Block on the border of Poland – GERMANY. crucial information for travellers

Traveling to Germany in December 2023 from Poland, the Czech Republic or Switzerland requires account to be taken of the German government's border controls, which can origin crucial congestion erstwhile entering the country. It is worth remembering that this period is simply a time of intense pre-Christmas preparations erstwhile Christmas fairs, illuminated streets and smells of conventional dishes attract travelers from all over the world. It is besides crucial to note that on Christmas days, shops in Germany are closed and truck drivers are prohibited from driving. These are good moments to enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas, but it is besides worth considering the logistics of travel in view of the restrictions introduced.

Entry to Germany in December 2023 – border controls with Germany

Given the current migration crisis, Germany decided to introduce in October stationary border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria. According to the latest regulation of the German Ministry of the Interior, dated 15 November, these checks were extended for an additional 20 days, thus besides covering the beginning of December. It is possible that they will proceed for further weeks.

During these inspections, police officers focus peculiarly on inspections of commercial vehicles, trucks and passenger cars carrying more passengers. erstwhile travelling to Germany from Poland, it is besides essential to take into account limits on the transport of alcohol, tobacco products and cash.

Holidays and holidays in Germany in December 2023

During Christmas (Weihnachtsfeiertag) celebrated both in Germany and Poland, traditionally days of 25 and 26 December are considered as holidays. During this period, shops and public institutions usually stay closed, and for trucks, road traffic is prohibited. It is worth noting that on 31 December (Sylwester) is simply a working day in Germany.

No trucks for Christmas and fresh Year

Traffic restrictions for trucks in Germany are extended and varied depending on the date and kind of roads. All year circular the full road network is prohibited from moving trucks on Sundays and holidays from midnight to 10:00. Additionally, during the vacation period, from 1 July to 31 August, restrictions are imposed, including the ban on truck traffic on Saturdays from 7:00 to 20:00 on any highways and national roads.

Not only that, any public holidays have additional restrictions on truck traffic. Especially in December, additional driving bans apply throughout Germany. This is the first and second day of Christmas for all the lands, or 25 and 26 December. It is besides crucial to note that even during the fresh Year, which is January 1, trucks are banned from moving around the country.

Christmas fairs in Germany 2023 – erstwhile will they start?

For years Germany has been known for its unique tradition of organizing Christmas fairs, which are a real attraction for tourists from different corners of the globe. These magical places, saturated with the odor of root spices, warming up the heat and full of joy, offer not only an chance to buy, but besides to taste local specialties and learn about local Christmas culture. From Berlin's global atmosphere to the conventional Christmas climate in Nuremberg, each city has its own unique charm to present during this unique period of the year.

The start of Christmas fairs in Germany varies depending on the city. any of them begin on 20 November, while others inaugurate this magical atmosphere only on 1 December. It is simply a time erstwhile the streets of the cities are vibrant, Christmas decorations delight, and the fair stands offer a wide scope of handicraft products, conventional treats and gifts, attracting not only locals, but besides travelers from afar.

Christmas break in schools in Germany – holidays in individual lands

During the vacation period in Germany, the dates of their commencement and termination vary between the various trade union countries. In respective lands, holidays can start on 21 December, creating differences in the dimension of the gaps between different regions. An additional origin affecting the timetable is the celebration of the feast of the 3 Kings in any parts of Germany (6 January), which may be a day off from work, while in another regions there is no specified celebration, which affects different dates of ending holidays.

With respect to the detailed information on the dates of Christmas holidays in individual lands, we have prepared a comprehensive article in which you will find precise school breaks with a breakdown by individual union countries. This is crucial due to the fact that these differences may affect travel planning or the organisation of leisure time during this period for families and leisure planning.

Current limits on the carriage of alcohol and cigarettes

How many cigarettes and alcohol can be transported to Germany from Poland? In the European Union, alcohol and cigarettes can be transported freely for their own use. However, there are quantitative limits.

Limits on the carriage of alcohol to Germany:

• 10 litres of spirits or
• 20 litres of alcoholised wine, or
• 90 litres of wine, including a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine, or
• 110 liters of beer.

The limits for the carriage of tobacco products to Germany are:

• 800 pcs of cigarettes or
• 400 pcs of cigarillos, or
• 200 pieces of cigars, or
• 1 kg tobacco.

What is the danger of exceeding the limit of alcohol and cigarettes to Germany?

When deciding on the carriage of alcohol, tobacco products or tobacco in quantities exceeding the permitted limits, there is simply a hazard of charging smuggling, for which it threatens to a fine or imprisonment of up to 5 years.

How much cash can be transported to Germany?

In accordance with the applicable provisions, who carry an amount of EUR 10 000 or more (or its equivalent in another currency) is required to study that fact to customs authorities. In the event of non-compliance with these rules, legal consequences specified as confiscation of funds or fines for misconduct. It should be borne in head that, in the event of checks, if the amount of cash exceeds the specified limit, customs and taxation authorities may hold the money to check the origin of their origin.