Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Access ramps and/or lifts are available in many public buildings, including train stations,
museums, concert halls and cinemas. Newer hotels have lifts and rooms with extra-wide
doors and spacious bathrooms. For a data bank assessing the accessibility of cafes, restaur-
ants, hotels, theatres and other public spaces (in German), check with Mobidat ( 030-7477
7115; www.mobidat.de ) .
Most buses and trams are wheelchair-accessible and many U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations are
equipped with ramps or lifts. For trip-planning assistance, contact the BVG . Many stations
also have grooved platforms to assist blind and vision-impaired passengers. Seeing-eye dogs
are allowed everywhere. Hearing-impaired passengers can check upcoming station names
on displays installed in all forms of public transport.
Rollstuhlpannendienst ( 0177 833 5773; www.rollstuhlpannendienst.de ) provides
24-hour wheelchair repairs. The same company also offers wheelchair rentals.
Visas
EU nationals only need their national identity card or passport to enter Germany. If you in-
tend to stay for an extended period, you must register with the authorities ( Bürgeramt, or
Citizens' Office) within two weeks of arrival.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the US, among
others, only need a valid passport (no visa) if entering as tourists for a stay of up to three
months within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least another four months
beyond the planned departure date.
Nationals from other countries need a Schengen Visa. Applications for a Schengen Visa
must be filed with the embassy or consulate of the country that is your primary destination.
It is valid for stays of up to 90 days. Legal permanent residency in any Schengen country
makes a visa unnecessary, regardless of your nationality.
For full details and current regulations, see www.auswaertiges-amt.de or check with a Ger-
man consulate in your country.
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