Germany
General visa requirements for travelling to Germany. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (EU/EEA/Swiss Freedom of Movement)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 36500 days
- Processing time
- Immediate
- Validity
- Unlimited
- Entry
- Multiple entry
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals enjoy freedom of movement and only require a valid passport or national identity card for entry. No visa or residence permit is required for any length of stay. After entering Germany, you must register for residence at the registration office within three months.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of EU, EEA, and Swiss countries have the right to freedom of movement and may enter, reside, and work in Germany without restrictions.
Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
How to apply
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Document gathering
Ensure you have a valid passport or national identity card from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
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Document submission
Present your passport or ID card at the German border for entry.
Tourist visa (Schengen Visa-Free Short Stay (Annex II Countries))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Immediate
- Validity
- 90 days in 180-day period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Citizens of over 60 Annex II countries can travel to Germany and the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2025-2026, visa-free travelers must register through ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering. This list includes major countries like USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK, etc.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of Annex II countries as defined by EU Regulation 2018/1806 are exempt from visa requirements for short stays.
Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Macao, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Peru, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, Province of China, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
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Purpose of visit
Eligible for tourism, business meetings, family visits, short-term study, or other short-stay purposes.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit cards, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for stay
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: All Schengen countries; Minimum coverage: €30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, invitation letter, rental agreement; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and return flight reservation.
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Online application
Register for ETIAS authorization online (required from 2025-2026 onwards).
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Document submission
Present documents at German border control upon arrival.
Tourist visa (Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days
- Fee
- €90
- Validity
- 6 months typically
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Nationals from Annex I countries (including India, China, Russia, South Africa, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) require a Schengen visa for short stays. Reduced fees apply to certain nationalities: €35 for nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Children aged 6-11 pay €45, children under 6 are free.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for nationals of Annex I countries who need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area.
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Purpose of visit
For tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or other leisure purposes.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, food, and return travel.
Minimum funds: Varies by length of stay
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, taken within last 6 months, face 70-80% of photo
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient for stay; Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, cash, credit cards, sponsorship letter; Minimum amount: Sufficient for stay duration
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: All Schengen countries; Minimum coverage: €30,000
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation letter from host; Must cover full stay: Yes
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form 2026; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.
Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form online and print it.
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, insurance, bank statements, accommodation proof, flight reservation, and cover letter.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at the German embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center. Apply between 6 months and 15 days before planned travel.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa fee at the time of application.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the application appointment.
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Document submission
Submit all documents and attend interview if required.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing decision.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with visa from the application center or receive via courier if selected.