Germany Customs

What can you take with you to and from Germany? On this page you can find the import duties and export duties for alcohol and more.

Alcohol

Travelers from the age of 17 are allowed to import alcoholic beverages in Germany. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Imports from an EU country

• 10 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of more than 22% and
• 20 liters of liquor with an alcohol content of no more than 22% and
• 90 liters of wine (of which a maximum of 60 liters of sparkling wine) and
• 110 liters of beer.

Imports from a non-EU country

• 1 liter of beverage with an alcoholic strength of more than 22% or
• 2 liters of alcohol with a maximum alcohol content of 22%
• with in addition:
• 4 liters of non-sparkling wine and
• 16 liters of beer.

Particularities

The minimum age for the consumption and / or purchase of alcoholic beverages may deviate in the country itself from the minimum age for the import of alcoholic beverages.

Please note: For alcoholic beverages from the German duty-free areas Helgoland or Büsingen, the same amounts apply as from a non-EU country.

Tobacco

Travelers from the age of 17 are allowed to import tobacco into Germany. The quantities mentioned apply per person.

Imports from an EU country

• 800 cigarettes and
• 400 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) and
• 200 cigars and
• 1 kg of tobacco.

Imports from a non-EU country

• 200 cigarettes or
• 100 cigarillos (maximum 3 g each) or
• 50 cigars or
• 250 g of tobacco or
• a proportional distribution of the above products.

Particularities

For tobacco from the German duty-free areas Helgoland or Büsingen, the same quantities apply as from a non-EU country.

Pets in Germany

• Germany is a particularly dog ​​friendly country. There are numerous guest houses, holiday homes and hotels where you can stay with your dog. A dog is also welcome on most campsites and in nature parks, provided that it is kept on a leash to prevent any inconvenience to fellow visitors.
• Only in high season the dog is not allowed on the beach. However, there are plenty of special dog beaches that are clearly indicated. The same rules often apply to lakes in Germany. These rules can be requested from local tourist agencies.
• In all restaurants, a dog may enter, unless otherwise indicated.
• You can run around freely in the woods. Beware of hunters.

Identification

A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available from the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (standard is the ISO microchip 11784/11785 inserted) and the proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health

• Dogs and cats must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the trip (rabies vaccination). The validity period depends on the guidelines of the manufacturer of the vaccine (1-3 years).
• Note: the chip must have been inserted against rabies before the vaccination (on the same day).
• No mandatory additional treatments are required in Germany.
• Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined in Germany.
• Germany is not a risk area, but a dog or cat can get sick during the holidays as a result of ticks or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Please contact the vet at least 4 weeks before departure.

Forbidden dogs

In Germany there is no ban on certain dog breeds. However, the following breeds, or crosses with these breeds, may not stay on holiday for longer than 4 weeks in Germany:

• Pitbull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bullterrier
• Bullterrier

Pets and transport

• In small buses and trains or on the ferry, small dogs are often allowed to travel for free, provided they are in a bag or basket. Larger dogs travel for half the money.
• If your dog is transported by car, a special dog leash is required for the back seat. The dog can also be transported in a travel kennel or behind a rack.

Young animals

From December 29, 2014 all puppies and kittens that are taken to Germany must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks. The statutory waiting time after vaccination is 21 days, so that animals under the age of 15 are no longer allowed to enter.

Particularities

• A maximum of 5 animals may be imported freely.
• Dogs heavier than 20 kg and with a height of more than 40 cm must always be kept on a leash. You must have a muzzle with you.
• The rules on the liner or muzzle obligation may differ per State. More information can be found at: anwalt.org.
• Also remember to look at the rules of the countries you are traveling through to Germany.

Money

Input

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely imported from a non-EU country to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be indicated.

Export

• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely exported to an EU country.
• Domestic and foreign payment instruments may be freely transferred to a non-EU country up to the equivalent of € 10,000 (including checks and bank drafts). Amounts above the equivalent of € 10,000 must be indicated.

Customs rules miscellaneous

Foods

Imports from an EU country

Food, fruit and flowers may be imported without restrictions, provided they are intended for personal use.

Imports from a non-EU country

• A limited quantity of foodstuffs may be freely imported for 1 to 2 days.
• There is an import ban on potatoes and mushrooms.
• Animal products may not be imported with the exception of products from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. To a limited extent, these may be imported if they originate from the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, provided they are intended for personal use.

Other goods

Imports from an EU country

Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be imported without restriction, provided they are intended for personal use.

Imports from a non-EU country

Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be freely imported up to a value of € 430 if you enter the country via an air or sea port, persons under 15 years up to € 175 and other travelers up to a value of € 300.

Medicines

It is advisable to bring a medical passport. The European Medical Passport contains information about medication use, diseases or disorders. It is available for a small fee, including from general practitioners and pharmacies.

Here you will find more information about Germany.