How to Enter Germany
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
Germany is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Your U.S. passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure. As a U.S. citizen, you may enter Germany for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your entry into any Schengen country begins the 90-day limit for the entire Schengen area. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. You may also contact the German Embassy in Washington, or German consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or San Francisco to obtain the most current visa information.If you are transiting Germany en route to other countries, make sure you know all of the entry and exit requirements for your final destination. If you don't have the right documentation, you might be denied boarding to your connecting flight. For example, some countries (e.g., South Africa) require a certain number of blank visa pages, or more than six months remaining validity on your passport.
Special Travel Circumstances in Germany
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.
Surprisingly, 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.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.