The Germany Visitor Visa, a Schengen Type C visa, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (who require a visa) to enter Germany—and the wider Schengen Area—for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is suitable for tourism, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings, cultural events, medical purposes, or short educational visits.
You must apply at the German embassy or consulate (or an external visa center) in your country of residence. Some nationalities—like U.S., UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea—do not need a visa for tourism/business visits under 90 days, but visa requirements vary by country.
Citizens from visa-required countries planning a short visit.
Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., from the U.S., UK) can travel visa-free for short stays, but others must apply.
Core Requirements:
Completed Schengen Visa Application (VIDEX) and signed.
Valid passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, and have 2 blank pages.
Two recent biometric-style photos.
Travel purpose documentation, such as itinerary or invitation letter.
Proof of sufficient funds, typically around €45 per day (e.g., €4,050 for a 90-day period).
Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000, including medical emergencies and repatriation.
Application fee: €80 for adults; €40 for children aged 6–12; exemptions may apply for younger children or students.
Appointment submission at the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa center (e.g., BLS or TLS).
Legal short-term entry into Germany and Schengen countries for tourism, family visits, business, or cultural purposes.
Multiple-entry flexibility (if granted) enables travel across the Schengen area during the visa’s validity.
Relatively quick processing, typically within 15 calendar days, though it can take longer for some nationalities.
If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (e.g., U.S., UK, Canada), you can visit Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. Otherwise, you must apply for a Schengen Visitor Visa.
Typically around 15 calendar days, though it may take up to 45 working days depending on your nationality and the embassy.
Proof of about €45 per day of stay is generally required, so for a 90-day trip, around €4,050.
Yes—as long as it’s a multiple-entry visa, you may travel freely within the Schengen Area during its validity.
As of July 1, 2025, Germany has abolished the informal remonstration process. If your visa is denied, you may either submit a new application or file a formal court appeal, which is costly and complex.