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Country Guide > Europe > Germany | |
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Passport/Visa
Note Germany is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section, How to Use this Guide. Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except: 1. EU nationals, and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, holding a valid national ID card. Visas Required by all except the following for periods not exceeding three months and for non-business (paid work) purposes: (a) nationals referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela; (c) passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding confirmed onward tickets and travel documents. However, the following nationals always need a visa even if transiting by the same aircraft*: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey. Visitors should check with the Embassy (or Consular section at Embassy). Note *A transit visa is not required by some of these nationals if in possession of a residence permit or visa for an EU country, or they possess a "Leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period" or a "Certificate of entitlement to the right of abode"; contact nearest German Embassy or Consulate for more information, since there are some other exceptions. Types of visa and cost All types of visa cost ¬35 (¬17.50 for minors under 18 years). Due to fluctuating exchange rates, this is between £22-26. Cost of Visa Conversion Table
Note Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced with copy, plus valid travel health insurance by Form E111) and nationals of some other countries receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details). Validity Depends on nationality and individual circumstance. Application to Consulate or Consular section at Embassy (see Contact Addresses section). Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination). All applicants must book an appointment (tel: (09065) 540 740) in order to process a visa. Application requirements (a) Passport with at least three months' validity beyond period of visa, with at least one blank page. Each child endorsed in a passport and travelling also requires a separate application form with photo and birth certificate. (b) Application form(s). (c) Colour passport-size photo(s). (d) Proof of health insurance, covering at least £20 per day, and valid for all Schengen states. (e) Fee (payable in cash only). Visitors: (a)-(e) and, (f) Formal obligation from host in Germany. Tourist: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of purpose of visit and/or a hotel reservation. (g) Proof of adequate means of support during stay (eg bank statement or traveller's cheques). (h) Evidence of occupation or student status. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from employer, or official invitation by fax, from overseas business associate explaining nature and duration of stay, plus guarantee of payment of costs incurred during stay. If self-employed, a letter from a solicitor, accountant, bank manager or local Chamber of Commerce. Note: (a) Applicants under 18 years of age must also submit a letter from their parents/guardian authorising the visit and appointing the person who will be responsible for them. (b) If individual has obtained a German Schengen visa from the USA within the 12 months previous to the visa application, the individual may apply for a German Schengen visa this time by post. A self-addressed 'Special Delivery' envelope must be supplied and the visa paid for by postal order. (c) Nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Colombia, Congo (Dem Rep), Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Pakistan, The Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen, must, in addition to the required visa documents, supply an extra application form and passport-size photo, a copy of their passport data page and provide the full address (including postcode) of a reference in Germany. (d) Minors under 18 must produce a declaration from both parents authorising their travel and stay in a Schengen country, and appointing the person responsible for the minor's welfare in their absence. Working days required For UK residents applying in the UK, visas will normally be issued within two days; however, applications from some nationals can take up to 14 days to process. If the stay is likely to be for more than three months, applications should be made up to 10 weeks in advance of the intended date of departure. Visa applications by non-residents have to be referred to the German Embassy in the applicant’s home country, and may take several days or weeks to be issued. Applications by post take up to eight days, although the process may take longer on occasion. Temporary residence Nationals of EU and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and the USA may apply for a permit from the local immigration office in Germany, no later than three months after entry. For further details on temporary residence in Germany, enquire at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Work permits EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit to work in Germany. A residence permit must, however, be obtained for stays of over three months (see above). Non-EU nationals must obtain a visa/residence permit before entering Germany. An information sheet, Working and Living in Germany, is obtainable from the German Embassy (see Contact Addresses section). |