Risk level(s) Risk level(s) COVID-19 – Global travel advisory Effective date: March 13, 2020 Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel. More about the Global travel advisory Germany - Take normal security precautions Take normal security precautions in Germany.

Safety and security Safety and security COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions To reduce the spread of COVID-19, preventative measures and restrictions are in place until further notice. These measures and their enforcement may vary depending on the Länder. As part of the physical distancing measures, you must: keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres from others when in public

limit contact with people who do not live in your household

wear a face covering when on public transportation, in shops, and in other public areas as required If you violate these measures, you could be fined for endangering public health. Follow the advice of local authorities. Useful links: Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions – German Federal Ministry of the Interior

COVID-19 response - European Commission Crime Violent crime is rare, but does occur. Numerous incidents of muggings and sexual assaults have occurred during large gatherings in Cologne and other German cities, most notably on December 31, 2015. Exercise normal security precautions and be particularly vigilant if attending events drawing large crowds. Petty crime (pickpocketing and purse snatching) occurs in major cities and train stations, airports and Christmas markets. Pickpockets often work in teams and target people on trains and at railway stations and airports. Their methods include distracting a victim who is boarding or exiting a train or surrounding a victim in line-ups or at check-in counters. Individuals have been harassed or attacked for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance. Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Arson attacks on parked vehicles have occurred. Terrorism There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Germany, previous incidents have resulted in injury and death. They include random violent assaults in public areas and a truck driven into crowds at a Christmas market in Berlin. Further attacks in Europe are likely. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools

places of worship

airports and other transportation hubs and networks

public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks. The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media. More information about public security - Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community Demonstrations Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations More about mass gatherings (large-scale events) Road safety Roads and public transportation are excellent. Bicycles are numerous throughout the country and often have dedicated pathways between sidewalks and roadways. You should exercise caution when crossing these paths, as bicycles have right of way. Dial 110 in the event of a traffic accident. Air travel We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards. General information about foreign domestic airlines Migrants and refugees There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.

Entry/exit requirements Entry/exit requirements COVID-19 - Entry to the European Union countries The recent European Council’s announcement about the reopening of European Union’s external borders to travellers arriving from certain countries, including Canada, is only a recommendation to the EU Member States. Member States make their own individual determination of who they allow to enter and under what conditions. Special entry requirements could include: entry bans, particularly for non-residents

quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost

health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance

travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel. Check with the diplomatic mission of the countries you plan on visiting and transiting through to know who they allow to enter and under what conditions. Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans. Contact your airline or tour operator to confirm your travel plans

Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions Useful links Entry requirements to EU countries – Re-open EU

Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. We have obtained the information on this page from the German authorities. It can, however, change at any time. Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada. Latest information on German immigration law and regulations - German Federal ministry of interior. Schengen area Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel. General information about the Schengen area

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada Passport Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel. Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Regular Canadian passport Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area. Passport for official travel Different entry rules may apply. Official travel Other travel documents Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination. Useful links Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Canadian passports Temporary border controls The German government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. Canadians may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Germany, even if arriving from another Schengen area country. Visas Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days Student visa: Required The extension of tourist visits longer than 90 days is not possible. You must apply for a residence permit and provide a valid reason. If you must stay beyond the 90-day limit unexpectedly (for example, due to illness), contact the Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in the district in which you are staying for information on how to legalize your extended stay. Registration If you intend to reside in Germany for three months or more, you must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days of your entry into the country. Children and travel Learn about travel with children. Yellow fever Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Laws and culture Laws & culture You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad. Canada and Germany are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Germany to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and German authorities. Identification Carry adequate identification at all times, such as a passport or residence permit. Police have the right to ask to see it. Keep a photocopy of your passport, in case it is lost or seized. Illegal drugs Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Illegal activities Using or displaying Nazi symbols or material, such as flags or memorabilia, is illegal. Dual citizenship Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Germany. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Germany, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. General information for travellers with dual citizenship Driving You must be at least 18 years old to drive a vehicle in Germany. An International Driving Permit is recommended. A Canadian driver’s licence can be used for a maximum of 6 months. After 6 months, you must exchange your Canadian licence for a German one. Allow up to 6 weeks for German authorities to exchange the licence. You must always carry: your driver’s licence

insurance and vehicle documents

written permission from the registered owner, if the vehicle does not belong to you Observe traffic laws and regulations, particularly rights-of-way and speed limits. Much of the autobahn network authorizes much higher speeds than normally allowed in Canada. Exercise caution. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, and your driver’s licence may be confiscated immediately. More about driving in Germany - European Commission

More about the International Driving Permit Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) Drivers of light electric vehicles such as electric scooters and e-skateboards must follow the rules of the road. Insurance is mandatory. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% and zero for new drivers and individuals under 21 years of age. Convicted offenders can face heavy fines and have their licence confiscated. Authorities may ask for the fine to be paid right away. Driving on pedestrian walkways and in pedestrian zones is not allowed. More on Personal Light Electric Vehicles – Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Money The currency of Germany is the euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely available. If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. More information about cash controls - European Commission