Germany Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Germany, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, maintains standardized entry requirements aligned with EU regulations. The country welcomes millions of international visitors annually for tourism, business, and family visits. Entry requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. Most travelers from Western countries can enter Germany visa-free for short stays, while others may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. Upon arrival, all travelers must pass through immigration control where border officials verify travel documents and may ask questions about your visit. Germany has efficient immigration procedures at major airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin, though wait times can vary during peak travel periods. It's essential to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and was issued within the last ten years. Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before traveling to Germany and other Schengen countries. Always check current requirements before booking your trip, as immigration policies can change.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Germany follows Schengen Area visa policies. Citizens of certain countries can enter visa-free for short stays, while others must apply for a Schengen visa at a German embassy or consulate before travel.

Visa-Free Entry (Current)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and many other nations can enter Germany without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Germany. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have unlimited stay rights.

ETIAS Required (From 2025)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need electronic pre-authorization through ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore and other visa-exempt non-EU countries

How to Apply: Apply online through official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application involves providing personal information, passport details, and answering security questions. Most applications approved within minutes, but can take up to 30 days in some cases.
Cost: €7 (approximately $7-8 USD). Free for applicants under 18 or over 70.

ETIAS authorization valid for 3 years or until passport expires. Does not guarantee entry - border officials make final decision. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need ETIAS.

Schengen Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, depending on visa issued

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C for short stays) at German embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at German embassy/consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days (recommended 6 weeks) before travel. Requires appointment, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return ticket. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days.

Countries requiring Schengen visa include: China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many others. Visa fees typically €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Long-stay visas (Type D) required for stays exceeding 90 days.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Germany, all travelers must clear immigration and customs. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use separate, faster lanes, while non-EU citizens proceed through standard immigration control. The process is generally efficient, especially at major international airports.

Disembark and Follow Signs

After leaving the aircraft, follow signs for 'Arrivals' (Ankunft) and 'Passport Control' (Passkontrolle). Signs will indicate separate lanes for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' citizens.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and any required documents (visa, ETIAS authorization when applicable, return ticket) to the border control officer. The officer will scan your passport, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport if you're a non-EU citizen.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area and collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Check flight information screens for your flight number and carousel assignment.

Customs Declaration

Choose the appropriate customs channel: Green channel (nothing to declare) if you have no goods exceeding duty-free allowances, or Red channel (goods to declare) if you're carrying items that must be declared or exceed allowances.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals hall where you can access transportation, meet greeters, or exchange currency.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa or ETIAS (if required)

Schengen visa sticker in passport for visa-required nationalities, or ETIAS authorization confirmation (from 2025) for visa-exempt travelers.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Immigration officers may request this to verify your plans.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you plan to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed period. Can be flight, train, or bus ticket.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay (credit cards, bank statements, cash). Germany generally expects approximately €45-50 per day.

Travel Insurance (recommended/required)

Required for visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage). Strongly recommended for all travelers to cover medical emergencies.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder, not packed in checked luggage. Immigration officers appreciate organized travelers.

Answer questions clearly, honestly, and concisely. Don't volunteer unnecessary information but be prepared to provide details if asked.

Keep proof of accommodation and return tickets on your phone or printed - officers may ask to see them.

Know your itinerary. Be able to explain where you're staying, what you plan to do, and when you're leaving.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use automated eGates at major airports if their passport has a chip. Look for the eGate symbol.

During peak travel times (summer months, holidays), immigration lines can be long. Factor this into your connection times if transiting through Germany.

Be patient and polite. Border control officers are doing their job to ensure security. Cooperation makes the process smoother for everyone.

If you're unsure about anything, ask. It's better to clarify than to make assumptions about entry requirements.

Customs & Duty-Free

Germany's customs regulations align with EU standards. Travelers from EU countries face minimal restrictions when bringing goods for personal use, while those arriving from non-EU countries must adhere to specific duty-free allowances. All travelers must declare cash amounts over €10,000 and certain restricted items.

Alcohol (from non-EU countries)

1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of alcoholic beverages under 22% alcohol OR 4 liters of wine OR 16 liters of beer

Only for travelers aged 17 and over. Allowances cannot be combined to bring more of one type. From EU countries, goods for personal use have no fixed limits but must be reasonable.

Tobacco (from non-EU countries)

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Only for travelers aged 17 and over. You can combine different tobacco products proportionally. From EU countries, indicative limits are much higher (800 cigarettes) if for personal use.

Currency

No limit on amount you can bring, but amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared

Declaration applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and certain bearer instruments. Applies to both entering and leaving Germany/EU. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Other Goods (from non-EU countries)

Goods up to a total value of €430 per person (€300 if arriving by air or sea from non-EU country)

Includes gifts, souvenirs, and personal items purchased abroad. Reduced to €150 for travelers under 15 years old. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty and import VAT.

