Travel Report for Germany

Country Profile for
Germany

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 19, 2006 16:06 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:08 EST

Germany

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to

Germany

do not experience problems. Violent crime is rare but can occur, especially in major cities or high-risk areas, including train stations and airports.

Street crime, such as mugging, pickpocketing, and purse-snatching, occurs. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Pickpockets work in teams of two or three and focus especially on trains, railway stations and airports. Methods include distracting the target's attention often when boarding or alighting from trains, surrounding (left/right or front/back) in line-ups or at check-in counters. International events like the FIFA World Cup or the Pope's visit attract pickpockets from other European countries.

Extremist youth gangs are a threat, particularly in urban areas and the new German states (Bundesländer). Members have been known to harass or attack individuals for racial reasons or because they appear to be foreign. Avoid political demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Travellers should understand and observe traffic laws and regulations, particularly rights-of-way and speed limits. The high speeds permitted on the German autobahn can pose a significant hazard. In the event of a traffic accident, call 110. Roads and public transportation are excellent in the west and good throughout the east. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device.

Drivers must carry a valid Canadian driver's licence as well as insurance, vehicle documents, and written permission from the registered owner of the vehicle (if it does not belong to the driver) at all times. The minimum age for driving a car in

Germany

is 18 years old. Canadians under 18 are not permitted to drive, even with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

Drivers who posses a valid Canadian driver's licence can use it in

Germany

for a maximum period of six months. Canadians intending to remain in

Germany

and drive a car beyond the six months should arrange for an exchange of their Canadian licence for a German one. It can take up to six weeks for German authorities to exchange the licence.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Heavy flooding may occur in spring and summer.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However,

Canada

and

Germany

are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in

Germany

to request a transfer to

Canada

to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and German authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

You should carry identification at all times. You may wish to carry a photocopy of your passport; however, police may require that you produce the original.

Canadians intending to stay in

Germany

for three months or more must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days of their entry into the country.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences, and driving licences may be confiscated immediately.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Germany - BERLIN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: 49 (30) 20 31 20
Fax: 49 (30) 20 31 24 57
E-mail: brlin-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.de

Germany - DÜSSELDORF, Consulate of Canada
Address: Benrather Strasse 8, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel.: 49 (211) 17 21 70
Fax: 49 (211) 35 91 65
E-mail: ddorf@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.de

Germany - HAMBURG, Consulate of Canada
Address: Ballindamm 35, 5th Floor, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
Tel.: 49 (40) 46 00 27 0
Fax: 49 (40) 46 00 27 20
E-mail: hmbrg@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.de

Germany - MUNICH, Consulate of Canada
Address: Tal 29, 80331 München, Germany
Tel.: 49 (89) 21 99 57 0
Fax: 49 (89) 21 99 57 57
E-mail: munic@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.de

Germany - STUTTGART, Consulate of Canada
Address: Lange Strasse 51, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
Tel.: 49 (711) 22 39 67 8
Fax: 49 (711) 22 39 67 9
E-mail: hcons.stuttgart@consulates-canada.de
Internet: http://www.canada.de

When making a long-distance call within Germany, the city code must be preceded by a zero. For example, to call Berlin from elsewhere in

Germany

, you must dial 030 followed by the local number.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Berlin and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00-800-2326-6831 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by

Canada

's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from

Germany

is 0-800-888-0014, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the German authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 29, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Germany

. The passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

To obtain information on specific entry requirements regarding residence of more than 90 days, contact the Foreigners' Registration Office (Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten / Ausländerbehörde) in the community where you wish to reside, or the nearest German embassy or consular office, before you leave Canada.

For the latest information

on German immigration law, please consult the Web site of the German Interior Ministry:www.zuwanderung.de/english/index.html.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the euro (EUR). Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most banks and some shops. Credit cards are accepted by major hotels, shops, and restaurants. ATMs are widely available.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Germany (capital: Berlin) is located in Western Europe, bordered by France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. The official language is German. Tourist facilities are widely available. In the event of a medical emergency, call 112.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Good medical care is widely available in Germany. Immediate cash payment is often expected. The cost of a hospital stay or medical treatment in Germany is expensive. German hospitals do not issue a detailed breakdown of expenses, which is usually required by Canadian insurance companies. Such a detailed bill has to be requested from the hospital or the doctor.

Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in wooded areas in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and south Hesse, from spring to autumn. If you plan to visit forested areas, you should seek advice regarding inoculations before leaving Canada.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, make up the Schengen area, which aims to abolish border controls between those countries and create a single external frontier. However, controls are still in place at the borders of the newer Schengen countries.

Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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