Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While traveling in Germany, you are subject to its laws, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. While you are overseas, U.S. laws do not apply, and if you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It is very important to know what is legal and what is not, as criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that may be legal where you are traveling, but illegal in the United States; for example, if you engage in sexual conduct with children or use or disseminate child pornography in a foreign country, you can be prosecuted in the United States.

The Embassy has learned of some incidents of German lawyers, working on behalf of media companies, aggressively identifying individuals who are illegally downloading copyrighted content and then billing those people 1000 Euros or more per incident. If these cases are brought to court, German courts will likely rule in favor of the companies. You are strongly advised not to download media content except from reputable legal sites.

Arrest notifications in host country:  While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country that is not the case in Germany. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Germany has strict customs regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Germany of items such as firearms, military artifacts (particularly those pertaining to the Second World War), antiques, medications/pharmaceuticals, and 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.

Credit cards are not accepted as widely as they are in the United States. However, automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout Germany. They utilize many of the same account networks that are found in the United States, so it is possible in most cases to get Euros directly from your U.S. bank while you are in Germany without paying inordinate currency exchange fees.

While not required by law, travelers to Germany should have identification with them at all times.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips on the Women Travelers page on our website.

LGBT RIGHTS: Germany welcomes multitudes of gay and lesbian visitors each year, especially to Berlin, an internationally famous rainbow destination.  Civil unions are legal for same-sex couples; same-sex marriage is not available in Germany.  The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBT Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. For further information on LGBT travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Germany, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation different from what is found in the United States. Many existing buildings, as well as public transportation systems, are less adapted to individuals with disabilities. You should check with your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany. At German airports, Lufthansa and Air Berlin offer services for disabled travelers, and the German National Railway, Deutsche Bahn, maintains a mobility resource webpage. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) and the German Hotel Association (IHA) maintain directories of accessible accommodations. You can find more information on accessibility by visiting the German National Tourist Board website.