians in its custody, at least some of whom were already wounded. And at least 10 Palestinians, mostly from the West Bank, have died in Israel’s civilian prison system since Oct. 7, according to the official Palestinian prisoners’ commission and Israeli rights groups, including Physicians for Human Rights-Israel , whose doctors attended some of the autopsies.

UNRWA, a key provider of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, has come under scrutiny in recent months after Israel accused it of harboring numerous Hamas members in its ranks. Major foreign donors, including the United States, subsequently suspended their funding for the agency, although some have since resumed it.

Israel has said that at least 30 of the group’s 13,000 staffers in Gaza participated in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7 or its aftermath.

In response to the accusations, UNRWA fired staff members who were accused of being Hamas members. Two investigations have been opened into the allegations — one by the U.N.’s internal investigations body and another by independent reviewers appointed by the U.N. secretary general.

In the report released on Tuesday, UNRWA said some of its own staff members had been beaten, threatened, stripped, humiliated and abused while being detained by the Israeli authorities. It said that during interrogations, they were pressured to say that UNRWA had affiliations with Hamas and that its staff members took part in the Oct. 7 attack.

— Aaron Boxerman Reporting from Jerusalem

Here’s where Israel’s military offensive in Gaza stands.

Iran’s attack on Israel has shifted focus from the war in Gaza, but Israeli military operations press on there with the aim of eliminating Hamas, the armed group that controlled the territory before the fighting began.

Israel’s military launched its assault in Gaza after Oct. 7, when Hamas led an attack that Israeli authorities say killed around 1,200 people. Israel said its aims were to defeat Hamas and free the hostages taken that day, around 100 of whom remain in Gaza. Local health authorities say the war has killed more than 33,000 people, and the United Nations says the population is on the brink of famine .

Here is a look at where the military conflict stands:

Southern Gaza

Israel withdrew its forces from southern Gaza this month, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the military still plans to invade Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, to “complete the elimination of Hamas’s battalions” and to destroy its tunnel networks.

The timing of any operation in Rafah, on the border with Egypt, is unclear. President Biden is among many world leaders who have urged Israel not to invade the city because of the harm it could cause civilians. Rafah’s population has swelled to over a million, as people have flocked there for shelter from fighting elsewhere, and border crossings in southern Gaza are a main conduit for humanitarian aid.

Northern Gaza

Israel began its ground invasion in northern Gaza in late October, urging civilians to leave. Much of the north, including Gaza City, has been destroyed by airstrikes and ground combat. Israel began to pull its forces from northern Gaza in January, saying it had dismantled Hamas’s military structure there.

In March, however, Israeli troops mounted an operation at Al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, where it said Hamas fighters had returned. Israeli troops said they had killed about 200 fighters and captured 500 more. The hospital, once Gaza’s largest, was left in ruins .

Some analysts said the raid showed that by leaving northern Gaza without a plan in place for governing the area, Israel had made it possible for Hamas to return. At the same time, some civilians who had fled south and attempted to return via a coastal road said this week that Israeli forces had fired on them. Their testimony could not be independently confirmed.

Central Gaza

The Israeli troops that remain in Gaza are mainly guarding a road that the military has built across the center of the strip to facilitate its operations. The Institute for the Study of War, a research group, said that was consistent with Israel’s plans to shift to a strategy of more targeted raids rather than wider assaults.

Israel retains the capacity to launch airstrikes anywhere in Gaza and it has conducted several around the central city of Deir al Balah. This month, Israeli planes attacked a convoy of the World Central Kitchen charity near the city, killing seven aid workers . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has said that Israel regrets the strikes.

Across the territory

Experts say the Israeli military has had considerable success in dismantling Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades . It has broken the strength of most of its battalions with tens of thousands of airstrikes and ground combat, said Robert Blecher, an expert at the International Crisis Group think tank.

Israel has also killed at least one of Hamas’s top commanders and has destroyed some of the tunnels in which the group operates. But Hamas retains significant organizational and military capacity, particularly in southern Gaza where its tunnel network acts as a shield, and its leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar , is still at large.

