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Germany

In general
For entering the country a valid international passport is needed with a validity of not less than six months beyond the intended length of stay. Exceptions to the general rule are nationals from the following countries:

  • Austria, the rest of the EU nations and Switzerland entering with a valid identity card or passport
  • Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela and the US Virgin Islands for visits up to three months;


Non-EU Nationals: All the foreigners from the Non-EU countries months must apply for a visa before leaving their home country, even if the duration of the stay is less than three months. US citizens do not need a tourist visa for a stay up three months.


Validity
 Entrance visa: single or multiple entry; validity usually three months, depending on nationality and purpose of visit.

Transit visa: depending on the nationality; max. five days for single or multiple trips. Some nationals if in possession of a residence permit or visa for a EU country do not require a transit visa.


Visa application
The application must be made personally at the German government representative office responsible for that area with the necessary documentation (differs depending on the visa type: work, student, transit). Typically applications for short visits and transit visits, as a tourist or guest, require between two and ten working days. Applications for a visa for a longer stay or to become a student may take months and that is why it is recommended to apply well before the intended departure date.


Please note

Residence permit: All foreigners (including EU citizens) who wish to stay in Germany for more than three months must have a valid residence permit. The residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) must be issued by the Foreigners Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde) of the German city where they live.

Transit: Travellers in transit who are continuing their journey within 24 hours, not leaving the airport and are in possession of all the required documents for their onward journey to other country do not need a visa. A transit visa is required by some nationals- check at the local German Embassy.

Students: Students from the Non-EU countries (for example: Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, South America) have to obtain a student's visa before entering the country.


DO NOT TRAVEL WITH A TOURIST VISA! This may lead to a rejection for student visa later on.