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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African citizens require a visa to enter the Schengen territory, i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
At which Embassy/Consulate/ Visa Issuing Authority should you apply? Read More
– If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of that country.
– If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority that is your main destination (i.e. your longest stay).
– If you intend to visit several countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy / Consulate / Visa Issuing Authority of the country of your first point of entry.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Moderately continental. Germany experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers.
Winter (December to February): Average daily temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), though it can drop lower in northern and eastern regions. Snowfall is common in higher altitudes and southern parts. Winter can be ideal for those interested in skiing or experiencing festive Christmas markets.
Spring (March to May): Temperatures gradually warm from around 5°C (41°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) in May. Spring is marked by blooming flowers and increasingly pleasant weather. Late Spring (April to May) offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer.
Summer (June to August): Peak temperatures reach about 22-24°C (72-75°F), with occasional higher spikes. This is the warmest season and one of the most popular times to visit. Summer is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the cities with warm, pleasant weather.
Autumn (September to November): Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in September to around 5°C (41°F) in November. The season is characterized by falling leaves and a gradual cooling. Early autumn (September to October) is a great time for mild weather and beautiful fall foliage.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is generally pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Country: | Germany |
Capital City: | Berlin |
International Airports: | Frankfurt (FRA) Munich (MUC) Düsseldorf (DUS) Berlin (TXL) |
Area: | 357,386 km² |
Population: | 84,552,242 (2024 est.) |
Time Zone: | GMT+1 UTC+1 (CET) |
Religion: | Christianity is the predominant religion, with about 57% of the population. The two largest denominations are the Roman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), which includes both Lutheran and Reformed churches. |
Language: | German |
Currency: | Euro |
Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
Credit Card Payment Availability: | Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted in fewer locations. Despite a high adoption of contactless and mobile payments, cash remains commonly used. |
ATM Accessibility: | Easily accessible. |
Dialling Code: | +49 |
TRAVEL TIPS
Electricity: | Power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. |
Water: | Tap water is safe to drink. |
Business Hours: | Offices: Mon-Fri 09:00 – 18:00 (including a 1-hour lunch break). |
Banking Hours: | Typically, 10:00 – 16:00 or 10:00 – 18:00. |
Photography Restrictions: | Photography is generally accepted, but under Section 201a of the German Penal Code, distributing photos of individuals can lead to penalties if it harms their reputation. |
Tipping: | Service and VAT are included in prices. It’s customary to round up the bill or add 5-10% as a tip. |
Vaccination Requirements: | No vaccinations required; consult a medical professional or travel clinic if in doubt. |
Dress Code Restrictions: | No specific restrictions. |
Peculiar Customs to Observe |
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FESTIVALS
- Berlin International Film Festival: February
- Bruchsal Asparagus Festival: Mid-May
- Dresden Music Festival: May & June
- River Rhine in Flames: May–September
- Oberammergau Passion Play: Biannual, May–October
- Rock am Ring and Rock in Park, Nuremberg: June
- Kieler Woche (Kiel Week): June
- Richard Wagner Festival (Bayreuth Festival): July–August
- Museum Bank Festival (Museumsufer Fest): August
- Oktoberfest: September–October
- Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart: Late September to mid-October
- Frankfurt Book Fair: October
- Fasching (Karneval): November 11
- Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte): Notable markets in Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Lübeck, Münster, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg from late November to December
MAP
“Berlin, the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine.”
– David Bowie
Image copyright: Wedgewood organised event