February 2026 brings a wide range of regulatory, cultural and seasonal changes that will influence daily life across the country. From stricter travel rules and environmental regulations to the beginning of the Lenten season, winter school breaks and the peak of Carnival, residents and visitors can expect a busy month. Here is a comprehensive overview of what’s changing.
Beginning February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. The ETA costs £16 and is required for tourism, family visits and short stays of up to six months for travellers from Europe, North America, Australia and many other countries.
Transport companies will be legally required to deny boarding to any passenger who cannot present a valid ETA. Every traveller, including infants and children, must apply individually. Only British and Irish passport holders or individuals with existing UK residence rights are exempt.
From February onward, annual nature protection regulations prohibit major hedge and shrub cutting until late summer to safeguard nesting birds. Only light maintenance trimming is allowed, and the overall structure of hedges must remain intact. Environmental organisations such as NABU urge residents to inspect hedges for birds' nests before any pruning. Violations can result in significant fines, particularly if protected species are affected.
For Christians, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking the start of a 40-day period of reflection, discipline and preparation for Easter. Traditionally, Lent is observed through fasting or giving up certain habits, many people reduce or eliminate meat, sweets, alcohol or digital consumption. Others focus on spiritual reflection or charitable acts.
Ash Wednesday holds symbolic importance, many Christians attend services to receive a cross of ashes on their forehead as a sign of humility and renewal. It also marks the quiet, reflective shift away from the festive days of Carnival. Lent continues until Easter Saturday, April 4, concluding just before the start of Easter Sunday celebrations.
A scheduled reduction in feed-in compensation for newly installed photovoltaic systems takes effect on February 1. Subsidies decrease by 1%, with further reductions planned every six months.
New tariff rates include:
Once registered, rates remain fixed for 20 years, giving system owners long-term price stability.
Winter school holidays vary between federal states:
Other states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, do not have winter holidays in February.
Verdi is negotiating with public-sector employers for higher wages, including inflation compensation and minimum monthly increases, due to rising living costs. Talks remain difficult, and Verdi has already warned that further warning strikes may be necessary if no progress is made. Past actions in similar bargaining rounds have involved teachers, hospital staff, childcare workers, municipal employees and public transport operators. Such strikes typically cause school disruptions, reduced hospital services, delayed administrative offices and irregular bus or tram schedules. Affected cities usually announce strike details only 1–2 days in advance, creating short-notice interruptions for residents.
February marks the climax of Carnival (Karneval/Fasching), one of Germany’s most vibrant cultural traditions. The final days leading up to Ash Wednesday, often called the peak of the “fifth season”, feature major parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and large street festivals. The celebrations are most prominent in the Rhineland, especially in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz, which host the country’s biggest Carnival parades and street festivities.
Carnival culture includes satirical floats, marching bands, candy-throwing traditions (“Kamelle”), and symbolic rituals such as the burning of the Nubbel, marking the end of the festivities. During this period, public transport operates on special schedules, with additional services, route diversions and temporary stop closures to handle large crowds and road closures.
February 2026 brings a mix of administrative updates, cultural customs and seasonal shifts. Whether adjusting to new travel rules, observing Lent, navigating school holidays or participating in Carnival celebrations, residents and visitors will see meaningful changes shaping daily routines this month.
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