Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Germany, including a death.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website at: The WHO website has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.  You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in Germany. Such attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details. 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.
  
  
• We are aware of British nationals who have been arrested for possessing counterfeit currency.  We advise against changing currency anywhere other than banks or legitimate Bureaux de Change.
  
  
• 2,219,000 British nationals visited Germany in 2007 (Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland - www.destatis.de ). Most visits are trouble-free. 682 British nationals required consular assistance in Germany in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March -2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (438 cases); hospitalisations (48 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (148 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (990 cases).  If you need to contact the emergency services in Germany call 112.  
  
  
• You should carry your passport with you at all times.  German police have the right to ask to see identification.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Germany.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.