Germany Entry Guide 2026

British citizens can visit Germany for tourism, family visits, or business meetings for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

• ETIAS (Starting Q4 2026): British travelers will eventually need an ETIAS electronic authorization before departure. It is valid for 3 years.
• Passport Stamping: Ensure your British passport is stamped on entry and exit to prove you haven't exceeded your 90-day allowance.
• Healthcare: British citizens can use their GHIC or EHIC for emergency medical treatment in Germany.

Required for any student enrolled in a course exceeding 90 days.

• Blocked Account (Sperrkonto): From 2025/2026, you must deposit **€11,904** into a blocked account as proof of financial means.
• Monthly Payout: You will receive a maximum of **€992 per month** for living expenses.
• Work Rights: British students on this visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Germany’s premier route for British professionals relocating for high-skilled roles.

• Salary Threshold: For 2026, the general minimum salary is **€50,700** gross per year.
• Shortage Roles: For IT and healthcare, the reduced threshold is **€45,934**.
• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): If you don't have a job yet, you can move to Germany for 1 year to look for one if you meet the points criteria.

Since the UK is no longer in the EU, strict customs rules apply at the German border.

• Food Bans: You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them (like ham sandwiches) into the EU from the UK.
• Currency: Any amount equal to or exceeding **€10,000** must be declared upon arrival.