One of the world’s superpowers, a member of the so-called G-7, Germany is indeed awash with natural wealth, rich culture and a highly-modern society.
Home to more than 83 million, the country “houses” 16 states; each state has its own rich history, beautiful sceneries and unique ways of providing attractive packages for local and foreign tourists alike.
Germans generally speak German. In some states, specifically in its capital, Berlin, English-speaking people are not scarce, the area being a cosmopolitan city.
Depending on a tourist’s reason for visiting the country, whether it is for sheer sight-seeing or business or study, each city will have relatively different levels of English-speaking crowds of people. Sometimes, their capacity to speak English differ, due to either their exposure to the language or to the type of education they get, earlier on in their lives.
But then tour guides easily handle the English language and they can tell you what can be exciting areas to visit in cities, tour you in museums and even take you to breathtaking nature spots.
Before delving more deeply into a tour in one or a few states in Germany, it will be a lot of help to know the requirements for entering the country. Especially at a time when Covid variants, no matter how weak or negligible they have become, it’s still better to know the basics in visiting the country.
Let’s get started.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Step 1, know if you can apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Manila.
According to its Federal Foreign Office, you can apply for a visa here if you are a resident in the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia or Palau.
Depending on the intended duration of your stay in Germany, you can either apply for a Schengen visa (stay up to 90 days) or for a German national visa (stay over 90 days).
The German Embassy is located at the RCBC Plaza, 1619 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. It opens at 7:30 am and closes at 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Fridays; and is closed on weekends.
A dress code is followed in the building, such as non-wearing of sandos, short pants and slippers.
Step 2, know how long you can expect your visa application will be approved.
The same Federal Foreign Office notes a waiting time of up to 1 month for an appointment to submit the application (for nurses, for the purpose of family reunion or marriage, and all other purposes).
It is advised that applications for Schengen visas for river cruise employees, healthcare workers and for family reunion (e.g. minors with their parents) be submitted at VFS in Manila or Cebu.
The German Embassy in Cebu is located at Ford’s Inn Hotel, A.S. Fortuna Street corner 6000 Banilad Road, Cebu City.
Visa applicants are advised to submit the applications for all other visa categories, especially with fast track approvals, at the Embassy.
Here are more information on specific concerns when applying for a visa:
Opening Hours and Contact Number
Visa application can be accepted at the Visa Section only after an appointment has been made for this purpose.
Regarding questions concerning visa matters, you are advised to carefully read the relevant information on the Embassy website first and restrict inquiries to specific questions that are not answered by the information on the website.
Contact the Visa Section
Phone: (0063 2) 8702 3001
For general inquiries about visas, you can call the Visa Section anytime between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. If you have specific questions concerning your visa application, you may send an email to the Embassy.
NOTE: The Embassy recommends inquiries to be made via email rather than telephone calls.
Here is the link for the more detailed set of steps to take in seeking a visa:
https://manila.diplo.de/ph-en/service/visa
HEALTH PROTOCOLS
As of January 2023, the German Embassy in Manila has issued certain restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limitations for entry into the country from areas of variant of concern apply. Persons entering the country from any of these areas are required to provide a negative test result and to quarantine. Restrictions from other areas have been lifted.
The Embassy’s detailed information on this is hereby quoted, word-for-word.
Entry Restrictions
Since June 11, 2022, all COVID-19 entry restrictions to Germany have been provisionally lifted. Since this date, entries to Germany will again be permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visiting trips). For entry into Germany, proof of vaccination, proof of convalescence or proof of testing is no longer required. However, persons residing in the People’s Republic of China still need an important reason to enter Germany (due to reciprocity) — this does not apply to German citizens residing in the People’s Republic of China.
For areas of variant of concern (currently no states are identified as virus variant areas), further entry restrictions would apply.
Entry Regulations
The German government classifies countries with widespread occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern as so-called areas of variant of concern. The list of areas of variant of concern is available on the website of Robert Koch-Institute.
Travelers that have stayed in an area of variant of concern within ten days prior to their entry to Germany must observe special regulations. A travel ban applies for these areas. Transport companies may not transport any persons from these countries to Germany unless exceptions apply. Travelers are required to register before entry, provide a negative PCR-test result and quarantine for 14 days.
For travelers entering from other countries (no prior stay in an area of variant of concern), no special requirements apply on entry. In particular, neither registration nor a negative test result are necessary.
