Visitors to Germany from the UK, EU and US can enter Germany visa-free. Further advice can be found on the Germany Visa Advice website.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Germany whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Here are some of the most recent terror attacks or related incidents in Germany:

Mannheim Stabbing (May 31, 2024): A man, Sulaiman Ataee, attacked attendees at a rally organized by the right-wing Citizens' Movement Pax Europa in Mannheim. Six people were injured, including a police officer who later died from his wounds. The attacker was linked to Islamist extremism, and this incident heightened concerns over increasing threats from Islamist-inspired attacks in Germany.

Solingen Stabbing (August 23, 2024): During a festival in Solingen, a Syrian immigrant, whose asylum application had been rejected, carried out a mass stabbing, killing three people and injuring eight others. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, marking the first ISIS-linked attack in Germany since 2016. This attack highlighted ongoing security concerns over radicalized individuals and failed asylum seekers.

Arson and Stabbing Incidents (Various 2024): Throughout 2024, Germany also faced other incidents, including attempted arson attacks and random stabbing incidents that were politically and ideologically motivated. For example, attacks on buses and public places have increased concerns about safety during large public gatherings.

Hamburg Shooting (March 2023): A mass shooting occurred at a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall in Hamburg, where a former member of the congregation, Philipp Fusz, opened fire, killing six adults and an unborn child. The attacker later killed himself. Despite prior warnings to the police about his dangerous behavior, no action was taken against him at the time.

Cologne Cathedral Attack Threat (December 2023): German police thwarted a planned terrorist attack on the Cologne Cathedral, which was allegedly orchestrated by an Islamic extremist group. Several suspects were arrested in connection with the plot, which aimed to carry out a car bomb attack during New Year's Eve celebrations.

Detention of Islamist Suspects (Throughout 2023): German authorities arrested several individuals linked to Islamist terror plots, with ongoing threats related to potential attacks on high-profile targets, such as during religious festivals and public events. Authorities have remained on high alert due to concerns over the increasing risk of terrorism, particularly from Islamic extremists and far-right groups.

These incidents underscore the heightened security environment in Germany and the continuing challenges faced by authorities in preventing terror attacks.

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Germany. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

It is advised that visitors to Germany are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

The medical health care and facilities in Germany are of a good standard. Make sure to take out essential medical and health insurance in order to cover the necessary costs abroad as medical treatments are quite expensive. If visiting from the UK, be sure to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

When travelling by car in Germany, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

Police can demand papers as proof of identity at any time, it is advised these are carried and kept safe. Germany is known for some of the best road and transport networks anywhere in the world. The only issue in Germany being the high death rate on the roads; twice that of the UK, mostly due to issues such as speed, where there is no speed limits in parts of the autobahns.

If you are hiring a car, this can be done either with an EU Member State driving licence or with an International Driving Permit. Your licence and insurance documents should be kept with you at all times when driving.