The Foreign Office has warned people to be carefulReichstag Dome with German flag - landmark Berlin Reichstag, Deutscher Bundestag/ German parliament buildingPeople heading to Germany have been warned(Image: Getty)

The UK Foreign Office has issued a fresh alert to holidaymakers. In their update on June 4, they warned anyone heading to Germany to be extra cautious.

When travelling through the nation’s airports, the government body warns in their Germany travel advice that you may face severe consequences for illegal activity. They warned: “Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.”

They added: “Airports in Germany have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”

You should also be aware that Germany follows Schengen area rules. This means that your passport must:

  • have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
  • have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Ensure your passport and other travel documents meet the necessary requirements by checking with your travel provider. Renew your passport if needed.

You will be refused entry if your travel documents are invalid or if you attempt to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. If you hold a residence permit, your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay, renew it before it expires.

Don’t forget to declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You must also note that when taking food into Germany, there are restrictions.

The Foreign Office further warns: “You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.”