Travel Bans for Countries Affected by Coronavirus Variants
A travel ban is in place for countries with widespread occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (referred to as areas of variant of concern). Transport companies, e.g. air carriers and railway companies, may not transport any persons from these countries to Germany. There are only a few, strictly defined exceptions to this travel ban, namely for:
- German citizens and persons who are residents in Germany with a current right to reside in the country, as well as their spouses, partners (if entering Germany from outside the EU or the United Kingdom / Northern Ireland: only partners living in the same household), and minor children.
- persons catching a connecting flight who do not leave the transit zone of a passenger airport
- and a few other special cases
Persons qualifying for these exceptions must nevertheless complete a digital entry registration before entering the country, undergo mandatory testing or provide proof of immunity, and comply with the applicable quarantine regulations.
Travelers can find more information about the travel ban on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) and the website of the Federal Ministry of Health. The list of areas of variant of concern is published on the website of the Robert Koch Institute.
Mandatory Testing for Areas of Variant of Concern
Persons over the age of 12 who have stayed in an area of variant of concern within ten days prior to their entry to Germany are obliged to carry proof of their COVID-19 status when entering Germany. They must present a negative PCR-test result (a rapid antigen test, or proof of recovery or vaccinations is not sufficient). As a rule, COVID-19 test results must not be more than 48 hours old at the time of the (planned) entry. However, if entering Germany with a carrier (e.g. an airline), a PCR-test may be taken a maximum of 48 hours before the (scheduled) start of the journey (or departure time).
Travelers who are only transferring at an airport in Germany are also required to present proof of their COVID-19 status. This applies both to non-Schengen transit from or to third countries outside the EU and to transit from or to Schengen states. The negative test result, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination must be shown to the carrier for examination prior to departure. Only in the case of cross-border rail travel or cross-border short sea transport may the relevant documentation be presented during transit. Proof must also be shown to the German border authorities upon entry if requested.
More detailed information is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health Quarantine regulations for entries from areas of variant of concern.
Self-Isolation / Quarantine
A requirement to self-isolate is in place in Germany pursuant to the Federal Ministry of Health’s Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations.
Under the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations, persons entering Germany following a stay in an area of variant of concern in the last ten days must
- proceed directly to their destination following entry; and
- self-isolate there for 14 days
During this quarantine, travelers may not leave the house or flat, or receive guests.
Quarantine ends automatically if the relevant country is no longer classified as an area of variant of concern.
Exemptions from the requirement to quarantine apply to persons who:
- have merely passed through an area of variant of concern without a stopover
- are only passing through Germany and leaving the country via the fastest route available
- in the case of border traffic from areas of variant of concern: persons who have spent less than 24 hours in a risk area or are only entering Germany for a period of up to 24 hours
- are cross-border commuters and borders crossers as specified in the website of the Federal Ministry of Health with the proviso that the work they carry our is urgently required and critical to maintaining operational procedures.
More information is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health.
CHOICE DESTINATION/S
Choose which particular tourism attraction you prefer to go to.
Are you interested in the country’s rich history? Try Munich, which hosts Baroque churches, museums, and art galleries.
In Cologne, on the other hand, High Gothic architecture, tall slender vertical piers and pointed arches are a must-see!
If you’re into cars, Stuttgart is for you! It is home to Mercedes-Benz and Porche.
Still, you may want to visit the childhood home of author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Frankfurt am Main, which is Germany’s financial district.
Indeed, one’s passion and purpose in visiting Germany would take precedence over the itinerary of the visit.
Here are the links to these areas and other tourism sites you may want to carefully look at, before planning your trip to Germany:
Do People Speak English in Germany? – Polyglot Geek
Travel information in plain language – Germany Travel
On the other hand, if you are an investor and looking to embark on a business venture in Germany, this site may help you:
Our Service for your Business Expansion to Germany (gtai.de)
AIR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT AND ITINERARY
Perhaps the next step is to know which airline can best suit your schedule and budget as you embark on a much-awaited trip to Germany.
Thus far, here are the airlines that fly to Germany and generally, other parts of Europe:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Cathay Pacific
- Etihad
- Gulf Air
- Turkish Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
When preparing your itinerary, make sure you include the travel time in going to your choice destination in Germany.
If you’re going to Frankfurt, for instance, travel ranges on average from more than 18 hours (layover included) to more than 20 hours (layover included), depending on the airline you will choose.
(Unfortunately, our very own Philippine Airlines does not fly to Germany, as per their corporate Communications Department.)
You can also choose a travel package that will include trains and buses, should you intend to hop from one state to another.
Average fare going to Frankfurt ranges from PHP110 thousand to over PHP200 thousand, per passenger.
A host of offers like these abound online.
