Germany visa requirements and travel medical insurance guide
January 04, 2019
Explore Germany: from world-class cities to wide-open spaces
From sophisticated design centers to picturesque castles to idyllic natural settings, Germany is a draw for travelers from around the world. Whether you're exploring the country for a vacation or heading to Germany for business, doing a little research ahead of time will ensure you enjoy your visit to this historic, beautiful country.
There are a lot of different ways to explore this diverse country, so take your time planning your visit and make sure to organize for a backup plan in case something comes up, whether it's a medical emergency or simply a travel hiccup. Buying a trip protection policy can help you plan for a more relaxed vacation knowing that you have all your bases covered.
Overall advice for German travel
If you're ready to explore Germany, learn a few German phrases. Even though many younger citizens speak English fluently, it's courteous to know some basics in the local language. In addition:
- Always have some cash on you – despite being one of the leading tech countries, smaller shops and restaurants will not take credit or debit cards.
- Required travel documents are a valid U.S. passport and a valid visa, both of which are required upon entry. Germany is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, which provides for the free movement of travelers between the signatory countries within Europe under a common visa policy. The Schengen visa is a single-entry visa that allows visitors to travel between member states for up to 90 days without needing a separate visa for each country.
- There is a medical insurance requirement for traveling in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days. To meet this, travelers must provide a letter from their insurance company stating that they will be covered for any medical or repatriation expenses — applicable to the entire Schengen area — for the entire duration of the intended stay.
Health care and safety
No extra vaccinations are required to enter Germany. When traveling in the country, it is good to know the nationwide emergency numbers:
- 112 for the ambulance and medical services/fire department
- 110 for police.
Strikes and demonstrations occur relatively often and have the potential to affect services used by travelers.
Crime, such as petty theft or pickpocketing, is the security concern travelers to Germany are most likely to encounter.
Before you visit Germany for business
A few crucial tips can prevent a potential faux pas from affecting the success of your work trip:
- Business attire is usually conservative, with plain, muted and solid colors being common but varying from industry to industry.
- Always be punctual. German culture considers being 5–10 minutes late rude — it's recommended to arrive 5–10 minutes early for important meetings.
- A firm, quick handshake with everyone in the room and holding eye contact is customary in business dealings.
- Formal address is very common in Germany. An offer to use first names must always come from the older person.
- While a gratuity of 15% is automatically added to your bill, it's customary to leave additional change or smaller bills for excellent service.
- German is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in the larger cities of the western and northern parts of the country.
- Be careful about U.S. gestures that may have different meanings in Germany — for instance, the "OK" sign (index finger forming a circle with a thumb) can be seen as offensive.
Something for everyone
Whether you love discovering the local cuisine, delight in setting foot in historical spaces, love diving into fashion — and music-forward events or losing yourself in nature's grandeur, travel through Germany offers many unique experiences within its borders.
For the city-lover: Germany's vibrant cities each have their own unique character and attractions. Consider spending time in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne or Frankfurt am Main.
For nature explorers: immerse yourself in some of Europe's most diverse countryside views, from the slopes of the Alps to volcanoes to the rugged Baltic Sea coastlines and sandy beaches on the North Sea.
For culture aficionados: local and regional markets, festivals, breweries and cuisine are abundant across Germany.
Looking for the most-visited destinations in Germany? Here are some popular highlights:
- Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale-like 19th century castle and one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. It's been cited as an inspiration for movie animators and stage designers alike.
- The Romantic Road is a scenic route through the southern province of Bavaria, based loosely on an ancient Roman route and winding through picturesque villages and stunning countryside.
- The Black Forest mountain range is famous for its high summits, traditional villages and delicious food. Visitors can hike, bike or drive from town-to-town and sample local specialties.
- The Rhine Valley was the heart of the medieval Holy Roman Empire, attracting artists, inventors and craftspeople who made the area an incredibly beautiful and creative part of the world. Visitors can explore the romance era via a boat tour of the Rhine River and enjoy scenic views, disembarking to explore charming villages along the riverbanks.
- The Mecklenburg Lake District is a region in northern Germany known for its many lakes and waterways as well as unique flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the region by boat or kayak, with towns and restaurants dotting the shorelines.
Finally, consider purchasing travel insurance*, whether you are going to explore Germany as a tourist or for business. UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip offers a range of coverage for any type of trip, from International Travel Medical Plus protection in case of needing to cancel or delay a trip due to health issues or medical emergencies occurring during your travel, to International Travel Medical coverage that will take care of an accident or unexpected illness, to extreme sports coverage for those headed into the Alps for mountain climbing, paragliding or other more-risky outdoor sports.
*Policy availability varies.
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