Is It Safe to Travel to Germany?

In this article

Is It Safe to Travel to Germany?

Is Germany Safe? The Country's Crime Rates

Safe Steps
Nightlife

Political Situation and Social Tension

What Is the Best Thing to Do if You Find Yourself in Germany During the Demonstrations?

German Safety: The Risk of Terrorist Attacks
Road Safety, Driving, and Local Customs
Relevant Local Laws and Customs

Regulations Around Illegal Substances

Climate and Natural Disasters in Germany
Is Germany Safe to Travel Alone + The Take on Solo Female Travel

Check the Hotel/Hostel Where You Plan to Stay
Take Care of Your Things
Be Careful With the People You Meet

German COVID-19 Restrictions and Preventative Measures

Important Information You Need to Know During Your Stay:

Travel Insurance

Germany Entry Requirements

The Verdict: Is Germany Safe to Travel?

Risk of danger in Germany: LOW
Risk of terrorist attacks: MEDIUM
Risk of pickpocketing in public transport: MEDIUM
Risk of natural disasters: LOW
Risk of robbery and kidnapping: LOW
Risk of potential problems when using a taxi: LOW
Risk for women traveling alone: LOW

Before you decide to travel to a country for the first time, it is advisable to be well-informed about it. A large number of tourists research history, culture, best places to hang out, but they don’t examine the country’s safety. Especially among younger travel enthusiasts, checking the safety of the country they are traveling to can be a secondary thing to look into.

Researching the best places to visit in Germany is inevitable, but don’t neglect considering the safety of the locations you want to explore. Our travel advice is that this should definitely be one of the first things you check because in the last few years a number of countries have had problems with terrorist attacks, increased crime rates, and of course the well-known coronavirus.

Germany has a large number of tourist attractions and is therefore very popular among tourists. In this article you will get a detailed answer to the question “Is it safe to travel to Germany?”, as well as tips to stay safe while traveling.

Is Germany Safe? The Country's Crime Rates

In general, the crime rate in Germany has been declining in recent years. This is especially true after 2015. Here are some interesting statistics: last year was the year with the lowest number of crimes committed in the last six years - exactly 6070 on average for every 100,000 people.

For comparison, in the period from 2000 to 2004, that number ranged from some 7,600 to more than 8,000 crimes. The crime rate increased between 2010 and 2015, but finally after 2015 until today, the number of crimes in Germany is decreasing.

Safe Steps

To prevent pickpocketing, bag snatching, and muggers, take safety steps. At crowded public events, railroad stations, and airports, be extra cautious. Never let personal belongings stay unsecured. You must visit the closest local police station to file a police report if your passport has been stolen.

Nightlife

When you're out at night, always keep an eye on your drink so that someone doesn't spill something in it.

Political Situation and Social Tension

During Covid-19, in Germany, as in other countries, there were protests against the isolation, movement restrictions and other measures we faced during the pandemic.

What Is the Best Thing to Do if You Find Yourself in Germany During the Demonstrations?

For starters, be sure to avoid the crowds and the protesters. Stay away from public areas where protesters can be found in large numbers. If you do get into problems, call the police immediately at 110 in Germany.

Monitor local media and travel advisors. The German government informs people of potential dangers.

German Safety: The Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Unfortunately, Germany has been a target of terrorists in previous years.

So, if you are a tourist planning to visit Germany, be careful and stay updated on local news so you know which places to avoid. Targets of attacks can be shopping centers, Christmas markets, various public gatherings, restaurants, etc.

Road Safety, Driving, and Local Customs

First-time tourists to Germany will find the country's public transportation system to be quite user-friendly. Prices are reasonable, there are seldom delays, and security officers occasionally monitor trains at night for those concerned about doing lengthy rail rides alone.

There are a really large number of taxis in Germany, according to some estimates even more than half a million. You will most often recognize a taxi vehicle by its cream color and of course the black and gold taxi sign. Taxi drivers must be uniformed, and turning on the taximeter is mandatory.

Travel advise if you drive yourself: be sure to respect the speed limits because the fines are big. You can even get your driver's license revoked, and you must have vehicle documents and your driver's license with you.

Relevant Local Laws and Customs

While in Germany, you do not need to keep your passport with you. However, if the police or local authorities meet you on the street and ask for your passport and you haven't brought it with you, they will escort you to the place where your passport is located to show them.

Be careful when crossing the street. It is illegal to cross a pedestrian crossing while the traffic light is red. If you do, you risk paying a fine as well as other costs in the event of an accident.

Nazi symbols, salutes, emblems, and souvenirs like flags are all prohibited from use or exhibition.

Regulations Around Illegal Substances

Even tiny amounts of illegal drug possession, usage, or trafficking are punishable by steep penalties and lengthy jail sentences.