“Israel has done a good job of disabling those stronger battalions,” Mr. Blecher said, but he added: “Hamas is going to remain as an insurgent force.”

Advertisement

DEVELOPING: Israel carries out strike in Iran

Germany arrests men accused of spying on U.S. military sites for Russia in sabotage plot to undermine Ukraine aid

MUNICH, Germany — Two men have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for Russia and collecting information about potential attack targets, including U.S. military facilities, authorities said Thursday.

The German Federal Prosecutor's office said in a statement that two German Russian nationals — named only as Dieter S. and Alexander J. in line with the country's privacy rules — were working with a Russian secret service agent to undermine international military support for Ukraine .

Dieter S., who is suspected of being a former fighter for pro-Kremlin forces in eastern Ukraine, is accused of making arrangements for an explosive or arson attack in Germany.

The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that it summoned the Russian ambassador to Berlin on Thursday in light of the arrests.

The Federal Criminal Police Office arrested the men Wednesday in Bayreuth, a city in the southern state of Bavaria.

Bavarian state police searched their homes and workplaces. Some Ukrainian soldiers have been training at U.S. military installations in this part of Bavaria.

Arrest warrants dated April 9 accuse both men of working for a foreign secret service, carrying out "activity for sabotage purposes" and obtaining "security-threatening depictions of military installations," prosecutors said.

The prosecutor's statement said Dieter S. has been in touch with a "person who is connected to the Russian secret service" since October, with whom he discussed possible sabotage operations in Germany.

"The actions were intended in particular to undermine military support provided to Ukraine from Germany against the Russian war of aggression," the statement said.

"Against this background, the accused stated to his counterpart that he was willing to use explosion and arson attacks especially on infrastructure used for military purposes and industrial sites in Germany," it added. "To prepare, Dieter S. collected information about potential attack targets, including U.S. military facilities."

Authorities accused Dieter S. of going to multiple sites to take photos and videos that were passed on to his Russian secret service contact. They also allege that Alexander J. helped him from March this year at the latest.

Dieter S. appeared Wednesday in court, where he was placed in pretrial detention. Alexander J will appear in court Thursday, authorities said.

A separate arrest warrant dated April 11 accuses Dieter S. of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and of "preparation of a serious act of violence that endangers the state." The warrant notes the "strong suspicion" that he was active as a pro-Russian soldier in an armed wing of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic , engaging in the ongoing war for control of Ukraine.

Ukraine has long warned that Russian spies were active across Europe and working to sabotage its defense against Russia's invasion, in particular in Germany.

Oleksiy Danilov, the former coordinator of Ukraine's war Cabinet, told The Times of London last month: "We have made multiple warnings to our German partners about the spy network of Russians that are very active in Germany."

He added: "It is well known the Russians are listening to conversations of German officials and we think this is not the last conversation they have."

Danilov was removed from his job and replaced last month as part of a military shake-up by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Germany accused Russia of "information war" last month after Russian state media published the audio of a private discussion among high-ranking German military officers about support for Ukraine, sparking embarrassment in Berlin and glee in Moscow.

Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the U.S., but it has been engaged in a fierce debate over whether it should be doing more.

“We know that the Russian power apparatus is also targeting our country," Justice Minister Marco Buschmann wrote on X after the arrests, adding that Germany “must respond to this threat defensively and decisively.”

Germany’s top security official, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, said in a statement that this was "a particularly serious case of suspected spy activity for Putin’s criminal regime."

Asked about the arrests Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I can’t comment on it in any way. I do not have any information in this regard.”

Carlo Angerer reported from Munich and Patrick Smith from London.

Carlo Angerer is a multimedia producer and reporter based in Mainz, Germany. 

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

What are you looking for?

Visa navigator.

Which visa do I need for Germany?

I want to travel to Germany as a tourist, on business, for my studies, to work, or to join family members who live there.

Which visa should I apply for?

Find out here

• Top of page