Germany

Germany Travel Guide

Still misunderstood by many, Germany stands as one of the most endlessly engaging countries on the continent. Anyone expecting a homogeneous nation conforming to rigid Teutonic stereotypes is in for a shock. As a travel destination it’s somewhere with huge personality notable for a clutch of truly lovable cities culture served up in hefty portions and rural scenery so heart-melting you’ll be left bemused why some people still think of the place as lacking allure.

It’s the country’s urban highlights that tend to draw the attention first.Berlin is the very definition of a dynamic city, having forged a good time reputation for ground-breaking creativity while still keeping sight of its past. Elsewhere the likes of Cologne, Munich and Hamburg – to mention three of many – provide the capital with able support. Not only are they rich in historical buildings and eyes-to-the-future nightlife they also give firm dissent to the notion that Germany doesn't do gastronomy. These days, you dine and drink well in Deutschland.   

Requirements for the issue of short stay (Schengen) visasSince 5 April 2010, Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) forms the statutory basis under European law in all Schengen states for the issuing of visas for transit through the Schengen area or for short‑term stays in the Schengen area not exceeding 90 days in any 180‑day period. The Visa Code sstandardize the visa requirements which must be examined by the mission in the course of the visa procedure. The respective mission makes a decision on the visa application at its own discretion, taking into account all the circumstances in any given individual case.

There is no automatic entitlement to a Schengen visa.

The mission must ensure that the following requirements have been met in each individual case:

• The purpose of the trip to Germany must be plausible and comprehensible.
• The applicant must be in a position to finance his/her living and travel costs from his/her own funds or income.
• The visa holder must be prepared to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.
• Documentary evidence must be provided of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid for the entire Schengen area.

Should an applicant be unable to prove that he/she can finance the journey and stay from his/her own funds, a third person may undertake to cover all costs associated with the trip in accordance with sections 66 and 68 of the Residence Act. This undertaking is normally to be made to the foreigners authority in the place of residence of the person making the undertaking.

Persons whose entry into the Schengen area would jeopardise security or public order in the Schengen states or who do not fulfill one or more of the above‑mentioned requirements, cannot be granted a visa. Should a visa application be rejected, the applicant will be informed of the main reasons for the rejection. Every applicant is entitled to take legal recourse against the mission’s decision.

Requirements for the issue of visas for longer stays and/or stays entitling the holder to take up gainful employmentAll foreigners require visas for stays of more than three months or stays leading to gainful employment. Exemptions apply to EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens and Swiss nationals.

Furthermore, citizens of Australia Canada  Japan New Zealand the Republic of Korea and the United States of America may obtain any residence permit that may be required after entering Germany. Citizens of all other countries planning a longer stay in Germany must apply for visas at the competent mission before arriving in the country. Such visa applications must be approved by the relevant foreigners’ authority in Germany, i.e. the foreigner’s authority in the place where the applicant intends to take up residence. If the approval of the foreigners’ authority is necessary before a visa can be issued, the procedure can take up to three months, in some cases longer since the foreigner’s authority will often consult other authorities (e.g. the Federal Employment Agency). Missions may only issue visas once they have obtained the approval of the foreigner’s authority.

Visas entitling holders to take up gainful employment often do not require the approval of the foreigner’s authority, which speeds up the application process. Visa application forms for a long‑term stay (longer than three months) can be obtained from the relevant mission free of charge. They can also be downloaded here (German, English, French, and Italian). The forms submitted must be original versions (at least two sets) in the appropriate language of the mission in question. Please contact the mission beforehand to find out exactly which forms are required.

The foreigner’s authorities are also responsible for measures and decisions pertaining to residence law for foreigners already residing in Germany. Foreigners authorities are not subordinate agencies of the Federal Foreign Office, and the Federal Foreign Office cannot influence their decisions. They are in fact accountable to and operate under the supervision of the respective interior ministries and senators of the Länder (federal states). As a result of Regulation 265/2010 it is now possible for anyone in possession of a national visa (D visa) and a valid travel document to move freely in the Schengen area up to three months in any six‑month period.

Time required to issue visa:
As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. Applications for visas entitling the holder to a longer stay or to take up gainful employment may take several months to process.

During the peak travel season there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. Persons requiring a visa to enter Germany should therefore submit their applications in good time.

How long is the visa valid for?
Study visas are valid for the length of the study period
Short stay (Schengen) visas are valid for 90 days
Hybrid, Long-stay visit/Permanent stay (residence permit) visas are valid for periods of over 90 days

Other information: 
US citizens in possession of a valid US passport do not need a visa for airport transit, tourist or business trips (for stays up to 90 days). The passport must not expire before the end of the scheduled trip.

Did you know that there are already 250,000 young people from abroad studying in Germany? Are you also about to take this step? Non-EU citizens need a visa to enter the country. This can be obtained from your local German diplomatic mission. As a rule you will be asked to submit the following documents: admission certificate to a German university or college proof of health insurance evidence of any previous academic attainment a German language certificate or a planned language course in Germany and documents providing proof of how you intend to finance your time in higher education. Applicants who have not yet been accepted can apply for a study applicant’s visa. It is valid for three months and can later be converted into a residence permit for study purposes after official admission. Another possibility is a language-course visa. However this is only valid for the duration of the course.

Embassy contact information:Please contact the nearest German embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Germany.