Munich’s annual Oktoberfest beer festival is scheduled to take place this year between 21 September and 6 October 2024 in Bavaria, Germany. New Zealanders planning on attending this year’s festival should read this information in conjunction with our current travel advisory for Germany.  

Before you go
All New Zealanders planning on attending Oktoberfest are encouraged to: 

• Register your details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the SafeTravel website. This allows us to convey important information to you in the event of an emergency and account for your well-being. 
• Ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place. Make sure it provides cover for any pre-existing conditions as well as any activities you wish to undertake that may be excluded from regular policies.
• Check the latest entry regulations for Germany.

You can also find on SafeTravel a travel checklist, information on passports and visas  and advice about what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can help with in case something goes wrong.

Safety and security
There is some risk to your security in Germany due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. New Zealanders are advised to be vigilant and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a heightened degree of vigilance in public places. See our Germany travel advisory for further information.

Backpacks and heavy bags are strictly forbidden and corresponding bag checks will be performed prior to participants entering the festival grounds. We recommend you secure all large bags and non-essential items at your accommodation.

Where to get help     
In an emergency call 112 for Fire and Ambulance and 110 for the Police.

Consular assistance
New Zealanders requiring consular assistance in Germany should contact: 

The New Zealand Embassy, Berlin
Street Address: Atrium, Friedrichstrasse 60, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Telephone: +49 30 206 210. Outside of business hours, if you require emergency consular assistance please call +64 99 20 20 20.
Email: nzembber@infoem.org
Website: www.mfat.govt.nz/germany
Office hours: Mon - Fri 0930 - 1300, 1400 - 1600 hrs

For more information on attending Oktoberfest, please visit the official Oktoberfest website and the Munich city portal – which has some tips worth reading.

Associated Advisories:

• See the Germany travel advisory

Reviewed:2 Sep 2024, 11:29