Climate and Natural Disasters in Germany

Your international travel may be impacted by severe weather. Keep an eye on local media for information. Here are some tips If you are going to a place where there has been a lot of bad weather:

Follow local officials' guidance.
Check your trip and itinerary details with your travel provider.
Use the help of local travel companies and hotels to determine the state of the infrastructure and facilities.

Is Germany Safe to Travel Alone + The Take on Solo Female Travel

In general, safety for solo tourists is at a high level in Germany. As we have already mentioned, the crime rate has constantly been decreasing in previous years, a large number of public places are covered by cameras, and the policy covers a large number of streets. Even if you are a female solo traveler, you shouldn't worry too much. According to some available sources of information, Germany is ranked seventh on the list of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers. However, you should always be careful and take care of your safety. Here is some travel advice to avoid awkward situations when traveling alone.

Check the Hotel/Hostel Where You Plan to Stay

Before booking accommodation for solo travel, make sure to read reviews about it. Check the location, find out about the bus, taxi, or tram line, and try to avoid those that are too remote and lonely, as well as those with low ratings.

Take Care of Your Things

If you have chosen a hostel to stay in, you probably know that many people stay there. Be careful not to leave valuables in the room, especially money and documents, as things can get lost.

Be Careful With the People You Meet

When you travel alone, chances are high that you will make a new friendship. However, be careful with people you've just met, because even though they seem cool and friendly, you can't know what their intentions really are.

German COVID-19 Restrictions and Preventative Measures

Here are some of the measures against covid 19 in Germany that you should know when planning your trip:

Entry restrictions: Even if they have had a vaccination or have recovered, travelers from virus-variant regions must endure 2-week isolation in Germany (entry restrictions do not apply to people coming from non-viral variant countries)
Until the end of January 2023, the 3G restriction (entry and exit requirements) on travel to Germany will be suspended. Travelers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or testing to enter Germany

Important Information You Need to Know During Your Stay:

The German government has lifted almost all corona rules.
Of the protective measures, you only have to wear masks on the bus and trains.
If a new hotspot appears, the state government will pass new rules against Covid-19
Of course, these rules can change, because the number of people infected with the coronavirus is increasing, so be sure to inform yourself before traveling.
For further information, visit the website of the German federal ministry of Health

Travel Insurance

Be sure to get comprehensive travel insurance! Your travel insurance should cover absolutely all medical expenses outside your country, even medical evacuation or medical care.

Travel advice - We recommend you not to skimp on travel insurance because if you need medical assistance or health care, the overseas medical costs will be much higher than travel insurance.

Germany Entry Requirements

Germany is a popular destination for tourists across the world. In fact, it’s become an attractive country for expats, including American citizens. Safety and healthcare are just some of the reasons why Americans choose to live in Germany. Among other perks,Germany is cheaper than the US. If you want to read more on this subject, we’ve created a guide on Immigrating from Germany to US.

So, if you decide to visit this European country - what are the requirements you must meet to enter?

Non-European citizens who want to visit Germany must have a Schengen Visa or an ETIAS visa waiver , while citizens from other Schengen visa countries can move freely across the borders without the need for any type of visa. Obtaining ETIAS is quick and easy compared to traditional visas, and as a plus, it can be completed online. Please note that the ETIAS visa waiver will be mandatory by the end of 2022 or early 2023.

The Verdict: Is Germany Safe to Travel?

In general, we can conclude that Germany is generally a very safe country. Finally, here is our risk assessment of the most important things we mentioned in the article.

NOTE: If you need emergency consular assistance (consular services), contact the nearest embassy.

Risk of danger in Germany: LOW

Travel to Germany is very safe. When visiting Germany, pickpockets and con artists should be your top concerns.

Risk of terrorist attacks: MEDIUM

Unfortunately, as you could read in the article, there have been terrorist attacks in Germany in recent years. No tourists were targeted, but extreme caution is advised.

Risk of pickpocketing in public transport: MEDIUM

As in any place with a large number of tourists, there is a risk of pickpocketing in Germany, especially on public transport, so we advise you to be extra careful there

Risk of natural disasters: LOW

In general, apart from a couple of earthquakes that happen in Germany from time to time, there are no major threats from natural disasters.

Risk of robbery and kidnapping: LOW

Although there is a minimal risk of being robbed or kidnapped in Germany, it is advisable to exercise caution and stay away from darkened and isolated streets and regions.

Risk of potential problems when using a taxi: LOW

Taxis are very safe in Germany.

Risk for women traveling alone: LOW

Although the risk for female travelers is very low in Germany, be careful, and avoid dark and isolated streets.