Germany travel guide for Britons

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany for tourism or short business visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying or travelling by ferry; it is applied for online and costs €7 (check). Your passport must be valid for the whole stay and have been issued within the last 10 years (check).

For stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, UK citizens can enter Germany without a visa. You will need a valid UK passport and, from 2026, an ETIAS authorisation. At border control you may be asked to show proof of return travel, accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay; carry printouts or have them on your phone.

For longer stays, work, study or residence, you must apply for a visa or residence permit through the German embassy in London or the consulate general in Edinburgh. These applications are processed before you travel, so plan well ahead.

The British Embassy in Berlin is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Germany. There are also consulates in Düsseldorf, Munich and Hamburg. For lost passports, arrests or emergencies, contact the embassy directly; for routine queries, the UK government website lists current services and opening hours.

Germany is a mid-priced European destination. For a mid-range trip, budget roughly £80–£120 per person per day, excluding flights. A budget traveller can manage on £50–£70 a day with hostels and self-catering; a comfortable trip with hotels and restaurant meals runs £120–£180.

Flights from London to Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt take about 1h45 and cost from £30–£80 one-way on budget airlines, more on full-service carriers. Trains between major cities are efficient; book in advance for the best fares.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Hamburg take about 1h45. From Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, direct flights to major German cities take 2–2h30. Budget airlines offer frequent services; full-service carriers add baggage and flexibility.

For flight times from your home city, use the flight-time planner.

Germany uses type C and F plugs, standard in continental Europe, with 230 V and 50 Hz. UK appliances need a plug adapter; most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage, so a simple adapter suffices. Check your device's label before using a transformer.

Tipping is customary but modest. In restaurants, round up the bill or add 5–10%, and say the total to the server as you pay rather than leaving cash on the table. In bars, round up to the nearest euro. Taxi drivers and hairdressers appreciate rounding up too. Service charge is usually included, so the tip is extra.

In an emergency, dial 112 for fire and ambulance, and 110 for police. For non-urgent medical help outside office hours, call 116 117. The UK government advises registering with the local embassy if you are staying long-term, and carrying your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for state healthcare.

Answers to the most common questions about travelling to Germany as a UK citizen.

Entry rules and embassy details are based on official UK and German government sources. Prices are 2026 estimates from typical booking platforms; always check current fares and requirements before travel.