Some common tips if you’re making that dream vacation of yours, should it be prime and sole purpose, are the following:
- Choose a date or dates that have the cheapest air ticket offer.
- Consider the weather on the dates you’re going there.
- Visit the country/city during the least popular times.
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN GERMANY
Make sure know where the Philippine Embassy is located there, just in case you may need its help for any emergency.
Make sure you get the names of the people you talk to, for any emergency situation, so you can get back to them for any follow-up or other concerns.
> In Berlin, the Philippine Embassy is situated at Luisenstrasse 16, 10117.
Get in touch with the Embassy through:
Phone: +49(0)308649500
Emergencies: +49(0)1735215703
The Embassy is asking that the line be kept more available to those “with real emergencies,” and discourage those with regular inquiries to call this number. The Embassy did not, however, cite what types of “real emergencies” can be addressed in this number. Nonetheless, it will be quite logical to assume that among the top “qualified emergencies” is a lost passport.
In Frankfurt, the Philippine Embassy is located at Westend Carree Grunebrugweg 16-18, 1st Floor 603ww Frankfurt Am Main.
Here are its contact numbers:
Trunkline: +49 69 870066900 (for passports, visa, civil registry and notarial services)
Hotline No.: +49 151 6248-7425
Emergency No.: +49 151 5354-6841 (Assistance-to-Nationals)
Email Addresses:
frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph (general inquiries)
frankfurtpcg.consular@dfa.gov.ph (consular queries)
The Embassy is also providing these contact numbers, for employment-related concerns:
PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS LABOR OFFICE (POLO)
(for OEC, OWWA Merbership and all Other Employment related concerns)
Tel. No.: + 49 (0) 30 864 95 0 301
Email: polo_germany@dole.gov.ph
> In Hamburg, the Philippine Consulate General is at Jungfrauenthal 13, 20149.
Phone: +4940442952
ANNOUNCEMENTS
eTravel Platform
The public is informed that the Philippine Government has launched the travel portal https://etravel.gov.ph for travelers bound for the Philippines, including returning Filipino nationals and residents.
The eTravel platform will host the electronic version of the paper Arrival Card that travelers must submit upon arrival in the Philippines for immigration clearance. Starting 05 December 2922, the Bureau of Immigration will discontinue using the paper Arrival Card.
The portal effectively replaces the One Health Pas, and also features a summary of the latest entry guidelines of the Philippines relating to COVID-19.
Al travelers will be required to provide their arrival information and health declaration through the travel portal.
Registration on the eTravel platform is FREE-OF-CHARGE.
Fourth, find out the safety and security situation of the place you are going to visit.
Generally, however, Germany is a very safe place to visit. Details of the security situation in the country can be read at: Is Germany Safe to Visit 2023? | Safety Concerns | Travelers.
Should these incidents rarely affect foreigners, but tourists sometimes get mugged at knifepoint around train stations or in sketchy areas after dark.
Kidnapping, rape, and murder directed against foreigners are very rare. Sexual assault sometimes happens, and criminals sometimes use date rape drugs to incapacitate women.
In 2019, a total pf 40 million visitors went there to see the country for all the many attractions and activities it offers.
Should any emergency happens, such as a fire erupting or health-related incidents, one call call 112, which is the equivalent to the US’ 911. In fact, this number is the “go to” number for all EU countries.
Should police assistance calls for an adverse situation, one can call 110.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
It’s easy to choose hotels for specific itineraries if you can see the services of travel agencies. But they usually have a well-thought out plan already or they can easily recommend a clean itinerary for you, considering the connections they have established over the years of running their operations. If you’re happy with that, we can lay down a list of agencies which have established quite a remarkable credibility in designing just the right package for you.
But if you are the more adventurous type, or would rather save some personal funds used elsewhere for a planned trip, like a “back-packer” type of a deal, then you can follow the steps we have cited here.
The last one you’d want to know and arrange during your stay in Germany is booking your hotel.
My own suggestion is to make sure the hotel you will choose has first-aid equipment and staff who have been trained to do first-aid administration, just in case the visit or the hotel stay doesn’t turn out as smoothly as you have anticipated.
OTHER RESOURCE SITES
Finally, here is a link that features the various tourism areas Germany has to offer. Check it out!
https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html
For general information about Germany and recent news in the English language, click this link:
Meantime, the Philippine Embassy in Berlin provides all requested information on their website at:
For investments in German, the experts are with “Germany Trade and Invest” (or “GTAI” for short). You can find further information on:
Last but not least, for visas to Germany (for business or tourist purposes), you can check the Embassy website at:
https://manila.diplo.de/ph-en/service/visa
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