Germany

Many countries within Europe have introduced additional border checks in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Temporary land border controls have been introduced between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Denmark. Deliveries of goods and people commuting for work are allowed to cross these borders. Travellers on non-essential travel may be refused entry.

Make sure you:

• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area
• monitor border conditions by checking local sources and asking transport providers directly.

Pressure on border controls in Europe has increased due to mass movement of asylum seekers.

Oktoberfest

During Oktoberfest, there will be an increased demand for accommodation and transport facilities, expect delays and plan your travel accordingly.

Due to the high risk of COVID-19 Oktoberfest has been cancelled in 2020.

More information:

Driving permit

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Germany.

Always have your driver’s licence, insurance and vehicle documents in the vehicle while you’re driving.

You can only use your Australian driver’s licence in some cases. Check the Embassy of Germany.

If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.

Road travel

Temporary land border controls have been introduced between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Denmark. Deliveries of goods and people commuting for work are allowed to cross these borders. People on non-essential travel may be refused entry.

Road conditions are similar to those in Australia, but some basic rules differ.

Parts of the autobahn (highway) network don’t have set speed limits. Be prepared for very fast traffic.

Bicycles have the right of way over vehicles turning into side streets.

Vehicles must be fitted with specific tyres (mud and snow) if there’s snow, ice or frost on the road.

You’ll usually need winter tyres between October and Easter. However, there’s no set time period and it varies region to region.

Check for appropriate tyres before accepting a rental vehicle. If the wrong tyres are fitted, you could get a fine and your insurance company may reject any claim.

Get to know the local road rules before you drive or ride a vehicle.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Bicycles are common.

Many roads have bicycle pathways, usually coloured red, between the pedestrian footpath and the roadway, as well as bicycle traffic lights.

Don’t walk on these pathways. Cyclists travel fast and have right of way.

Accidents and injuries resulting from collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are common.

E-Scooters are common in larger cities:

• You don’t need a driver’s licence to ride them but you must be over 14 years of age.
• They must be insured and not be driven on pedestrian footpaths
• You can’t take passengers on E-Scooters

More information:

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxi drivers who look for business in public places such as the airport may charge you more.

Metered taxis are available from official taxi ranks.

Rideshare services are legal.

Public transport

Germany has a well-developed bus and rail transport system. However, petty crime still happens.

Take care with your personal belongings, particularly on trains and in major transport hubs. Don’t leave bags unattended on trains, even briefly.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 there may be a reduction in public transport services in Germany.

More information:

Sea travel

Some international cruise lines stop over in Germany. There are also cruises on major rivers.

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Air travel

If you are returning to Australia from Germany you may face disruptions to travel due to entry restrictions imposed by the country you are transiting. Please check the travel advice of the country you are transiting through.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Germany’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government