Travel requirements for Germany
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Germany — passport and visa rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Entry requirements for Germany
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you arrive.
Visas
British passport holders do not normally need a visa for short tourist stays.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice — Germany. Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Germany
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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4 weeks before travelPolio Consider
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
No terrestrial rabies but bat lyssavirus present. Pre-exposure for bat handlers, veterinarians, and cavers.
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2 weeks before travelTick-borne Encephalitis Consider
Recommended for those visiting TBE-risk regions (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony) with outdoor activities including camping, hiking, or forestry.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro — Germany.
Driving in Germany
To drive in Germany with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
- A UK photocard licence is accepted for up to 6 months.
- Car-hire companies may still require an IDP.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) — find an issuing store.
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