Allowed or banned: the table
| Topic | In Berlin | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | Up to 25 g in public for adults, but no legal purchase for a tourist; banned near schools and in pedestrian zones from 7 am to 8 pm | Cannabis in Berlin |
| Alcohol in the street | Allowed in the street and parks; banned on BVG buses, trams and metro; age 16 (beer, wine), 18 (spirits) | Alcohol in the street |
| Smoking | Banned in enclosed places and on transport, tolerated on terraces; fine up to €100 | Smoking in Berlin |
| Bottles and cans | Deposit (Pfand) of 25 cents for plastic and cans, refunded at supermarkets | Pfand deposit |
| Crossing, dropping a cigarette butt, travelling without a ticket | Common rules and fines, often surprising | Can you… in Berlin? |
And on the health side, are you covered? Preparing a trip also means planning for what happens if you fall ill or have an accident. The European Health Insurance Card covers state-provided care for EU visitors, but not every cost and not repatriation; visitors from outside the EU pay in full. A health and repatriation insurance (SafetyWing, bought online, for the length of your trip) covers treatment and the trip home. See our travel insurance guide.
Safety: what to know
Berlin is a big city that is safe for visitors, but the same risks as in any European capital exist: pickpocketing on transport and near tourist sites, street scams, and areas to avoid alone late at night. Read safety in Berlin at night and the scams to avoid. For the official safety situation in Germany, consult your own government's travel advice, the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and the information from visitBerlin and Berlin.de.
Entry requirements
- Documents: citizens of the European Union enter with a valid ID card or passport; other travellers should check whether they need a visa with the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt, auswaertiges-amt.de).
- EES: the EU Entry/Exit System, which registers non-EU travellers at the external borders of the Schengen area, is described as in operation since spring 2026; check the official EU website (travel-europe.europa.eu) for what applies on your arrival.
- ETIAS: the €20 travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers was not yet in service at our last check, and its launch date has been pushed back. Never pay on an unofficial site: rely only on the official EU website.
- Check date: these rules evolve, so confirm them the week you leave.
Health, money, phone
- Health insurance: if you are European, bring your European Health Insurance Card; otherwise travel insurance is advisable. Emergency numbers and care: health and emergencies in Berlin.
- Payment: cards are increasingly accepted, but many small places remain cash-only, and tipping has its customs: see paying, money and tipping.
- Phone: an eSIM avoids roaming fees outside the European Union; see SIM card and eSIM in Berlin.
Departure checklist
- Valid passport or ID card, and a visa if needed.
- Health and travel insurance; European card if you are entitled to it.
- Bank card without foreign fees, plus a little cash.
- eSIM or suitable plan.
- Booking of accommodation, museum tickets and timed excursions (day trips from Berlin).
- Transport ticket: transport in Berlin.
- Read our tips for a first trip.
Preparing your stay
You can book tours and activities in Berlin on the GetYourGuide city page and compare hotels on Booking (box below). This page contains partner links: we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
