Travel safely: Why the elephant list is indispensable for Germans!

Travel safely: Why the elephant list is indispensable for Germans!

In view of recent crises, such as the devastating forest fires on Rhodes in 2023, in which numerous tourists had to be evacuated and accommodated in emergency accommodation, the importance of registering on the Elefand list for German holidaymakers is growing. This electronic recording, which was designed for crisis prevention, is becoming increasingly relevant when planning trips abroad. The Federal Foreign Office expressly recommends that you register on the Elefand list before you start your vacation.

The Elefand list, short for “Electronic registration of Germans abroad”, enables German citizens to store important personal information, contact options and whereabouts. The aim is to provide consular support in an emergency. Since German citizens are not required to register abroad, registration is particularly important. This allows embassies to access the information specifically and act quickly.

Benefits of the Elefand List

A key advantage of the Elefand list is the ability to receive important information by email or SMS in the event of a crisis. This includes rules of conduct and information about evacuations. The registration process can be completed online or via the newly available Elefand app, available for smartphones and tablets since June 12, 2024. This app not only allows you to easily enter travel data, but also to update it.

The Elefand app is available free of charge in the app stores for iOS and Android. You can register using an existing account or log in again if necessary. Emergency contacts can also be stored, which ensures that diplomatic missions abroad can contact you quickly in the event of an emergency. It is advisable to register before departure, as internet availability is often limited in crisis situations.

Recommendations and outlook

The Federal Foreign Office recommends registration in the Elefand list for all German citizens abroad, regardless of the length of stay or the country of travel. This also includes accompanying family members without German citizenship. With an access code that is sent by email after entering all relevant data, travelers can also plan future stays more easily. Once entered, the data is automatically deleted after the specified travel duration, which ensures uncomplicated handling of sensitive information.

The elephant list is more than just a crisis prevention tool. It also offers the opportunity to receive information about federal and European elections for Germans living permanently abroad. A consulate finder is also integrated into the app, which shows the responsible diplomatic mission. All of these functions help ensure that German travelers abroad are well informed and can receive quick support in an emergency.

In summary, the Elefand list is crucial for every German traveling abroad. Given the unpredictable nature of crises, early registration not only makes sense, but can be vital to survival in an emergency. Further information on registration can be found on the website t-online.de and auswaertiges-amt.de.