Norwegians can still travel through Germany on their way to Norway. But Germany has introduced expanded border controls on the borders of Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, France and Denmark. Travelers must have a critical reason for entering Germany. The same applies to German airports and ports upon entry from Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and countries outside the Schengen area. For more information about coronavirus and entry, see Health.
Safety
There is a risk of being attacked by terrorist attacks in most places in the world. German authorities are constantly assessing the danger of terrorist attacks and adapting their preparedness accordingly. Authorities have announced stricter security with police more visibly present following the attack on the Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin in December 2016. Norwegian citizens traveling in Germany are encouraged to follow the media image and at all times adhere to the advice and directions given by German authorities. According to countryaah, Germany is one of countries starting with letter G.
Crime: Some precautions should always be taken in larger cities. Tourists need to be aware of a certain risk of pocket theft and purse bagging, especially in large crowds.
Natural disasters: The areas along the major rivers (Oder, Elbe, Rhein, Danube) can be hit by floods and floods, especially in heavy rainfall. In higher altitudes in southern Germany, large amounts of snow must be expected in the winter months, with the subsequent danger of snowfall.
Minor earthquakes have occasionally occurred in the Rhine Valley, but these have so far not led to major damage. It is important to follow directions and recommendations from local authorities.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Germany are encouraged to register on www.reiseregistrering.no.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
Local emergency numbers: Ambulance/accident/fire: 112, Police: 110
In the event of a crisis or emergency, one is encouraged to contact the embassy.
Embassy of Norway
Royal Norwegische Botschaft
Rauchstrasse 1, 10787 Berlin
Tel: + 49 30 50 50 58 600 (in Germany: 030 50 50 58 600)
Fax: +49 30 50 50 58 601 (in Germany 030 50 50 58 601)
E- mail: emb.berlin@mfa.no
Embassy website
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the UD’s 24-hour operating center can be contacted on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Overview of all honorary consulates in Germany
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Although both Germany and Norway are part of the Schengen area, passports must be brought. Passport is the only internationally valid identification document for Norwegian citizens. Norwegians do not need a visa to Germany. Upon entry into or transit in Germany, the following valid documents are also accepted:
- Emergency passport
- refugee travel document (green travel document)
- travel document for people staying on humanitarian grounds (blue travel document)
If the stay in Germany is to last for three months or more, one must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within seven days of entry.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends travel that is not strictly necessary for all countries. Norwegians in Germany are encouraged to keep up to date with the development of the coronavirus and the situation around it.
German authorities allow Norwegian citizens on their way home to Norway to pass through Germany if no other itinerary is possible and the fastest route of travel is chosen.
German authorities have introduced strict rules for entry into Germany from Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy and Spain. These are valid until 4 May. Only selected cross-border border crossings are open. Here is the list. There are also restrictions on entry from countries outside the Schengen area. These are valid until May 15. Travelers must have a critical entry point. Here is information in English about who is allowed to enter Germany, as well as some questions and answers about border controls in German from the German police. Border police may require documents showing that the journey through Germany is a transit journey. This can be an booked flight, train or ferry ticket, as well as a document showing that you have your home address in Norway.
A 14-day quarantine has been introduced for travelers returning to Germany from abroad. Norwegians in transit are exempt from these quarantine rules. See information in German from the German Ministry of the Interior.
March 22, strict rules to prevent further spread of covid-19 were introduced throughout Germany. These are valid until April 19.
Norwegians, as well as EEA/EU citizens staying in Norway, can also travel via German airports or ports on their way home, despite restrictions on entry from countries outside the Schengen area and on flights from Spain on March 18 as well., Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark, and shipping from Denmark. See press release in English.
March 22, strict rules to prevent further spread of covid-19 were introduced throughout Germany. In the public space, a maximum of two people who do not live together can now gather. In addition, a rule applies to a distance of at least 1.5 meters between people who do not live in the same house. Serving places are closed, except for delivery or collection of food. Here is an overview of the measures in English. It is emphasized that these are not recommendations but rules.
Previously, bars, clubs, theaters, museums, fairs, cinemas, zoos, sports facilities, swimming pools, playgrounds and retail shops were closed. Supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, post offices, etc. are still open.
Some states will have even stricter restrictions. Norwegians residing in Germany should follow the local, regional and national measures and injunctions.
Beyond this, it is recommended to follow local news.
In Norway, the Institute of Public Health provides health advice. Health information can be found on the Institute of Public Health’s website.
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All travelers abroad are advised to take out their own travel and health insurance before leaving. In addition, European health insurance cards that are valid in all EEA countries should be obtained.
Germany has a well-developed health system with both public and private hospitals. Health and sanitation are about the same as in Norway.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Germany is +49. There is no time difference between Norway and Germany.
Current voltage, frequency and plug are similar to the Norwegian standard.
Germany has a well-developed public transport system both in cities and elsewhere in the country, as well as very good motorways. Road safety is the same as in Norway. The Norwegian driver’s license is valid in Germany. Driver’s license, driver’s license and insurance documents must be brought while driving.
The currency unit in Germany is the euro (1 euro = 100 cents). In general, card use is far less prevalent in Germany than in Norway. Taxis, eateries and shops are usually marked if they accept foreign cards. The Germans themselves use their national bank card (EC card) or cash extensively.
Normal opening hours for shops and banks – Shops: from 09.00/10.00 to 18.00 / 19.00/20.00 (Saturday to 14.00/20.00)
Bank: from 08.30/09.00 to 17.00 (not Saturdays)
National Holidays – January 1st, Good Friday, 2nd Easter Sunday, May 1st, Ascension Day, 2nd Pentecost, October 3rd (National Day), 1st and 2nd Christmas Day
In addition, there are local holidays that vary from state to state.
Customs and rules – It is a requirement in Germany that one must be able to identify at all times. A valid passport or copy should therefore always be carried. Passport is the only internationally valid identification document for Norwegian citizens.
English is generally at a lower level than in Norway. This is especially true of the older generation.
It is useful to note that Germans attach greater importance to formal courtesy than Norwegians. You use the De form instead of “you” and last name rather than first name.