Germany

Germany is a modern and stable democracy. Tourist facilities are highly developed. In larger towns, many people can communicate in English. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for additional information on the U.S.-Germany relationship.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: In Germany, road conditions can be significantly different from those in the United States. 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. Drivers should be aware that traffic signs in Germany differ from those in the United States, and it is important to be familiar with road signage prior to driving. Basic information about road signs in Germany is available here.  

German road conditions in general are excellent, although you should exercise caution while traveling on older roads in eastern Germany. Contrary to popular belief, there are posted speed limits on large stretches of the highway, or Autobahn, mostly when traveling through urban areas or when the road has many curves. The high speed permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions, and unfamiliar road markings can pose significant hazards. Driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

Bicycles are another cause of mishaps. Many German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Whether you are driving or walking, be aware that bicycles have priority use of these lanes. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 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. If you are turning into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane, you will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused.

Driver right-of-way rules are different from the United States. Unless you are traveling on a priority road, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. 

The threshold for determining whether a person has been driving under the influence of alcohol is lower than in many parts of the United States. Under German law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if the blood level is 0.05% or higher. The law imposes a penalty and the withdrawal of the driver’s license for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on “Driving in Germany.”

It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. If you would like more specific information on travel within Germany, please visit the website of the German National Tourist Board

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance 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. 

Safety and Security

German authorities are vigilant in combating terrorism and other threats to security.  Authorities have uncovered and disrupted several extremist plots including some targeting U.S. interests.  The most recent deadly attack occurred in March 2011, when two U.S.  Airmen were killed and two others wounded when a lone Islamic extremist opened fire on them at the Frankfurt International Airport.  Like other countries in the Schengen area, Germany’s open borders with its European neighbors limit its ability to track suspect individuals entering and exiting the country with anonymity.

Large, public demonstrations on a variety of political and economic issues are common in Germany. Such demonstrations usually occur on politically significant holidays, such as German Labor Day on May 1, and during international summits hosted in Germany. In order to stage a demonstration, groups must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants. Although the majority of demonstrations are peaceful, occasionally some attract counter-demonstrations which can create the potential for violence.  Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations and check local media for updates on the situation and traffic advisories. Security messages issued regarding demonstrations are now posted on the U.S. Mission to Germany website.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in areas known as expatriate hangouts such as restaurants, bars, and discos frequented by high numbers of resident U.S. citizens and/or U.S. citizen tourists. In addition, hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have been known to harass or even attack people whom they believe to be foreigners or members of rival groups. On occasion, German police reported assaults which appeared to have been motivated by racial reasons, and U.S. citizens have reported that they were assaulted for racial reasons or because they appeared “foreign.”

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution ;
• Following us on Twitter and Facebook ;
• Enroll in STEP 
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries; and
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: 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. There have been several reports of aggravated assault against U.S. citizens in higher-risk urban areas. However, most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pick pocketing. Security messages issued regarding demonstrations and strikes in Germany will now be posted on the U.S. Mission to Germany’s website.  Travelers should pay close attention to their valuable items at all times when traveling through major train stations and airports; U.S. citizens  frequently report  stolen passports and bags at these locations. Take the same precautions that you would in any large city.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but by purchasing them you could also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends; and
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• We also maintain information on our website on how to report child abuse situations to the local authorities.

In Germany, there are two separate phone numbers that correspond to 911 in the United States: In an emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance and 110 for the police.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.