Country Information

A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by all nationals listed in the chart above except (1) EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card which is valid for the duration of stay. If travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another however, EU nationals are not required to show a passport or national ID card. It is still recommended that you travel with your passport or ID card to prove your identity if necessary though. Note that Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the UK are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries. EU nationals are not required to possess a return ticket or show sufficient funds.

If visas are needed, a form must be filled out for each individual applicant, including children under 18. Children travelling alone must supply a letter from both parents authorising them to travel and appointing the person who will be responsible for them.

Visas for Germany are not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations: • Nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period. • Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays not exceeding 90 days in a six-month period; stay begins when nationals enter any of the Schengen countries.

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Germany.

Nationals of certain countries require a transit visa to pass through Germany; check with the consulate for the latest list.

Germany is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Schengen visa: Euro60/£50 (Euro35/£29 for children aged between six and 12). Nationals of a few countries pay Euro35/£29; check with the consulate for a list. Children under six years of age, school pupils and students and accompanying teachers on study or educational trips, researchers (travelling for research purposes only): no fee.

A Schengen short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

If Germany is the main destination of your trip, apply to your local German consulate or embassy. UK residents requiring a visa should apply to VFS Global (www.vfsglobal.com/germany/uk), which charges an additional fee of £18.50.

If you are an EU citizen who wishes to do paid or self-employed work, you do not need a visa or work permit, according to EU regulations. However, if you wish to stay for longer than three months, you should register with the local Einwohnermeldeamt (Residence Registration Office) within a week of finding permanent accommodation.

Visa processing usually takes five working days for tourist visas and two to five days for business visas, but can take longer in some cases.

If applying for a visa, you’ll be asked to detail how you intend to support yourself for the duration of your stay.

If you wish to extend a stay once in the country, you should apply to the Ausländeramt (literally ‘Outsider Authorities’) office in the nearest major town.

If travelling with a pet from the UK to Germany, the animal must have a microchip, rabies vaccination certificate and EU pet passport. If being vaccinated for the first time, this should take place at least 21 days before travelling.