Essential customs rules and
restrictions for entering Germany
Traveler’s Guide by Parlaxy | Updated: February 3, 2025
Experienced travelers understand the importance of staying informed about the latest customs regulations when crossing the German border.
Failure to comply with current customs rules may result in delays, fines, or the confiscation of goods. Regulations regarding the import and export of items such as electronics, jewelry, currency, and other personal belongings are subject to frequent updates. It is therefore strongly advised to consult the latest official guidelines before traveling.
In this guide, you’ll find answers to popular questions:
• How much money can you bring into or take out of Germany?
• Which items must be declared, and which are strictly prohibited?
• What customs limits should you be aware of?
And more
Read the full traveler’s guide – or better yet, save this page for quick reference.
It will save you time, money, and stress during your trip through German customs.
| Documents Required for Entry | Passport, International Passport or Foreign Passport. Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Germany. Information sheets outlining visa requirements for short-term stays (up to 90 days) are available from the relevant German embassies and consulates. Nationals of non-EU countries who intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a national visa at the appropriate German consulate or embassy in their home country. These long-stay visas are typically granted for purposes such as business, academic study, or participation in officially recognized exchange programs. Visa-Free Entry for Short Stays (up to 90 days) Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for short-term tourist or business stays in Germany (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), provided they do not engage in paid employment during their stay: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda*, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea (Republic of Korea), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. *Note: Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory. Visa exemption for Bermudian passport holders may depend on specific travel documents. Travelers should confirm current entry requirements with a German consulate. |
| Currency Export and Import Restrictions | Since 2022, the export of euros from EU countries to Russia and Belarus has been prohibited. |
| Currency Export and Import Limits by Amount | €10,000 – Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared. |
| Restricted Items for Import | Meat and dairy products may only be brought into Germany from other EU member states. New items in factory packaging may be brought in reasonable quantities—i.e., quantities that do not suggest potential commercial use. |
| Prohibited Items for Import | Prohibited Items for Import to Germany Illegal drugs and narcotics Weapons and explosives (including certain knives, tasers, pepper spray unless certified) Endangered species and products made from them (e.g. ivory, certain furs, coral) Counterfeit goods (branded knock-offs, pirated media) Pornographic material involving violence, minors, or animals Certain animal products (e.g. meat, milk, and dairy from non-EU countries) Protected cultural property (e.g. art or antiques exported illegally from origin countries) Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials Fireworks and pyrotechnics without special permission Products infringing EU safety regulations (e.g. unsafe electronics or toys) Always check with German Customs (Zoll) before traveling, as regulations can change. |
| Alcohol Import Regulations | Up to 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22%. Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content not exceeding 22% (e.g., wine, beer). |
| Alcohol Export Regulations | No specific limitation |
| Tobacco Product Import Regulations | Up to 800 cigarettes, or 400 cigars, or 1 kg of tobacco. |
| Tobacco Product Export Regulations | For exports outside the EU, the same duty-free limits apply, but always check the destination country’s import rules. Typical allowance for personal duty-free export from Germany is: 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, or 250 g tobacco) |
| Restrictions on Importing Medications and Dietary Supplements | Substances that may be used to produce psychoactive effects, such as plants or extracts containing stimulants (e.g., cocaine or ephedrine). Medications containing active substances not approved in the EU, including certain powerful antibiotics, hormones, or anabolic steroids. Certain dietary supplements (food supplements) that may be banned in the EU, particularly those containing unregistered or untested ingredients (e.g., rare plant extracts or stimulants). |
| Restrictions on Importing Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Importing Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Items over 100 years old may be subject to import restrictions if they are considered cultural heritage objects of Germany or the EU. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Same as import |
| Restrictions on Importing Pets | Please check documentation and transport requirements with your airline well in advance. Prohibited Animals for Import: Certain dog breeds recognized as dangerous are banned from import and ownership in Germany. These may include breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and others, depending on local laws, which vary by federal state. It is essential to verify in advance whether these breeds are allowed in your destination region. Additionally, animals protected under the CITES Convention require special permits for import. Examples include: -Amur tiger -Elephants -Gorillas -Lions -Panthers -Orchids and other endangered plants used as animal feed -Some reptile species, such as crocodiles, lizards, and geckos -Large cats (tigers, lions, cougars) -Amphibians (certain toads, frogs, salamanders) -Wild boars -Rats (unless they are domestic pets) -Certain species of snakes |
| Restrictions on Exporting Pets | Same animals fall under export restrictions. Pet transportation out of Germany requires an individual list of documents for every airline. |
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