Europe

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Germany. Such attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.. Although the German security authorities have averted serious terrorist attacks, they assess that the threat from terrorism remains high and urge individuals to maintain a high level of vigilance.

The German government has taken measures to enhance security throughout the country in the run up to the national elections which took place on 27 September 2009. On 18 September a video was released claiming to be from Al Qaeda warning the German people against re-electing the current government and not removing its troops from Afghanistan.

For more general information see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

You should take normal, sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pickpocketing.  You should be extra vigilant at airports railway stations and Christmas Markets.  Do not leave valuables unattended.

 

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Germany Country Profile

Local Travel

From 1 January 2008, in an effort to significantly reduce harmful pollutant levels, there will be an environmental zone (umweltzone) in Berlin's inner city centre.  Only vehicles that meet specific exhaust emission standards will be allowed to enter the zone. Any vehicles with especially high emissions will be barred.

 

Please see the following link for full details.

 

http://www.berlin.de/

Road Travel

 

If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times.  If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

 

The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18 years old.  17 year-old British drivers with valid British licences are not permitted to drive a car.  Anyone who contravenes this law may be fined and your vehicle will be impounded.  Advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.

 

In 2007 there were 4,949 road deaths in Germany (source: DfT).  This equates to 6.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

 

Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, Germany.  Care should be taken to plan journeys and take sufficient breaks; a minimum break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

 

It is illegal to take part in motor vehicle races or rallies on German roads.  Such activities constitute an offence under paragraph 29 of the German Highway Code.  Offenders are liable to be detained, fined and to have their vehicles confiscated.

 

Pedestrians in Germany should be aware that it is illegal and dangerous to cross German pedestrian crossings when the red pedestrian light is on.  Offenders render themselves liable to a fine and all costs in the event of an accident.

 

For more general information see Driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in France.  For more details about this see Airline security