Fuel price rules inside Germany

From April 1, fuel stations in Germany may raise fuel prices only once per day, although they can lower prices any number of times.

The rule is meant to protect consumers from extreme price volatility caused by disruptions to oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz, after regional conflict drove up global energy costs.

For expats who drive in Germany on home visits or business trips, this should make price comparisons easier and reduce the risk of sudden price spikes during the day.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation becomes more expensive

From April 8, 2026, the cost of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rises from 16 pounds to 20 pounds, roughly from 18.45 euros to 23 euros.

Almost all EU and non‑EU nationals need an ETA to visit the UK unless they are travelling on a UK or Irish passport, which means many German expats and their non‑German partners will face slightly higher trip costs.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fully in force

On April 12, 2026, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) takes full effect at all external border crossings after a phased rollout that began in October 2025.

On their first visit to the Schengen area, non‑EU citizens must register their passport details and biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial image—in a dedicated terminal before going to passport control.

German expats travelling with non‑EU family members should plan extra time for border checks, especially on initial trips, and make sure everyone understands the new process.

Key takeaways for German expats

• Expect more predictable fuel prices when driving in Germany, with at most one price increase per day at each station.
• Budget a few extra euros per person for UK trips due to the higher ETA fee.
• Non‑EU family members should be prepared for biometric registration under the EES the next time they enter the Schengen area.