Cannabis: adults may carry up to 25 g
Since 1 April 2024 adults may possess and carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis. Buying, possessing and growing cannabis remains banned for anyone under 18.
Local Rules for Travellers
🇩🇪 Local Rules in Germany for Travellers
Germany legalised cannabis for adults in 2024, but the rules are narrower than many visitors assume: there are possession limits, places where you may not smoke it, and visitors cannot join the cannabis clubs that supply it. Using Nazi symbols or salutes is a crime that can lead to prison. These rules were checked against the Federal Ministry of Health, the German Criminal Code, German Customs, the Federal Aviation Office and the UK government's official travel advice for Germany.
🚫 Drugs & cannabis
No cannabis in pedestrian zones by day or near schools and playgrounds
Consuming cannabis is banned in pedestrian zones between 7am and 8pm, and in and within sight of schools, children's and youth facilities and playgrounds (sight distance ends at 100 m from the entrance).
Visitors can't join cannabis clubs, and there is no online sale
Cannabis clubs may only have members aged 18+ who have lived in Germany for at least 6 months, a rule meant to prevent drug tourism. Only members may receive cannabis from a club, and mail order, delivery and online sales remain banned.
🏛️ Public places & behaviour
Nazi symbols, slogans and salutes are criminal offences
Using symbols of banned unconstitutional organisations, including Nazi flags, badges, uniform items, slogans and salutes, in public, at a gathering or in content you share, can be punished with up to 3 years in prison or a fine.
Source: German Criminal Code, Section 86a (gesetze-im-internet.de) ↗
🪪 ID, fees & documents
Not obliged to carry ID, but police can escort you to it
Carrying ID is not a legal requirement for visitors, but if you can't show ID when asked, the police can escort you to fetch your passport.
🚗 Driving
Low-emission zones in city centres
Some inner-city areas are environmental zones (Umweltzone): only vehicles that meet specific exhaust emission standards may enter.
🛸 Drones
Register drones of 250 g or more, or with a camera
Every operator of a drone weighing 250 g or more must register (€20 for a private person) and put the registration number on the drone. Drones under 250 g must also be registered if they carry a camera or other sensor that can capture personal data.
Source: Federal Aviation Office (LBA) ↗
Extra German drone restrictions near airports and infrastructure
On top of the EU drone rules, German aviation law restricts drone flights near airports and critical infrastructure.
Source: Federal Aviation Office (LBA) ↗
🛃 Customs & what you can bring
From outside the EU: 200 cigarettes, 1 L spirits, 16 L beer
Travellers aged 17+ arriving from outside the EU can bring 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco), 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres up to 22%, and 16 litres of beer. Other goods are duty-free up to €430 for air and sea travellers (€300 otherwise); medicines in the amount you personally need.
Source: German Customs (Zoll) ↗
Law, venue rule, custom or advice?
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
- Law
- Set by national, regional or city law. Breaking it can mean a fine or worse.
- Venue rule
- A rule set by a venue or operator, such as a bath, museum, hotel or transport company.
- Local custom
- Not a law, but expected behaviour. Ignoring it can cause offence.
- Safety advice
- Practical advice from an official source to keep you out of trouble.
Sources checked for this page
- German Criminal Code, Section 86a (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Federal Ministry of Health (BMG)
- UK government travel advice (FCDO) for Germany
- German Customs (Zoll)
- Federal Aviation Office (LBA)
- Federal Aviation Office (LBA)
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.