Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Germany is generally very safe for tourists, with low violent crime and efficient policing. The main issue is petty theft — pickpockets at busy stations, markets and major sights. For emergencies dial 112 (police 110).
- Overall
- Very safe; watch for pickpockets
- Hotspots
- Stations, markets, tourist sights
- Emergencies
- 112 (police 110)
- Keep bags closed and valuables out of sight in crowds
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Stay alert around main stations and nightlife districts, and take normal precautions in some outer city areas at night. Central tourist areas are safe and well policed.
- No-go areas
- None for typical tourists
- Watch
- Main stations, nightlife
- At night
- Normal caution in outer areas
- Check current local advice before travelling
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Germany has no significant earthquakes or volcanoes. The main natural hazards are weather-related: storms and strong winds, occasional river flooding after heavy rain, and summer heatwaves. Check DWD weather warnings before travelling.
- Earthquakes
- Not a significant risk
- Main hazard
- Storms, river flooding, heat
- Warnings
- DWD (weather service)
- Flooding can affect river regions after prolonged rain
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Germany has excellent healthcare and high hygiene standards. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. In forested and rural areas in spring–autumn, tick-borne illnesses (TBE) are a small risk; use repellent if hiking. No special vaccinations needed.
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Healthcare
- Excellent; EHIC/GHIC for EU/EEA
- Ticks
- Small risk in forests/rural
- Use insect repellent when hiking in wooded areas
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing is the main risk, especially at main stations, on public transport, at Christmas markets and major sights. Watch for distraction tricks in crowds. Keep valuables secure and be alert at busy events and festivals.
- Pickpockets
- Stations, transport, markets
- Scams
- Distraction tricks in crowds
- Events
- Extra care at festivals
- Use a front pocket or crossbody bag; keep phones secure
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Germany is a stable democracy. Demonstrations occur occasionally and are usually peaceful, but can disrupt transport. Rail and public-transport strikes happen from time to time. Avoid protests and check transport notices before you travel.
- Stability
- Stable democracy
- Strikes
- Occasional rail/transport
- Advice
- Avoid demonstrations
- Deutsche Bahn strikes can affect train schedules
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID at all times. Illegal drugs are prohibited. Nazi symbols and gestures are illegal. Jaywalking can be fined, and Sundays are quiet with most shops closed. Recycling and rubbish rules are strict. Local rules vary by region.
- ID
- Carry passport or copy
- Illegal
- Nazi symbols/gestures banned
- Sundays
- Most shops closed
- Jaywalking and littering can be fined
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for ambulance and fire (the EU-wide number) and 110 for police. Both are free, even without a SIM or credit. For non-emergency public administration questions, 115 is a general service line. Operators can often help in English.
- Ambulance/fire
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Free
- Works without SIM or credit
- 115 is a non-emergency public service line
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, cancellation and activities. EU/EEA visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC for state healthcare, but it does not replace full travel insurance, especially for winter sports in the Alps.
- Cover
- Medical, cancellation, activities
- EU/EEA
- EHIC/GHIC for state care
- Note
- EHIC/GHIC is not full insurance
- Keep insurance and emergency numbers accessible offline