U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN  
Clayallee 170 
14191 Berlin 
Federal Republic of Germany 
Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0
Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050
Email: ACSBerlin@state.gov

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT
Giessener Str. 30
60435 Frankfurt am Main
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0
Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252
Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship: FrankfurtPassports@state.gov 
All other questions: GermanyACS@state.gov

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH
Koeniginstrasse 5
80539 Munich
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-0
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0
Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number. 
Email: ACSMunich@state.gov

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF 
Willi-Becker-Allee 10 
40227 Duesseldorf 
Federal Republic of Germany 
Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 
Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252
Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg 
Kehrwieder 8
20457 Hamburg 
Federal Republic of Germany 
Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 
Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050
Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.  

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig 
Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 
04107 Leipzig 
Federal Republic of Germany 
Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 
Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050
Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Helpful resources 

• Embassy of Germany in the United States
• U.S. Travelers in Europe’s Schengen Area
• Schengen Area Visa Information
• Dual Nationality
• Prevention of International Child Abduction
• Customs Regulations

Traveling through Europe 
If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.  
• We recommend you have at least 6 month’s validity remaining.  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.  
• For more information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.  
• Visit the Embassy of Germany for the most current visa information. 

Prescription medications
If traveling with prescription medications, review all requirements related to pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.  

HIV/AIDS restrictions
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany. 

Emergency numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

• Dial 112 for ambulance services.  
• Dial 110 for the police. 

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin at +49-30-8305-0 to report crimes or emergencies (after calling local authorities). 

Terrorism
Credible information indicates terrorist groups and individuals radicalized or inspired by terrorist organizations and Jihadi ideology remain a persistent threat in Germany and Europe.  

European governments are acting to prevent terrorist attacks. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 

Terrorist attacks from groups and radicalized individuals aim to attack U.S. citizens abroad with knives, firearms, and vehicles. 

Terrorists may target crowds at: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Tourist sites 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

Crime
Violent crime is rare in Germany but can occur. It is more common in larger cities, large metropolitan subway systems, and in train stations. Most crimes occur during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing. 

Theft and pickpocketing mainly happen at train stations and on public transport. They also occur at tourist spots and large public events. 

• Always pay close attention to your valuables. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Exercise caution when gathering in popular expatriate hangouts. 
• Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States. You could also be breaking local law. 

Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays (German Labor Day on May 1), and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Demonstration organizers must get approval from the police first. Authorities usually watch over the participants. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  
• Strikes may interfere with travel plans. We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information before travel.    

International financial scams
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams and learn how the FBI can help.    

Financial scams are common in Germany. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Tips to avoid scammers:  

• Look for red flags. These include asking to meet in a faraway location, or a new social media profile.  
• Beware if the relationship is moving too quickly or if they ask for money. 
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture. 
• If they ask for help, refer them instead to the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.  

If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer. 

Common scams include:    

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Lucrative sales 
• Gold purchase 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions  
• Grandparent and relative targeting (e.g., kidnapping, relative is “arrested,” or medical emergency).  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers  
• Bank overpayments 

Technology use abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, and damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.  

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without the safety consideration.  

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.  

Victims of crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

• Dial 112 for ambulance services.  
• Dial 110 for the police. 

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin at +49-30-8305-0 to report crimes or emergencies (after calling local authorities). 

Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation and support in Germany. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. 
• Replace a lost or stolen passport. 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the embassy for assistance.

• Dial 110 for emergencies. 
• Dial 030 8305 0 (within Germany) or dial 01149 30 8305 0 for calls originating from the United States for the Berlin Embassy. 
• Dial 069 7535 0 (within Germany) or dial 01149 69 7535 0 for calls originating from the United States for the Frankfurt Consulate General. 
• Dial 089 2888 0 from within Germany or dial 011 49 89 2888 0 for calls originating from the United States for the Munich Consulate General.  

Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules about general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  

Natural disasters
Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including: 

• Floods 
• Long periods of drought 
• Unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow, even in urban areas.  

Adventure sports
Every year, many people are injured or killed in Germany's Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. 

Alpine sports enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to register with German “Alpen Verein.”

If injured, you can find good medical care across the country. However, outside major cities, it might take longer for first responders and doctors to provide life-saving care. 

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Learn more about insurance providers and coverage overseas.  

Weather and Natural Disasters
The top 3 weather events in Germany are:

Severe storms: Intense thunderstorms are common. These are often accompanied by: 

• Heavy rain
• Hail
• Strong winds

These weather events can cause flooding, damage to property, and disruptions to transportation.

Winter weather (snow and ice): Heavy snow, freezing temps, and ice are common in winter. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions, transport delays, and potential power outages.

Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of extreme heat in the summer. This can lead to droughts, wildfires, health risks, and strain on energy resources.

U.S Citizens living abroad
If you live abroad for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events.

• Learn how to prepare for life events like voting, getting married, or the birth of a child.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare or insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.

Criminal penalties
You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start. 

