Europe’s engine — from creative Berlin to traditional Munich, the Black Forest to Bavaria’s castles. Efficient, multicultural and home to one of the continent’s largest African and Turkish diasporas. Here is the essential, verified.

Travel essentials

This destination is part of the Schengen area, and entry rules depend on your passport. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens move freely. Brazilians enter visa-free for up to 90 days per 180 — and, from the last quarter of 2026, will need the ETIAS electronic authorisation (see below). Passports from Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa; Cape Verde does too, but under the EU Visa Facilitation Agreement (simpler and cheaper). Important note: since 10 April 2026, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) records biometric data at the border — allow some extra time on arrival. Always confirm at the official source before travelling.

⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation (not a visa) for nationals of visa-exempt countries — such as Brazil. It is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026; it costs about €20 (free for under-18s and over-70s), is valid for 3 years (or until the passport expires) and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per 180. The Q4 2026 start is followed by a transitional grace period, with ETIAS becoming mandatory in 2027. Those who need a Schengen visa (most African passports in the corridor) do not use ETIAS — they use the visa. Apply online, well ahead, before travelling.

Health

No vaccinations are required. EU residents should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary healthcare during the stay. Those travelling on a Schengen visa must show travel insurance with minimum medical cover of €30,000, valid across the Schengen area. Health, drinking-water and medical standards are high.

Passport

For third-country nationals, the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area. EU/EEA citizens may travel with a valid national ID card.

Arrival & Safety

Airport

Frankfurt (FRA) is Germany’s largest hub and one of Europe’s biggest, rail-linked to the whole country; Munich (MUC) and Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) complete it. Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf serve the north and west. The rail network (Deutsche Bahn ICE) is the best way to travel between cities.

Getting in

Uber, Bolt and FreeNow operate in the big cities, alongside taxis. Public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus) is excellent, punctual and cheap — always validate your ticket. The Deutschland-Ticket (a national monthly pass for regional transport) is a bargain for longer stays.

Safety

Money

Currency: euro (€). Note a German quirk: cash is still king in many places — bakeries, bars, markets and small restaurants may only take cash or a German card (Girocard). Always carry some cash, even though cards and contactless are accepted in chains and big cities. ATMs (Geldautomat) are plentiful.

Connectivity

Three major networks: Deutsche Telekom (the largest and best coverage), Vodafone and O2 (Telefónica), plus low-cost brands running on them. For travellers from Brazil or Africa, the Verde Wave eSIM avoids expensive roaming and activates on arrival. EU citizens have free roaming.

Arriving with data on lets you buy Deutsche Bahn tickets, open maps and reach your contacts without hunting for Wi-Fi. An eSIM activated before departure saves time and roaming — handy, since buying a local SIM in Germany requires ID registration.

Coverage is excellent in cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg) and good on motorways; Germany was slower on 5G and there can be gaps on regional trains and rural areas. WhatsApp is universal. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés.

Practical tips

Best time

May to September brings milder weather and long days. Munich’s Oktoberfest fills late September/early October. The Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), in December, are an experience in themselves. Winter is cold and grey, but magical at the markets.

Languages

German is the official language; English is widely spoken, especially in Berlin and big cities, and by younger generations. A “Hallo”, “Danke” and “Bitte” go down well. The large diaspora also makes Turkish, Arabic and African languages common in urban daily life.

Etiquette

Punctuality is taken seriously — being on time is respect. Rules are followed (don’t cross on red, even with no cars; sort your rubbish for recycling). The formal “Sie” is used with strangers. Direct isn’t rude: it’s clarity. And carry cash (see Money).

What to see & culture

Places

The Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall; Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria; Cologne Cathedral; the Black Forest and the Romantic Road; Hamburg and its harbour; and the Rhine Valley with its castles.

Culture

Land of Bach, Beethoven and Goethe, and today a European capital of electronic music (Berlin’s techno scene is legendary). Dense history — from the Holy Roman Empire to reunification — that the country faces head-on. Strong beer, club and green-space culture.

Food

Sausage in a thousand versions (currywurst, bratwurst), pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), pretzels and rye bread; the döner kebab, a Turkish legacy, is almost the urban national dish. Pair with a draught beer (the 1516 purity law still rules) and, in winter, mulled wine at the markets.

Sources

1. União Europeia — ETIAS oficial (travel-europe.europa.eu)
2. União Europeia — Sistema de Entradas/Saídas (EES), operacional desde 10 Abr 2026
3. Comissão Europeia — Política de vistos Schengen (quem precisa de visto)
4. UE–Cabo Verde — Acordo de Facilitação de Vistos de curta duração
5. US State Department — Germany Travel Advisory (Nível 2)
6. Auswärtiges Amt — Vistos para a Alemanha