Medicines

Reasonable quantity for personal use during your stay

Should be in original packaging with prescription or doctor's letter. Controlled substances require special permits. Declare all medications at customs if unsure.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and documentation
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants (ivory, certain furs, exotic leather)
Offensive materials - Nazi symbols and propaganda (except for educational or historical purposes)
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions, to prevent disease
Certain plants and plant products - to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
Fireworks and explosives - without proper authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - require prescription or doctor's letter; controlled substances need special permits from German authorities
Cash and monetary instruments - amounts over €10,000 must be declared on entry and exit
Cultural artifacts and antiques - may require export permits from country of origin and import documentation
Firearms and ammunition - require German firearms license and prior notification to authorities
Pet animals - require pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate (see special situations)
Food products - most fresh foods from non-EU countries restricted; processed foods may be allowed in small quantities
Drones and radio equipment - certain devices require registration or permits to operate in Germany
Large amounts of alcohol/tobacco - exceeding personal use quantities may be considered commercial importation

Health Requirements

Germany has high healthcare standards and generally does not require specific vaccinations for entry. However, health requirements can change based on global health situations, and travelers should verify current requirements before departure.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (certificate must be presented at border control)
COVID-19 - requirements have been lifted as of 2023, but check current status before travel as policies may be reinstated

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, influenza)
Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
Tick-borne Encephalitis - recommended if visiting rural or forested areas, especially in southern Germany
Rabies - only for travelers with high risk of animal contact

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for visa applicants (minimum coverage of €30,000 including medical evacuation and repatriation). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance as medical costs can be high. Germany has excellent healthcare facilities but services can be expensive for uninsured visitors.

Current Health Requirements: Always check the latest health entry requirements on the German Federal Foreign Office website and your country's travel advisory before departure. Requirements can change rapidly based on disease outbreaks, pandemics, or public health emergencies. COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements may be reinstated. Some countries may require health declarations or temperature checks. Register with your embassy upon arrival for important health and safety updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

German Federal Foreign Office

Official source for visa and entry requirements

Website: www.auswaertiges-amt.de (available in German, English, and other languages)

Embassy/Consulate Locator

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Germany for citizen services

Major embassies located in Berlin; consulates in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and other cities. Register with your embassy for travel alerts.

German Missions Abroad

Find German embassy or consulate in your country for visa applications

Search for 'German Embassy [your country]' or visit www.auswaertiges-amt.de for mission locator

Emergency Services

Police, Fire Brigade, Emergency Medical Services

Dial 112 (general emergency number for all of EU) or 110 (police). English-speaking operators available. Works from any phone, including mobile without SIM card.

Federal Police (Bundespolizei)

Handles immigration, border control, and airport security matters

For immigration-related questions or issues at borders and airports

Customs Information

German Customs (Zoll) information hotline

For questions about customs regulations, duty-free allowances, and prohibited items

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be added to parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) in English or German, stating permission to travel. Include contact information and photocopy of non-traveling parent's ID. Some airlines and immigration officers may request this documentation. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. For visa applications, birth certificates may be required. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults based on their nationality.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries need: EU pet passport, microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry). From non-EU countries: veterinary certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test (for some countries, done at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned in Germany (varies by state). Birds, rabbits, and other pets have different requirements. Check with German customs and your airline (many have specific pet policies). Pet must enter through designated airports with veterinary border control.

Extended Stays / Long-term Residence

For stays exceeding 90 days, non-EU citizens must apply for a national visa (Type D) before arrival at German embassy/consulate in home country. Cannot be obtained after entering on tourist visa. Common categories: work visa (requires job offer), student visa (requires university admission), family reunion visa, freelance visa, or job seeker visa. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but must register at local registration office (Bürgeramt) within 2 weeks of arrival. After 3 months, may need to show proof of employment, sufficient funds, or health insurance. Long-term residents must obtain residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) from local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

Business Travelers

Business visitors on visa-free entry or tourist visa can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in paid work or employment. For business activities, carry invitation letter from German company, proof of business relationship, and evidence of employer relationship. Business visa (if required) needed for longer stays or specific activities. Digital nomads working remotely for non-German companies should check current regulations as Germany has been developing specific visa categories. Trade show exhibitors may need special documentation. Always declare business purpose honestly to immigration.

Students and Au Pairs

Students must obtain student visa before arrival (cannot enter as tourist and change status). Requires university admission letter, proof of financial means (blocked account with approximately €11,208 per year), health insurance, and accommodation proof. Au pairs need au pair visa with contract from host family, proof of German language knowledge, and age 18-26. Both categories allow part-time work with restrictions. Must register with local authorities within 2 weeks and obtain residence permit. Student visa can be extended in Germany; tourist visa cannot be converted to student visa.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through German airports without leaving the international area generally don't need a visa if their onward flight is within 24 hours and they hold valid documents for final destination. However, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa even if not leaving the international zone. If you need to collect and recheck baggage, change airports, or leave the international area, you may need a regular Schengen visa. Always verify with airline and German embassy if transit visa is required for your nationality. Separate terminals may not be connected airside.