Arrest notification
If arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  

Customs regulations
Germany has strict customs regulations on: 

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms. 
• Military artifacts (from World War II) 
• Antiques 
• Medications/pharmaceuticals 
• Business equipment 

It is illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or items that glorify fascism, the Nazi past, or the "Third Reich.” 

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or a consulate in the U.S. for customs requirements. 

Faith-based travelers
See the following webpages for details: 

•  Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – Review country reports 
• Human Rights Report – Review country reports 

International volunteers

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers
Germany has no laws criminalizing consensual, same-sex sexual relations or restrictions on information, literature, or events focused on sexual orientation. Most large city governments, including Berlin and Munich, encourage Pride events. This includes those in Cologne, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. 

• Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. 
• Federal anti-discrimination laws protect people based on sexual orientation. 

For more information: 

• Human Rights Report for Germany 

Travelers with accessibility needs
The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced. 

• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is as common as in the United States. 
• Accessibility can be limited in older public transportation and lodging. This is especially the case outside of major cities.  
• Older buildings may not be accessible to people with disabilities. 
• Before traveling, check your hotel or destination. Learn about options for disabled travelers. 

 For more information:  

• The German National Tourist Board.
• All German airports, and airlines such as Lufthansa, offer services for disabled travelers. 
• The German National Railway, Deutsche Bahn, maintains a mobility resource webpage. 

Students

• Students abroad travel tips 
• FBI travel tips for U.S. students. 

Women travelers  

• Travel tips for Women Travelers

Health Resources

• Germany Traveler Information
• Health Traveler Information
• Medical Tourism information 
• International Air Quality Index
• Insurance Coverage Overseas 
• World Health Organization

Emergency numbers
Dial 110 for police or 112 for emergency services.  You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names are different from those available in the United States. 

Ambulances are widely available.  

Medical payments and insurance
The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  

• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not work overseas. 
• Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance available. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Review our Health Abroad page for more information.  

Vaccinations
Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:  

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Air quality
Air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter.  

People at highest risk from particle pollution: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• Anyone over 65 years of age 
• Have lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 
• Have heart disease or diabetes 
• Work or are active outdoors 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Germany. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany. We do not recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery 
Many U.S. citizens suffer serious complications or die from cosmetic or other elective surgeries.    

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry.  
• U.S. citizens seeking healthcare abroad should know that medical systems differ from those in the United States and follow different rules.   
• Consult your doctor before traveling for medical reasons. 
• Learn about the risks of medical tourism from the CDC and find out how to prepare before traveling to Germany. 
• We recommend buying supplemental (extra) insurance hat covers evacuation for unexpected medical issues.  

Pharmaceuticals 
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  

• Check with the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Germany.  
• For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  
• A comprehensive list of these medications can be found here.  If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form.  
  • You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  There is no such authority in the United States. Please have your doctor certify the form. They should enter their practice info in part E. A stamp or seal from their office is ideal. 
  • You can't receive prescription medications by mail in Germany. The strict customs rules require special permissions. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Consult with a medical professional and buy from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  
• Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  
• Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  

Get more information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy (ART)
The Department of State provides information on ART and surrogacy abroad.  

All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany.  

For additional information, visit German Foreign Ministry (German language only). 

Adventure travel

• Learn more about Adventure Travel

Helpful resources

• Road Safety Abroad 
• Driving in Germany
• Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) 
• Dial 112 for emergency services or roadside assistance.  

Road conditions and safety
Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States:  

• Driver errors are a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany. 
• If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can drive in Germany for up to six months without acquiring a German driver’s license.  
• Many German traffic laws and traffic signs are different from those in the United States.  
• Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas, and when the road has many curves.  
• Although high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings may pose significant hazards.  
• Speed limits are strictly enforced.  
• Use of seat belts is required in front and back seats.  
• Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks.  
• These items must always be in your vehicle: Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, and a reflective triangle. 
• In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow or all-season tires (M+S marking). Otherwise, you will be fined. 

Bicycles
German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes.  

• Bicycles have priority in bike lanes over pedestrians and cars. 
• Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets.  
• Before turning onto side streets, check for cyclists. Do this even if the light is green. 
• You will be responsible for any injury or damage if you turn into a side street and hit a cyclist in a marked bike lane. 

If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic laws
In Germany, if you're in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you must stay with your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive. 

• It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany.  
• Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way.  
• It is illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right.  
• Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule.  
• It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher.  

You could be fined and have your driver's license suspended for a set period, depending on the severity of the violation. 

Public transportation
Germany has a safe, extensive public transport system of buses, street cars, trains, and subways.  

• Taxis: Available throughout Germany.  
• Rideshare: Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. 
• All public transport: Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

Strikes in Germany can disrupt public transportation and travel plans. We recommend checking schedules before you travel. 

Aviation safety oversight
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.     

Maritime travel
Mariners and passengers planning travel to Germany should check for U.S. Maritime Advisories and Alerts.  Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website, and the NGA Navigational Warnings website.