Germany

As Germany moves forward into the 21st century, leaving behind a history of division and tyranny, it is a nation embracing its newfound liberalism and redefining a modern cultural identity. Yet even today, visitors to the country can't escape feeling profoundly moved by this country's past and the effects it still has on its people.

Situated in the heart of Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany provides an ideal gateway to any tour of the subcontinent. Its land is wide and varied with turreted castles nestled below snow-capped mountains, lush river valleys, dark and mysterious forests and bustling medieval villages. This is the land of fairy tales, where farmland minstrels headed to Bremen to become musicians, where Sleeping Beauty was woken and Little Red Riding Hood ventured into the woods.

Germany's cities each have something unique to offer the visitor. Each year millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city's Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and 'gemutlichkeit' (a word the locals use to describe a comfortable, sociable environment). Berlin, while still recovering from some of the scars of division, contains many sights from the iconic Brandenburg Gate, to the path of the old Berlin Wall. The city's vibrant nightlife is still evocative of its height in the 1920s and 30s, as characterised by the songs of Marlene Dietrich, the theatre of Brecht and the Film Cabaret.

Discover the country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen - you won't be disappointed.

Climate

Coastal regions of Germany have a temperate climate with warm summers and mild cloudy winters. Inland, the climate is more continental with warmer summers and colder winters. The Alpine and upland regions have cooler weather and more rain. Rain can be expected throughout the country all year round.

Money

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs and exchange bureaux are widely available. The major credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in many large shops, hotels and restaurants, although Germans themselves prefer to carry cash. Travellers cheques are best cashed at exchange bureaux, as banks often won't change them. The quickest and most convenient way to change money is to obtain cash from one of the ATM machines that are ubiquitous features on all German streets. Banks are closed on weekends, but exchange bureaux at airports and main railway stations are open daily from 6am to 10pm.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA members require proof of (i) onward or return tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and (iii) sufficient funds to support themselves while in Germany. Note that citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA are exempt from the requirement to hold onward tickets. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days per half-year period, for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Germany. Note that Temporary passports will not be recognised.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Germany. A visa is not required.

Health

There are no serious health risks in Germany. The German health service is excellent. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Nationals of other countries should take out medical insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• German Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 298 4000.
• German Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7824 1300.
• German Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1101.
• German Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 1911.
• German Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 427 8900.
• German Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3011.
• German Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6063.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 83050.
• British Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 20 457-0.
• Canadian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 203 120.
• Australian Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 880 0880.
• South African Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 730.
• Irish Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 220 720.
• New Zealand Embassy, Berlin: +49 (0)30 206 210.