A German Tourist Visa is a Schengen Visa that allows tourists to visit Germany for a short period for tourism and sightseeing purposes. Within 180 days, it can be permitted with a maximum validity of 90 days. Read this article to find out if you need a visa to Germany, what are the German Tourist visa requirements and what you have to do to obtain the visitor visa to Germany.
Schengen visa-exempt countries
To get the Germany Tourist Visa, you have to check if you require a tourist visa to visit Germany If your nation is not in the visa-exempt countries. Those countries do not have to hold a visa to enter Europe:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Holy See (Vatican City State)
- Honduras
- Hong Kong S.A.R
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao S.A.R
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Countries only from some regions or with special requirements can cross the Schengen territory so make sure you check the correct criteria for your country.
How to apply for a German Tourist Visa?
The process of applying for a German visitor visa starts from filling out the correct application for a tourist visa in Germany. You can do it online but first, you have to compile the required documents, attend the visa interview, pay fees and finally wait to receive your German Tourist Visa.
German tourist visa required documents
The gathering of essential documents is an important part of the application procedure for a German tourist visa. The German visa officials will make a decision on your application based on these documents. These are the required ones:
- Germany Tourist visa application form.
- Valid passport for at least six months.
- Two photos were taken which met the Schengen visa photo standards.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Travel Health Insurance – it must be valid for the duration of your visit and must be transferable across the entire Schengen Area.
- Accommodation evidence in Germany.
- A cover letter – this personal resume should include information such as why you want to visit Germany, how long you want to stay, and what you plan to do while you’re there.
- Certificate of no objection – required only for students or workers. Depending on if you are a student or employee, this certificate should be issued by your school or university or your employer/ company should issue this letter for you
- Driving license and utility bills – it is proof of residency in Germany if you intend to apply there, as the documents are in your name.
- Tour Package with Reservations (if applicable).
- Ticket reservation for the way back (if booked) – It must include the tour’s whole itinerary as well as the dates of the visits you intend to make.
- Declaration of Formal Obligation, if you are visiting a friend or relatives.
- The host’s identification card (if you will stay with someone you know) – The letter must include the purpose of the invitation, their relationship with you, and the length of your stay.
German Tourist visa interview appointment
The application for a German Tourist Visa must be submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Germany has outsourced visa admission to private visa application facilities in various countries.
Furthermore, only apply to the German authorities if Germany is your primary destination and you want to visit other Schengen countries during your vacation. This means that you spend more days in Germany than in other countries and you will visit each country for the same number of days, but you will visit the Schengen Area starting from Germany.
How long does it take to process the German visitor visa?
A German tourist visa application can take up to 15 days to be completed by the appropriate authorities. If more investigation of the application is required, this period can be extended up to 30 days.
When to apply for a Tourist Visa to Germany?
The right time to apply for a German tourist visa is around a month before your intended trip date. Nevertheless, it is better to apply at least six months in advance and no later than two weeks before your planned trip.
How much is the German Tourist Visa fee?
The cost of applying for a German Tourist Visa is 80€ for adults, 40€ for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children aged 0 to 6. However, depending on your country, you might be required to pay a smaller charge, for example, if you are representative of non-profit organizations or if you are going to visit your partner and more.
Is it possible to work in Germany while on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot work in Germany if you have a German tourist visa or any other Schengen visa. To work in Germany, you must first obtain a German work visa. The German tourist visa does not grant you the right to work or open a business in Germany. Instead, you should apply for a self-employed German long-stay visa.
