Orientation briefing: Germany

Orientation briefing: Germany1 / 15

Overview

Alert levelNo general travel restrictionOfficial advice updated on 11 August 2026 (FCDO)

18open jobs

7organisations hiring

2violent events in 3 months

2deaths (estimate)

Region: Europe

To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.

The country in its region

Orientation briefing: Germany2 / 15

Socio-political and economic situation

History and context

As Europe's largest economy and second most-populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating world wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key western economic and security organizations, including the EC (now the EU) and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War allowed German reunification to occur in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages up to western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro.

Political system

federal parliamentary republic

Orientation briefing: Germany3 / 15

Ethnic groups, languages, religions

Ethnic groups

German 85.4%, Turkish 1.8%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Syrian 1.1%, Romanian 1%, Poland 1%, other/stateless/unspecified 8.3% (2022 est.)

Languages

German (official); note - Danish, Frisian, Sorbian, and Romani are official minority languages; Low German, Danish, North Frisian, Sater Frisian, Lower Sorbian, Upper Sorbian, and Romani are recognized as regional languages

Religions

Roman Catholic 24.8%, Protestant 22.6%, Muslim 3.7%, other 5.1%, none 43.8% (2022 est.)

Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).

Orientation briefing: Germany4 / 15

Economy and society

Economic overview

leading export-driven, core EU and eurozone economy; key automotive, chemical, engineering, finance, and green energy industries; growth stalled by energy crisis and declining exports; tight labor market with falling working-age population; fiscal rebalancing with phaseout of energy price supports

83.5 MPopulation2025

82.1 %Urban population2025

$60,496GDP per capita2025

0.2 %GDP growth2025

2.2 %Inflation2025

0.7 %Extreme poverty (international line)2022

3.7 %Unemployment2025

93.5 %Internet users2024

100 %Access to electricity2024

Refugees and displaced people

2,655,191refugees hosted2025

297,503asylum seekers2025

953refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025

28,315stateless people2025

Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.

Orientation briefing: Germany5 / 15

Arms bearers

Armed and security forces

Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): German Army (Deutsche Heer), German Navy (Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm), German Air Force (Deutsche Luftwaffe, includes air defense), Cyber and Information Space (Cyber und Informationsraum) (2025)

Designated terrorist groups

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa'ida

Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.

Orientation briefing: Germany6 / 15

Warnings and insurance

UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow FCDO: 

Orientation briefing: Germany7 / 15

Recent security

Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.

The darker the region, the more events it saw.

Armed conflict involving the State · 1Violence against civilians · 1

By month: July 2 · August 0 · September 0

Region	Events	Deaths	Civilians	Trend
Berlin	2	2	1	new

Orientation briefing: Germany8 / 15

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Germany

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Germany.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places visited by foreign nationals such as:

restaurants
markets
shopping centres
places of worship and religious sites, including synagogues
sporting and cultural events
crowded places and public gatherings

Examples of recent attacks include:

in July 2026, 1 person was killed and 29 injured when a vehicle drove into crowds celebrating Christopher Street Day, Berlin’s annual LGBT+ Pride event
in 2024, 3 people were killed and several injured following a knife attack in Solingen
in 2021, 5 people were stabbed and injured on a train in Neumarkt, Bavaria
in 2020, one person was killed and another seriously injured in a knife attack in Dresden
in 2020, 8 people were killed and 5 injured in 2 mass shootings in shisha bars in Hanau
in 2019, 2 people were shot and killed after a failed attempt to enter a synagogue in the eastern German city of Halle

German authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are similar to the UK. Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations and in crowded public places or gatherings. Do not leave bags unattended.

Counterfeit currency

Only change money at banks, ATMs or official money exchanges. Check your change when paying in cash. British nationals have been arrested for trying to pay with counterfeit currency.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

It’s not a legal requirement to carry ID. However, if you cannot show ID when asked, police can escort you to get your passport.

They will ask for a passport and, if you are a resident, for your residence card as well.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Germany have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

If you’re taking part in organised outdoor activities, check that the company is reputable and has documented safety procedures.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing or paragliding), your insurance should include:

mountain rescue services
helicopter costs
repatriation to your country of residence or possible transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

Hiking

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario with items such as a map, compass, GPS and telecommunication equipment.

Risks are greater if you undertake any activity alone. You may want to hire a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.

Winter sports

Read about preparing for winter sports abroad.

Take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel. Follow local skiing laws and regulations.

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous and can invalidate your travel insurance. Avalanches are a risk in some areas. Follow safety instructions carefully and go with a qualified guide. Check ahead on the European Avalanche Warning Service website.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Germany, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Germany guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence. If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

The German Federal Transport Ministry has more information on the validity of non-German driving licences.

If you’re driving a vehicle that does not belong to you, you may need to show written permission from the registered owner.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you are visiting Germany, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

If you live in Germany, check the driving requirements for residents.

Low emission zones

Some inner-city areas have an environmental zone (‘Umweltzone’). Only vehicles that meet specific exhaust emission standards can enter. See Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection for more information.

Orientation briefing: Germany9 / 15

Health

Health indicators

80.8yearsLife expectancy2024

3.7per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024

4per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023

4.53per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022

100 %Basic drinking water access2024

Health risks and precautions (official advice)

Before you travel, check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccine recommendations for Germany
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Germany, including Mpox.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Germany, including mountainous regions. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.

Healthcare in Germany

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Germany, where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Germany, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

how to apply for a GHIC
how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

changes to travel and accommodation bookings
additional standard costs for treatment
medical repatriation to the UK
treatment that is ruled non-urgent
private healthcare
private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Germany.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Orientation briefing: Germany10 / 15

Entry and visas

Your nationality

For other nationalities:

Visa-free (68): Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
Visa to apply for at the embassy before travel (103): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)

Work visa and humanitarian permit

A tourist visa does not allow you to work: your organisation usually applies for a work or mission visa, with an invitation letter and the NGO's registration with the authorities.
It often takes several weeks: have a passport valid for at least 6 months, photos, diplomas, contract and international vaccination certificate ready.
United Nations staff travel on the laissez-passer with an official visa requested by the agency.

Detailed entry requirements (FCDO, for British travellers)

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Germany set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the German Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Germany follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you have a residence permit, you must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. Renew it before the expiry date.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Germany, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Germany are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At German border control, you may need to:

show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the German government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the German Embassy in the UK.

If you’re in Germany with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Germany.

New Schengen entry requirements

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Border controls at Germany’s land borders

A temporary reintroduction of border controls is currently in place at Germany’s land borders.

See information from The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community.

Checkpoints on the Germany/Poland border

Poland has introduced border checks on the Germany/Poland border. Vehicles may be stopped and documentation checked. For further information see Poland Travel Advice.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Germany guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Germany. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Germany

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Germany

You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You can find more information on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

Orientation briefing: Germany11 / 15

Humanitarian coordination

Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.

Global directory of NGO forums (ICVA)

Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.

Orientation briefing: Germany12 / 15

Humanitarians on the ground

Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:

PNUD · 7ONU · 4PAM · 2UNICEF · 2ONU Femmes · 1OIM · 1Malteser · 1

See jobs in Germany Tenders ↗Train in field security

Orientation briefing: Germany13 / 15

Region by region

Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.

Jobs by region · The darker the region, the more open jobs it has.

Berlin

2 events · 2 deaths · 1 civilian

2 jobs →

What official advice says

in July 2026, 1 person was killed and 29 injured when a vehicle drove into crowds celebrating Christopher Street Day, Berlin’s annual LGBT+ Pride event