Customs helps guests “drive on”

One big plus of living in Germany is that friends and relatives can get that real European experience when they visit. But, if you want to lend your car to guests so they can tour on their own, you must get customs approval first.
“Just go to your local military customs office and fill out an application form,” said Bill Johnson, director of the USAREUR Customs Executive Agency. “You will need your visitors’ passport numbers, so get them early,” he added. Also, you must have clear copies of the passport and stateside (or international driver’s license valid for Germany) if your relatives or friends are not there to fill out the form with you.

One key provision is that your guests have not established and will not establish residency in Germany.  It is also very important that your automobile insurance covers your guests.  Consult the customs Web site at www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/custom3.htm for more details and customs office locations.

Your guests can use this exception to policy to drive a USAREUR-registered POV in Germany for up to 90 days after arrival in Europe. The document must be in the car when your guests use your vehicle independently, along with their passports, the vehicle registration, proof of insurance and their international driver’s licenses (or official translations of their stateside licenses).

“Driving in Germany is tax and duty-free for U.S. Forces personnel and their dependents,” Johnson explained. Your guests are not normally allowed this exemption, which is why the customs authorization is required. However, he warned that it does not allow them to use your gas coupons or buy gas at AAFES stations. Additionally, guests of U.S. Forces personnel who rent a car are likewise not authorized gas coupons or use of AAFES stations.

Your guests can have a great European vacation if you plan ahead. Call any military customs office or the Customs Hot Line (DSN 381-7610 / CIV 0621-7307610) to find out more.