Entry to Germany from January 2025 – Large changes and fresh limits

Since January 2025, entry to Germany it will become more restrictive and travellers must be prepared for changes in border procedures and safety checks. The German services are announcing increased controls at land border crossing points and in the border area, which could affect the waiting times for crossing points and the organisation of travel. Find out what is changing in the rules of entry into Germany and how to prepare for a fresh reality since January 2025.

Strengthening border controls

The German authorities decided to increased control at border crossing points with neighbouring countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic or Austria. This decision responds to the expanding safety risks, including the expanding influx of illegal migrants and terrorist threats. Controls will not be limited to the border crossing points themselves, but will besides cover the alleged border zone, which extends to an area of up to 30 km from the customs borders of Germany. This means that travellers must be prepared to be able to halt on roads close the border as well.

What are the checks on the German border?

Border checks in Germany will be carried out by officers Federal Police and, in any cases, by soldiers from neighboring countries. During the inspection, travellers will be required to present identity papers specified as passports or individual IDs. Officers will verify the authenticity of papers and compare data with the list of wanted persons, which is peculiarly crucial in the context of expanding threats. In addition, vehicles and cargo carried therein will be controlled to guarantee that they do not contain illegal goods.

Increased threat of terrorist attacks

In fresh years Germany has faced various threats, including terrorist attacks. One of the louder incidents There was an attack on the Christmas fair in Magdeburg, which took place in December 2024. The driver drove into a crowd of people, causing tragic fatalities and hundreds of wounded. In the face of specified threats, German services increase safety measures, especially in places with a advanced concentration of people. Shopping centres, railway stations, airports and festivals and concerts are places where increased police controls and armed officers may occur. Travellers they should exercise peculiar care at these locations and follow the recommendations made by the cleaning services.

Free days in Germany in January 2025

It is worth planning your trip, given the holidays that may affect the availability of services in Germany. W January 2025 Germany will celebrate 2 days off work:

1. 1 January – fresh Year (Neujahrstag), which is celebrated throughout the country.
2. 6 January – The Heilige of the 3 Kings (Heilige Drei Könige), which is simply a day off only in selected lands: Badenia-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt.

On these days, many public institutions and services will be unavailable and travellers should adapt their plans to these dates.

Limits for the carriage of alcohol, cigarettes and cash to Germany

When travelling to Germany, it is worth knowing the applicable limits on the transport of certain goods to avoid unpleasant surprises at the border. Among the most crucial provisions are:

• Alcohol – The transport limit for strong alcohols is 10 litres, beer 110 litresand sparkling wine 60 litres.
• Cigarettes – You can bring to Germany 800 pieces of cigarettes, 400 cigars, 200 cigars or 1 kg tobacco.
• Cash – If the equivalent is carried EUR 10 000 or more, this must be notified to the German customs authorities.

Breaking these rules may consequence in financial penalties, confiscation of goods or even detention.

Transport of food to Germany

Travelers should remember that in European Union there are rules on transport food. You can enter Germany meat and dairy products only if they are intended for private use. likewise for plants and plant products specified as fruit is vegetableswhich must come from EU countries and be free of pests and diseases.

Changes in travel arrangements

In view of the tightening of border controls and the expanding terrorist threat, those planning to travel to Germany in January 2025 should be prepared for longer waiting at borders and be more careful in public places. These changes may affect the comfort of the journey, so it is worth planning additional time to travel and get acquainted with all applicable regulations.