Enhanced Border Control - Starting September 2024
Germany will extend border controls to all land borders in an attempt to reduce irregular migration. Travellers should expect more random checks on cars, buses, and trains crossing into Germany. Experts predict these enhancements will also lead to more traffic and delays at the border. It is imperative that all travelers carry proper identification with them when traveling in and out of Germany.
Dangerous Dog Ordinance
German states have passed a Dangerous Dog Ordinance (DDO), placing restrictions upon the ownership of certain types of dogs. Military and civilian personnel moving to Germany should weigh the requirements of the German DDO and owner responsibilities for dogs that fit the criteria when making a decision to bring such dogs with them. Pets currently do not have to be quarantined upon arrival in Germany, but a bilingual health certificate is required. Please contact the USAG Stuttgart Veterinary Facility for more information.
Diesel Traffic Ban in Stuttgart
As part of its Clean Air Act, the City of Stuttgart implemented a traffic ban for all diesel vehicles with a Euro emission standard 4 / IV and lower beginning January 2019. The City of Stuttgart may also extend the traffic ban to include Euro emission standard 5 /V diesel vehicles beginning in 2020.
There is not an easily identifiable way to determine the Euro emission standard for a U.S. specification diesel vehicle. For many Euro spec vehicles registered through U.S. Army Europe, owners can locate the respective Euro standard on a data plate inside the passenger, or driver, doorframe. For many Euro spec vehicles, the emission standard is listed on the registration/ownership documents (Fahrzeugschein) under section 14 and 14.1.
The diesel traffic ban currently affects all areas within the Stuttgart city limits including Patch, Kelley, and Robinson Barracks. This area extends beyond the existing environmental zones. According to Stuttgart officials, the boundaries of the diesel traffic ban do extend beyond the environmental zone, with very few exceptions that allow accessing areas outside the city limits by transiting through the city. Signs informing motorists of the diesel ban are located alongside major roadways, including A81 between Panzer Kaserne and Patch Barracks.
One way to informing newcomers of the diesel traffic ban is through sponsorship. The Directorate of Human Resources is incorporating this information in ongoing sponsorship training as well as working to have the information added to inbound military members’ orders. The garrison is also working with the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center to have similar diesel traffic ban warnings added to civilian employee orders.
For more information, visit the official Stuttgart website at: https://en.stuttgart.de/issues/air-pollution-control.php
