Obligation to declare cash in amounts of EUR 10,000 or more entering or leaving the EU

All travellers entering or leaving the European Union with €10,000 or more in cash must declare the sum to Customs from 15 June 2007. This initiative has been taken to assist the efforts being made at EU level to tackle crime and improve security by cracking down on money laundering, terrorism and criminality.

Declaration form

Information on the obligation to declare cash funds

European Commission - Tax and Customs Union brochure

Information on customs regulations by the Federal Ministry of Finance

Import of certain food items of animal origin

Travellers are, in principle, prohibited from importing certain food items of animal origin into the European Union (EU)!

Imports into the EU of poultry, other birds as well as feathers, unprocessed game trophies and other products derived from poultry are prohibited from those third countries* where avian influenza has occured!
Upon entry to Germany, you will be required to make an oral statement at the request of the customs authority indicating whether you carry along the above-mentioned goods.

*Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Japan, Cambodia, Korea, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Vietnam, People's Republic of China including Hong Kong

Health insurance

A stay in Germany is, in the best case, enjoyable and exciting. However, there's always a risk that illness could strike while one is on holiday. Should this happen, doctor's bills and hospital costs can soon mount up. If you do not have any health insurance, you will be liable to pay all these costs yourself.
It is therefore strongly advised that you take out a health insurance policy for the duration of your trip.