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⚠️ Travel warnings, crisis preparedness, Auswärtiges Amt

What travel warnings mean, how to register on the crisis preparedness list and what help embassies provide.

travel warning Auswärtiges Amt safety advice ELEFAND crisis preparedness list cancellation embassy Sicher Reisen

In brief

The Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) publishes travel and safety advice for every country. The levels range from "Travel not necessary is advised against" to "Travel is warned against" (travel warning).

  • A travel warning is not a travel ban.
  • For package holidays it can be a strong argument for free withdrawal.
  • Register before the trip on the crisis preparedness list ELEFAND. The data is deleted after the trip.

The Sicher Reisen app sends notices to your phone.

Step by step

  1. Read the adviceRead the advice on the destination before booking and departure.
  2. Register on the crisis listRegister at krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de or in the ELEFAND app.
  3. Act on a warningFor package holidays, contact the operator immediately and withdraw in writing.
  4. EmergencyIf you lose your passport or are in distress, contact the embassy or consulate.

Deadlines

no compensation claim by the operator
In case of unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances at the destination§ 651h BGB
over 200
Missions abroad for consular assistance (according to the Auswärtiges Amt)Auswärtiges Amt, Reisetipps
Watch out – common mistakes
  • A travel warning does not automatically create a right to free cancellation; this is assessed case by case.
  • For individual bookings (flight or hotel only), package travel law does not apply.
  • Consular assistance is limited in war and crisis countries.
  • The decision on whether to travel is ultimately yours (Auswärtiges Amt).
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Travel and safety advice

According to the Auswärtiges Amt, the advice contains information on entry rules, customs and criminal law provisions, medical care and security risks. The warning levels go up to "Travel is warned against". The Sicher Reisen app provides notifications of changes. The Amt points out that the ultimate decision on whether to start a trip lies with the travellers.

ELEFAND

ELEFAND (Elektronische Erfassung von Deutschen im Ausland, electronic registration of Germans abroad) is an online system in which all Germans can register regardless of destination and duration. In a crisis, the mission abroad or the Crisis Response Centre can contact you individually or by a compatriot letter. The data is automatically deleted after the stated travel period ends.

Withdrawal in crises

Under § 651h BGB, no compensation can be demanded in case of unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances at the destination. Whether the conditions are met is a question for each individual case; according to search results, a travel warning is regarded as a strong indication. Not checked in full text.

Who is responsible
  • Auswärtiges Amt
  • German embassy or consulate
  • Tour operator
  • Verbraucherzentrale
Further reading
Package holiday: withdrawal, defects, insolvency protectionTravel insurance and illness abroadID card, passport, ETA, EES and ETIAS

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Travel warnings, crisis preparedness, Auswärtiges Amt“?
What travel warnings mean, how to register on the crisis preparedness list and what help embassies provide.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • no compensation claim by the operator: In case of unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances at the destination (§ 651h BGB)
  • over 200: Missions abroad for consular assistance (according to the Auswärtiges Amt) (Auswärtiges Amt, Reisetipps)
What should I do first?
  • Read the advice: Read the advice on the destination before booking and departure.
  • Register on the crisis list: Register at krisenvorsorgeliste.diplo.de or in the ELEFAND app.
  • Act on a warning: For package holidays, contact the operator immediately and withdraw in writing.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • A travel warning does not automatically create a right to free cancellation; this is assessed case by case.
  • For individual bookings (flight or hotel only), package travel law does not apply.
  • Consular assistance is limited in war and crisis countries.
Evidence
  • Auswärtiges Amt, Reisetipps des Auswärtigen Amts, retrieved 21 September 2026
  • Auswärtiges Amt, Krisenvorsorgeliste (ELEFAND), retrieved 21 September 2026
  • Bundesministerium der Justiz, Gesetze im Internet, § 651h BGB, retrieved 21 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

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