Travel Deals
Germany: Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | Yes | No | No |
| British | Yes | No | No |
| Canadian | Yes | No | No |
| Other EU | 1 | No | No |
| USA | Yes | No | No |
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Passports:
To enter Germany, a passport valid for the length of stay is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except (1) EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
For stays of up to three months, passports must be valid for the proposed duration of the stay; no extra period of validity is required.
Visas:
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.
Visa note:
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Germany.
Types and cost:
Schengen visa: €60 (€35 for children aged between six and 12). Nationals of a few countries pay €35; 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.
Validity:
A Schengen short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Transit:
Nationals of certain countries require a transit visa to pass through Germany; check with the consulate for the latest list.
Application to:
If Germany is the main destination of your trip, apply to your local German consular authority.
Schengen visas:
Germany is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Temporary residence:
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.
Working days:
Processing time for a Schengen visa is generally 24 to 48 hours, although this can take up to 14 days for some nationalities. If applying by post, the process can take eight to 15 working days.
Sufficient funds:
If applying for a visa, you’ll be asked to detail how you intend to support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Entry documents:
Identity card (if exempt from having to show passport) or passport (in all other cases).
Extension of stay:
If you wish to extend a stay once in the country, you should apply to the Auslanderamt (literally ‘Outsider Authorities’) office in the nearest major town.
Entry with children:
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.
Entry with pets:
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.
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