When entering Germany, you must declare cash over €10,000, certain restricted items like meat/dairy products, narcotics, weapons, protected animals/plants, counterfeit goods, and large quantities of duty-free goods (alcohol/tobacco), while valuable personal items (jewelry, high-end cameras) might need specific procedures; always declare anything prohibited or subject to tax/duty.
You may not just bring everything that is on sale abroad with you. In Germany certain goods, such as pharmaceuticals, narcotics, but also media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional media are subject to restrictions or bans. You must declare funds of 10,000 euros or more.
British citizens require a visa and/or residence permit for any stay beyond 90 days within any 180-day period. British citizens may apply to the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) for their residence permits after arrival in Germany and do not need to have obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany.
It is illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or items that glorify fascism, the Nazi past, or the "Third Reich." Contact the German Embassy in Washington(opens in a new tab) or a consulate in the U.S. for customs requirements.
6 Critical Things to Do Right After You Arrive in Germany
What do I have to declare coming through customs?
the exact price of your goods in the currency you used to pay for them. the quantity or volume of your goods. the country where your goods were made or produced if you are travelling from the EU. your passport number or EU identity card number.
It means are you bringing back anything you didn't have when you left. If you do have things to declare just say, yes about (insert value) dollars worth of goods. You don't need to name off every single item.
Germany is stricter than many countries. For example, ibuprofen over 400 mg, codeine-based cough syrups, and some antihistamines require a prescription, even if they don't in the U.S. or UK.
Having a loud conversation, talking loud on the phone, or listening to loud music are considered very impolite as you will disturb other people. German people love to have their privacy. If you see a closed door, it doesn't mean that the person inside does not want you to come in.
As a rule, the quality of tap water in Germany conforms to strict regulations, is checked very thoroughly, and is perfectly drinkable without any treatment. In fact, its quality is comparable to most commercially available drinking waters in many places.
Merchandise and Gifts: All goods you bought overseas (souvenirs, clothing, electronics, artwork, etc.), whether for yourself or as gifts, must be declared. Even if you won't owe duty (because you're within the duty-free allowance), you still need to list these items on your customs declaration.
Failing to declare items can have serious legal and financial consequences. Whether intentional or accidental, neglecting this responsibility may result in fines, confiscation of goods, or even criminal charges.
This phenomenon is known as “Ruhezeit.” It basically means that on Sundays (and weeknights after 10 PM), making noise is actually legally forbidden. So, if you think about running the washing machine, mowing your lawn, or vacuuming your house on a Sunday, you might want to think twice.
According to this rule, if an individual spends more than 183 days in a calendar year in Germany, they may be considered a tax resident and subject to German taxation on their worldwide income. Period Calculation: The 183 days can be cumulative and do not need to be consecutive.
In the evening, you are not permitted to mow lawns after 8 p.m. General evening quiet time begins at 10 p.m. All loud activities are restricted throughout all of Sunday, to include lawn mowing, car washing, loud games or music...if it can be heard outside your dwelling or vehicle, it is too loud.
Goods intended for commercial or trading purposes must always be declared regardless of their value. This also applies to goods subject to restrictions (e.g. narcotics, weapons, ammunition and protected plant and animal species, parts thereof or goods produced using such species).
As a passenger, What kind of goods do I have to declare? Passengers must declare all kinds of goods when the value exceed AED3,000 and the declaration for personal belonging less than AED3,000 is not required.
Stay organized:Keep all your travel documents and identification easily accessible in a designated folder or travel pouch. Plan ahead:Allow sufficient time for customs processing, especially during peak hours. Declare your items:When prompted, verbally declare all items you're bringing in. Be specific and accurate.
