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Visas in Germany
Before you travel to Germany, find out about visa restrictions. The nationals of the Schengen Agreement countries do not require a visa. However citizens of countries outside the Schengen Agreement should apply for a visa. There are several types of visas depending on the duration of stay and the number of entries. For more info on whether you need to apply for a visa to enter Germany, visit the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Before sending or bringing in your application, contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy to verify your information about the required documents and the visa fee.
Who Requires a Visa
- Nationals of Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not require a visa for a stay up to three months in six months period. If the stay exceeds 3 months, a visa can be obtained after arrival.
- EU nationals do not require a visa to live and work in Germany.
- Nationals of American Samoa, Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela and US Virgin Islands do not require a visa for stays up to 3 months.
- Nationals of countries not mentioned above should apply for a visa.
Short-Stay Visa
A short-stay visa is valid in all the Schengen countries for a stay up to three months within a six months period. It is issued for tourism, visit and business but not for employment purposes.
Long-Stay Visa
A long-stay visa is issued for a stay of more than 3 months for the purposes of study or temporary work.
Transit Passengers
- A visa is not required by transit passengers on their journey by the same or the first connecting craft if they have the documentation needed and they do not leave the airport.
- An airport transit visa is required when not leaving the airport by nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Columbia, Congo, Democratic Republic, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey.