Germany travel guide for Canadians

Canadians can enter Germany without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Entry is straightforward: have proof of return travel, accommodation and funds if asked.

As a Canadian citizen, you do not need a visa for short stays. The 90-day rule applies across the whole Schengen area, so days spent in France, Italy or elsewhere count against the same allowance. For longer stays, work, study or residency, you must apply for a national visa before travelling.

From 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be required. It is an online application, not a visa, and is valid for multiple entries over three years. Apply well before your flight; the process is expected to take minutes, but processing times can vary.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen area. Border officials may ask for proof of accommodation, return tickets and sufficient funds. Keep copies of your documents separately from the originals.

The Embassy of Canada in Germany is in Berlin. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport replacement and emergency assistance. For routine matters, contact the embassy by phone or email. In an emergency, call the embassy's 24/7 line.

There are also Canadian consulates in Munich and Düsseldorf, but the embassy in Berlin is the primary point of contact. For the most current contact details and office hours, check the official website.

A mid-range trip to Germany costs roughly CAD 150–250 per day per person, covering accommodation, meals, transport and sightseeing. Budget travellers can manage on less with hostels and street food, while luxury stays and fine dining push the figure higher.

Flights from Canada to Germany typically range from CAD 700 to CAD 1,200 return, depending on the season and departure city. Book early for summer and December. Within Germany, a rail pass or regional tickets can save money if you plan to travel between cities.

Direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin take about 7–9 hours from the east coast and 10–11 hours from the west coast. From Calgary, expect a connection, often through Toronto or Vancouver.

Major airlines include Air Canada, Lufthansa and Condor. Flight times are approximate and vary with wind and routing. Use a flight-time planner to compare options from your home city.

Germany uses Type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Canadian devices run on 120 V, so you will need a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage. Most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage, but check the label.

A simple plug adapter is enough for dual-voltage devices. For hair dryers, straighteners or other high-power appliances, a converter is essential to avoid damage.

Tipping is customary but modest. Round up the bill or add 5–10% for good service, and hand the tip directly to the server as you pay. In restaurants, it is common to say the total amount you want to pay, including the tip, when the bill comes.

In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is standard. Hotel staff and tour guides appreciate a small tip, but it is not mandatory. Credit cards are widely accepted, but smaller establishments may prefer cash.

In an emergency, dial 112 for fire and ambulance, and 110 for police. These numbers are free from any phone. For non-urgent medical help, call 116 117 for the out-of-hours doctor service.

Save these numbers in your phone on arrival. If you need consular help, contact the Canadian Embassy in Berlin.