TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Germany. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

Summary

Germany is a Federal state comprised of 16 Lander. Laws, public holidays, etc. may vary from Lander to Lander.

Safety and Security

Irish citizens should be aware of the potential threat of terrorist attacks on major urban centres across Europe.  Accordingly, travellers to Germany are urged to be vigilant, particularly at airports, train stations and major urban and tourist centres.

Crime
Violent crime in Germany is rare, but normal, sensible precautions should be taken to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick pocketing, particularly at airports, train stations and around unattended vehicles.

Local Laws and Customs

If you intend to stay in Germany for three months or more you must register with the local German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt). Those coming to Germany for short stays are not required to register with these authorities.

You should carry your valid passport with you at all times. German police have the right to ask for identification at any time, and the only acceptable form of ID for Irish citizens is a valid passport. For this reason it is also advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you, should you lose the original.

Natural Disasters and Climate

While the flooding has receded somewhat, there is still flood damage and high water levels in several parts of Germany - mainly along the Elbe and other large rivers. More northerly parts of the country are now being affected, including Saxony, Saxony Anhalt and Thuringia, as well as the initial problem regions around Bavaria. Road and rail networks are still being disrupted. Before travelling, please check with your destination’s local authority or with your travel company for the latest information.

Some people may experience disruption to travel plans as a result. We recommend that you check with your destination’s local authority or with your travel operator for the travel latest information.

Rail services in Germany have been affected, details are available on the Deutsche-Bahn website: http://www.bahn.de/p/view/home/info/hochwasser.shtml

In the event of a natural disaster, Irish citizens should follow the advice of the local authorities.

Additional Country Info

Tourist information
www.germany.travel/en/index.html
Train Timetables
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?newrequest=yes&protocol=http:&
Money transfer/Western Union
http://locations.westernunion.com/?locale=en_US

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN GERMANY

Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in Germany, are available here.