Current Situation

The situation can change rapidly. We recommend that you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter or use our “Safe Travel” app.
• Register on our crisis preparedness list.
• Take note of the information in the crisis preparedness guide and the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance.
• Note the information regarding COVID-19.
• Ensure you have adequate travel health insurance.
• Inform yourself in advance about the currently valid, binding entry rules from the authorities/embassies of your country and about the applicable transport regulations from your travel agency/airline/forwarding agency/railway company.
• Monitor news and weather reports when planning your trip / during your trip.
• Please note our disclaimer and information on content from other providers.

Entry Requirements and Brexit

When entering the United Kingdom (except for entry to Gibraltar), a passport is generally required. Entry with an ID card is not possible. This also applies to transit passengers. For more information, see Entry and Customs.

Security Information

Terrorism

There have been isolated terrorist attacks in inner cities in the last five years (in Nottingham in 2023, in Liverpool in 2021, and in London in 2020).

Terrorism threat levels are at level three (out of five) “substantial” for the entire United Kingdom. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre/Security Service (MI5) provides information on warning levels.

British authorities urge people to be vigilant about the threat of terrorism, especially to watch out for suspicious bags on public transport and other possible signs of terrorist activity.

• Be especially careful in busy places and on special occasions.
• For information on security measures, contact the Home Office, tel. +44 20 7035 4848 or the National Terrorism Emergency.
• For the current situation regarding Northern Ireland, contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), tel. +44 845 600 8000.

Domestic Political Situation

In Northern Ireland, outbreaks of local violence are possible, especially during the “marching season” from mid-June to mid-August, with violent clashes between rival paramilitary groups and security forces.

Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and occasionally violent crimes occur in large cities, especially in places popular with tourists and on public transport. In individual neighborhoods of large cities, but especially in the British Overseas Territories, crime and willingness to use violence can vary considerably.

Nature and Climate

The climate in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) is temperate, and in the British Overseas Territories, it is tropical or subtropical.

Extreme weather conditions with storms and heavy rain cannot be ruled out in the United Kingdom.

In the North Atlantic and especially in the Caribbean, hurricane season lasts from June to the end of November. Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat, and Anguilla can experience strong cyclones, as well as significant flooding, landslides, and loss of electricity and communication networks.

Visa Information (Visum für Großbritannien)

Who Needs a Visa?

German citizens do not need a visa for visits or business trips lasting up to 180 days. However, in many other cases, a visa has been required since October 2021:

• Entry for au pair stays is no longer permitted without a visa.
• Internships are only allowed under very limited conditions if a visa is obtained in advance.
• Students from the EU must apply for a student visa in advance if the planned stay exceeds six months.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The British government is gradually introducing an electronic travel authorization (ETA) requirement. The exact entry into force of this requirement for German citizens is not yet known. Further information is provided by the British government.

Visa Application Process

If a visa is required, follow these steps:

1. Check the specific visa type needed on the UK government website.
2. Gather all necessary documents, including proof of finances and accommodation.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay the visa fee.
5. Attend a visa application center appointment if required.

Travel Documents

Entry into the United Kingdom is possible for German citizens with these documents:

• Passport: Yes
• Temporary passport: Yes
• ID card: No, exception: Gibraltar
• Temporary ID card: No
• Children’s passport: Yes, with recognition of extended children’s passports there are occasional problems

Notes/minimum remaining validity:

The British government generally insists on a passport that must be valid until the end of the trip. However, it recognizes certain exceptional circumstances until December 31, 2025. For example, those EU citizens who have secured their residence or their previous rights as EU citizens in the United Kingdom through so-called pre-settled or settled status (British residence permit) can continue to cross borders with an ID card.

Customs Regulations

Since January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU customs union. From this date, the customs formalities laid down by Union law apply to all goods:

• from the United Kingdom to the customs territory of the Union or
• from the customs territory of the Union to the United Kingdom.

The German customs administration provides customs information on Brexit.

Health Information

Vaccinations

For direct entry into the United Kingdom (or Gibraltar) from Germany, no mandatory vaccinations are required.

Make sure that you and your children have up-to-date standard vaccinations according to the Robert Koch Institute’s vaccination calendar.

Medical Care

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Provisional Replacement Certificates (PEB) issued by German statutory health insurance companies can continue to be used in their current format for temporary stays in the United Kingdom. As before, visitors and tourists with an EHIC card are entitled to medically necessary treatment in the NHS.

Additional Travel Information

Infrastructure/Transport

There is a close network of domestic flights, rail and bus connections, and in London also the underground. The transport network of the British Overseas Territories generally consists of bus transport and taxis.

Information on driving in Great Britain can be found on the Find-Your-Great-Britain page.

LGBTIQ

Homosexual acts are not a criminal offense in the United Kingdom and are widely accepted by society. Homosexual acts are not criminal in the British Overseas Territories either. However, LGBTIQ rights, protection against discrimination, and acceptance among the population are not yet comparable to those in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales).

Legal Specifics

In the United Kingdom, it is forbidden to carry the following weapons, which can be legally purchased in Germany: CS gas or pepper sprays, blank pistols, fixed blade knives or ejector blades with a blade longer than 7 cm.