Germany
Travel Destination – Germany
Germany is a diverse and culturally rich European destination where travellers can stroll the Romantic Road through medieval towns, enjoy the fairytale charm of Neuschwanstein Castle, or hike in the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps. With modern infrastructure, efficient public transport, and high‑quality healthcare, Germany is one of Europe’s most accessible and traveller‑friendly countries. Sensible preparation and awareness of health considerations will support a safe and smooth trip.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Germany, booking an appointment with a travel doctor is strongly recommended. A travel health consultation allows your doctor to review your vaccination history, ensure routine immunisations are up to date, and advise on any destination- or activity-specific vaccines that may be appropriate. Your doctor can also prescribe medications you may need for your trip.
Ideally, schedule your appointment six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for any required vaccinations. However, if your trip is approaching soon, a last-minute consultation can still provide valuable health advice and ensure essential protection before travel.
Insect avoidance
In parts of Germany, particularly forested and rural areas, ticks can transmit infections such as Lyme disease and tick‑borne encephalitis. Travellers spending time outdoors during spring through autumn should use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and trousers, and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Prompt removal of ticks and early medical assessment if symptoms occur reduce the risk of complications.
Food and water hygiene
German cuisine features hearty regional dishes, artisanal breads, fine cheeses, and world-famous beers. Food safety standards in Germany are generally high, and tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. However, travellers can still experience gastroenteritis due bacteria spread through contaminated food or improper handling.
To reduce the risk, practise good hand hygiene before eating or preparing food, especially after using public transport or visiting busy attractions. Choose meals that are freshly prepared and served hot, and take care with buffet-style dining or food left at room temperature. Ensure refrigerated foods are properly stored, and avoid consuming items past their use-by date.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Germany?
Measles
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The highly contagious measles virus continues to circulate in parts of Europe, including Germany. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets in crowded or indoor spaces such as public transport, museums, markets, and schools. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a widespread rash.
Travellers should ensure they are fully vaccinated before travel. Australians born during or after 1966 should have two documented doses of a measles‑containing vaccine, likely measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Infants aged 6–11 months travelling internationally may be advised to receive an early dose before departure, followed by the routine two‑dose course.
Influenza
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Influenza is common in Germany and circulates throughout the year, with peak activity typically occurring from December through March. Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets and is especially transmissible in crowded indoor environments such as airports, public transport, cafés, and attractions. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and older, particularly older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, to reduce the risk of severe illness.
COVID-19
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The continued global circulation of COVID‑19 increases the risk of exposure to the virus for travellers to Germany. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, particularly indoors.
Travellers should be up to date with COVID‑19 vaccinations, including any recommended booster doses in line with Australian public health guidance, to reduce the risk of severe disease. In Australia, additional booster doses are recommended every six months for adults aged 75 years and over, and at least annually for those aged 65–74 years. People with underlying medical conditions may also need extra doses based on individual health circumstances. Staying current with vaccination helps protect against severe symptoms while travelling.
Tick-borne encephalitis
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Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, found in forested and rural areas. The risk for most short-term visitors is very low, but vaccination may be considered for travellers who plan extended stays in these regions, or who will be hiking, camping, or working outdoors during tick season. For travellers sticking to urban areas, the vaccine is generally not necessary. Preventive measures like using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities remain important for everyone.
Routine vaccinations
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Routine immunisations protect against common diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and measles‑mumps‑rubella. Ensuring these are up to date before travel is important, as these infections continue to circulate internationally. Boosters may be recommended based on age and vaccination history. Additional vaccines such as hepatitis B may be discussed during a travel health consultation if your itinerary includes higher‑risk activities or extended stays outside major cities. Vaccination recommendations may vary for travellers spending extended periods overseas, visiting remote areas, or engaging in higher-risk activities.
Germany
Other health risks in Germany
Gastroenteritis
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Germany maintains high standards for food and water safety, and tap water is generally safe to drink. Nonetheless, travellers may experience gastroenteritis, often called travellers’ diarrhoea, caused by food and water contaminated with bacteria. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps typically appear within 24–72 hours. To reduce risk, practice good hand hygiene before meals, and ensure food and water is safe.
Treatment involves staying well hydrated with oral rehydration solutions. Most cases resolve within a few days, but seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual.
Lyme disease
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Lyme disease is present throughout Germany and is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, particularly in wooded, grassy, and rural areas. The risk for travellers is highest from spring to autumn, especially during hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Symptoms usually develop within 3–30 days after a tick bite and may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and an expanding red rash. If left untreated, lyme disease can progress to affect the joints, nervous system, or heart.
Travellers to Germany can reduce their risk by using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long sleeves and trousers in tick-prone areas, staying on cleared paths, and performing thorough tick checks after outdoor exposure. Early removal of ticks lowers the chance of infection.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Germany is generally a safe travel destination, but travellers may encounter petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or theft in busy urban districts, train stations, and popular tourist sites. Keeping valuables secure and remaining alert in crowded areas enhances personal safety. Occasional demonstrations or public gatherings may disrupt transport or services.
The Australian government's website Smartraveller has excellent advice for Australian travellers to Germany.
Altitude sickness
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Altitude sickness is possible for those visiting high elevations in Germany such as the Bavarian Alps or along international borders with Austria, where elevations exceed 2,400 metres. Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue and typically improve with rest and gradual acclimatisation.
Severe forms can occur at higher altitudes, such as high‑altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) or high‑altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). These conditions rare but life‑threatening, requiring immediate descent and medical care if symptoms develop. Travellers planning hiking or skiing at high elevations should ascend gradually and be aware of early warning signs.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long flights to Germany or prolonged periods of sitting while travelling can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where slowed blood flow causes blood clots to form in deep veins, usually in the legs.
Travellers can reduce the risk by moving regularly during long trips, doing leg exercises while seated, and staying well hydrated. Those with additional risk factors may benefit from personalised advice from a travel doctor.