🇩🇪Germany Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Europe· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Germany?
It depends on your passport. Out of 198 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 93 enter Germany visa-free and 105 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
93
nationalities
Consular visa
105
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for Germany
Visa for airport or land transit.
- Stay:
- Same-day
- Fee:
- 90 EUR
Data updated on · Official source
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Coming up: announced entry rules
- Europe: ETIAS travel authorisationExpected by the EU in the last quarter of 2026
Visa-exempt travellers will need to apply online (€20) before entering any of the 30 countries concerned. Applications are not open yet: beware of websites already selling it. Official EU website
Insurance requiredInsurance for the Schengen visa (AXA Schengen)
If your passport needs a Schengen visa, it is a required document of the file: at least €30,000 of medical expenses. Any compliant insurer is accepted; AXA Schengen is one. Only the consulate decides whether the certificate is acceptable.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Germany visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Germany applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- EcuadorVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- TunisiaVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- MoroccoVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- TurkeyVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- HaitiVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- Burkina FasoVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- UkraineVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- UgandaVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- MauritaniaVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- El SalvadorVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- BelizeVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- MexicoVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- BelarusVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- HondurasVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- ThailandVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- BurundiVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- Antigua and BarbudaVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- LiberiaVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- MalawiVisa requiredStay: 90 days per 180-day period
- ChileVisa-freeStay: 90 days per 180-day period
Germany visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Germany publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | 90 days per 180-day period | 90 EUR | 15-45 days | Portal | |
| Skilled worker visa (§18a/b AufenthG) | Work | 4 years (extendable) | 75 EUR | 8-12 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) | Work | 1 year | 75 EUR | 8-12 weeks | Portal | |
| EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) | Work | 4 years | 75 EUR | 6-12 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Self-employment visa (§21 AufenthG) | Work | 3 years | 75 EUR | 8-12 weeks | Portal | |
| National student visa | Study | 3-6 months (then residence permit) | 75 EUR | 6-12 weeks | Portal | |
| Language course visa | Study | Up to 1 year | 75 EUR | 6-12 weeks | Portal | |
| Researcher visa (§18d AufenthG) | Study | 4 years | 75 EUR | 8-12 weeks | Multiple | Portal |
| Vocational training visa (§16a AufenthG) | Study | Up to 3 years | 75 EUR | 8-12 weeks | Portal | |
| Family reunification visa (Familiennachzug) | Family | 1 year (renewable) | 75 EUR | 8-16 weeks | Portal | |
| Working Holiday visa | Working holiday | 1 year | 75 EUR | 6-8 weeks | Portal | |
| Au-pair visa (§12 AufenthV) | Working holiday | 1 year | 75 EUR | 6-8 weeks | Portal | |
| Medical treatment visa | Medical | Up to 1 year | 75 EUR | 4-8 weeks | Portal | |
| Airport transit visa (Schengen A) | Transit | Same-day | 90 EUR | 15 days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Information
Capital
Berlin
Population
83,714,220
Currency
Euro (EUR €)
Languages
German, English, Turkish
Continent
Europe
Calling code
+49
Timezone
Europe/Berlin
Area
357,582 km²
Government
Federal parliamentary republic
National day
October 3 - German Unity Day
Internet domain
.de
About
Germany is a leading European economic power located in Central Europe. It consists of 16 federal states and has around 84 million inhabitants. Birthplace of philosophy and classical music, it leads globally in engineering and exports.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Low)
- Avoid pickpockets in tourist areas
- Do not leave visible objects in the car
Terrorism(Low)
- Remain vigilant during public events
- Follow alerts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Transport
- Validate public tickets
- Use official taxis
Natural risks(Low: rare floods in Elbe)
- Check weather alerts in winter
Health(Excellent public and private healthcare system)
- Travel insurance recommended
- Standard vaccines up to date
Practical tips
- Register with the Consulate before travel
- Follow COVID rules if applicable
- Download the NINA app for alerts
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Berlin · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
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Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
safe
5-10% or round up, service often included
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Germany
Tobi &Chris
Germany
Saeb Mahajna
Germany
Albin Ejupi
Germany
Valeriia Miller
Germany
Mauricio Borja
Germany
Travel with Lenses
Germany
Paul Schärf
Germany
Emre Ozyemisci
Germany
Masood Aslami
Germany
Paul Scheelen
Germany
Wolfgang Weiser
Germany
Lum3n
Germany
Tino Schmidt
Germany
Wolfgang Weiser
Germany
Maximilian Ruther
Germany
Benni Fish
Germany
Niklas Jeromin
Germany
Niklas Jeromin
Germany
Studio Lichtfang
Germany
Travel Photographer
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
EES, Europe's New Biometric Border Control: What Changes for You
Since April 2026 the EES has been fully operational: fingerprints and a photo replace the passport stamp for all non-European travellers.…
ETIAS 2026, Europe's Travel Authorisation: Who Needs It, Price and How to Apply
Fee set at €20, 3-year validity, launch expected in the last quarter of 2026: the complete picture on ETIAS, Europe's new travel…
Schengen Visa 2026: The Complete Guide for African Applicants
€90 fee, €30,000 insurance, real processing times and refusal reasons: the 2026 Schengen visa guide for African applicants, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Germany?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Germany across 198 nationalities: 93 visa-free, 105 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Germany visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 90 EUR (Short-stay (tourism)). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for Germany?▾
Germany issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid Same-day. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to Germany?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Overall high safety level, very safe country in Western Europe.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Germany?▾
The official currency is Euro (EUR €). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Germany?▾
The capital of Germany is Berlin. The main spoken languages are: German, English, Turkish.
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