Germany: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Germany is part of the Schengen Area, so the visa requirement to enter depends on the traveler's passport, not their country of residence. The currency is the euro (EUR) and the official language is German, though English is widely understood in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
The German healthcare system is one of the most efficient in Europe, but it bills anyone without insurance or a reciprocal agreement, even for simple treatment. The emergency number is 112 throughout the country.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Schengen Area member country; the short-stay visa requirement depends on each traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: The healthcare system is high quality but not free for visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR is recommended.
Visa and entry documents
Those who need a Schengen visa must apply at the German consulate before traveling, with a flight reservation, accommodation, and travel insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR. Nationalities exempt from a visa can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after the departure date.
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage if your passport requires a visa.
Health and medical insurance
German hospitals are high quality, but they require proof of insurance or advance payment from anyone without a reciprocal agreement. Events like Oktoberfest in Munich draw huge numbers of visitors, and with them, a higher likelihood of minor accidents treated in emergency rooms.
Assist-365 offers 24-hour medical assistance, hospitalization, and COVID-19 coverage in Germany, with a certificate valid for the Schengen visa; the code MEDALLOADV2023 applies a discount when you get a quote.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the euro (EUR). The rail network (Deutsche Bahn) connects all major cities, and many stretches of the autobahn have no general speed limit, something uncommon elsewhere in Europe.
When to travel
High season runs from June to August and during the December Christmas markets. Spring and autumn offer cooler weather and lower accommodation prices than in summer.
Travel checklist for Germany
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Germany.
- Check the visa requirement for Germany based on your passport: Schengen Area member country; the short-stay visa requirement depends on each traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The healthcare system is high quality but not free for visitors without a reciprocal agreement; insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR is recommended.
- Save Germany's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Germany require a visa from all nationalities?
No. As a Schengen country, the visa requirement depends on each traveler's passport; some nationalities enter without a visa and others must apply for one.
What is the emergency number in Germany?
112, available throughout the country for police, ambulance, and fire services.
Do German hospitals accept international travel insurance?
Yes, most private clinics and many public ones accept certificates from international insurers as proof of payment.
What currency is used in Germany?
The euro (EUR), the same as in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.
