Munich Oktoberfest 2025

Munich Oktoberfest 2025

Munich’s annual Oktoberfest beer festival is scheduled to take place this year from September 19^th to October 5^th on the Theresienwiese, Germany. New Zealanders planning on attending this year’s 190^th festival should read our current travel advisory for Germany and the information provided by the Munich organisers here.

Before you go

All New Zealanders planning on attending Oktoberfest are encouraged to:

• Register your details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the SafeTravel website. SafeTravel is the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas. If you register with us, we're able to relay important information and account for your safety and wellbeing, as part of New Zealand's consular response to an overseas emergency.
• Ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place. Make sure it provides cover for any pre-existing conditions as well as any activities you wish to undertake that may be excluded from regular policies.
• Check the latest entry requirements for Germany.
• Check out our SafeTravel website for further information on getting ready to travel and advice on what to do when things go wrong.

Entry to Oktoberfest

Backpacks and heavy bags are strictly forbidden, and bag checks will be performed prior to participants entering the festival grounds. We recommend you secure all large bags and non-essential items at your accommodation. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and similar items are not permitted on the festival grounds. Important information from the Munich authorities for visitors can be found here - Oktoberfest 2025.

Safety and security

We urge all New Zealanders attending Oktoberfest to behave responsibly and to respect local laws and customs. Foreigners have been detained by German authorities for lengthy periods on charges of antisocial behaviour and assault. Lengthy Schengen bans have also been issued to offenders, meaning you may be banned from all countries in the Schengen area, not just Germany.

There is some risk to your security in Germany due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. New Zealanders 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.

New Zealanders attending Oktoberfest should be aware of the high incidence of petty crime in many European countries. Tourists are often seen as easy targets and can be most vulnerable in or around major tourist centres and sites. Be aware of pickpockets and never leave your bag or belongings unattended while in public places or on public transport. Ensure you keep your passport and other personal belongings secure when staying in hostels or other accommodation. As a precaution against drink spiking, never leave your drink unattended. For more information read our travel advice for Germany.