Visa needed?
Entry clearance requirements are dependent on the citizenship of the applicant. Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for stays up to 90 days. US Citizens do not require a visa to visit Germany. Citizens from countries other than may need a visa, Please check the German Consulate in the United States website

Tax Exemption
The price for merchandise purchased in the Federal Republic of Germany includes 19% value-added-tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. The refund is a fiscal advantage granted by the German Government to the retailer. It can voluntarily be passed on from the retailer to the customer. However the retailer is not obliged to do so.

What to do to obtain a Refund?
1. The customer has to inform the retailer at the time of purchase that the merchandise is to be exported to a country outside the European Union. The customer will then get a special export invoice (Ausfuhr- und Abnehmerbescheinigung). Please note that some retailers use the service of the Tax Free Shopping Service. In these cases a Tax Free Shopping Check will be issued.

2. When leaving the European Union the export invoice or the Tax Free Shopping Check has to be submitted to the Customs Service at the airport or the border point together with a proof of the customer's residence outside the European Union (e.g. passport) so that the export of the merchandise can be certified. The procedure also includes examination of the merchandise purchased in Germany. Please not that the merchandise has to be exported within three months of the purchase to qualify for tax-refund.

3. After certification by the Customs Service, the export invoice has to be returned to the store in which the merchandise was purchased. In case the Tax Free Shopping Service handles the reimbursement, the customer may be able to obtain a cash refund if the Tax Free Shopping Service maintains an office at the exit airport. Otherwise the checks should be sent to the address shown on the back of the Tax Free Shopping Check. Please indicate the method of payment that you wish to receive (credit card number or name, routing number and account number of your bank account).

Driving in Germany
Tourists from the United States holding a valid license which has been properly acquired during a stay in the United States of at least 185 days. If the license holder is planning to take up residence in Germany they must have a valid translation to accompany the US license.