COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to the ongoing threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

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Germany

Terrorism
A heightened threat of terrorism remains throughout Germany.

Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Germany and across Europe. Individuals and groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past.

In December 2020 – a knife attack in a shopping mall in Hamburg injuring three.

In December 2020 – a vehicle attack in a pedestrian zone in Trier killing five people and injuring 24 others.

In October 2020 – a stabbing attack in the street in Dresden killing one person and injuring another.

In August 2020 – an extremist deliberately drove a car into several others on a Berlin city motorway injuring several people.

In February 2020 – an extremist opened fire on two shisha bars in Hanau near Frankfurt, causing several deaths and injuries.

The German authorities maintain increased security measures as a precaution around the country, including at public buildings, transport hubs, major events and large public gatherings. German police continue to monitor a number of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist-related activity and have disrupted a number of terror plots.

New Zealanders in Germany are advised to be vigilant and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a heightened degree of vigilance in public places.

Crime
Violent crime is rare, but has occurred in larger cities around metropolitan subway systems and in train stations. Extremist individuals and groups have been known to racially harass and attack perceived foreigners in the past.

Petty crime such as bag snatching and pick pocketing occurs in Germany, particularly in and around major cities, tourist sites and transport hubs. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and guard belongings carefully.

Incidents of 'drink spiking' at popular night clubs and markets, leading to sexual assault, have been reported.  Travellers are advised to exercise particular caution when attending large events, and to pay attention to their personal security in public places, particularly at night.

Natural Disasters
Storms and flooding are not uncommon all year around in Germany. Most recently in 2021 in the Ahr Valley to the west of Bonn, 134 people died when the River Ahr and small tributaries of the Mosel burst their banks. 

New Zealanders are encouraged to listen to weather advisories issued by the German authorities and follow local advice before undertaking outdoor activities.

Civil Unrest
Public demonstrations, protests and rallies occur in Germany. New Zealanders are advised to follow any advice issued by the local authorities and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Germany should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.

New Zealanders in Germany are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe
• Abolition of border controls in Europe
• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Berlin, Germany

Telephone +49 30 206 210 Email nzembber@infoem.org Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/germany Hours Mon - Fri 09.30 - 1300, 1400 - 1600 Note For consular assistance in Switzerland, Telephone: +41 22 929 0350

See our regional advice for Europe