Germany entry requirements, by passport
What you need to get into Germany depends on the passport in your hand. Find yours below: the visa or e-authorisation, how long you can stay, the official fee and the government page to apply on.
31 of 32 passports verified on official pages.
What each passport needs
| Passport | To get in | Stay | Document and fee | Apply | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Canada | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Mexico | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Brazil | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| United Kingdom | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Ireland | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Verified |
| Germany | Own country | ||||
| France | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Verified |
| Italy | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Verified |
| Spain | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Verified |
| Netherlands | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Verified |
| Switzerland | Free movement | Unlimited | National ID card or passport | Official page | Likely |
| Russia | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Türkiye | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Israel | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| United Arab Emirates | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Saudi Arabia | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| India | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| China (mainland) | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Hong Kong SAR | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Taiwan | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Japan | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| South Korea | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Singapore | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Malaysia | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Thailand | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Vietnam | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Philippines | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Indonesia | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| Australia | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| New Zealand | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Nothing to apply for | Official page | Verified |
| Nigeria | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
| South Africa | Visa needed before you fly | up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as stated on the visa | Schengen short-stay visa (type C)Official fee: EUR 90 (child 6-11: EUR 45; under 6: free)Apply: At least 15 days, at most 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days (up to 45) | Official page | Verified |
Verified means NUM read it on a government page on 10–11 Oct 2026. Likely means a reputable source says it and one official page agreed. Not checked yet means NUM could not confirm it: use the official page. Fees are as published on that date and can change.
The rules everyone meets at the border
Passport
Passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive and must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Lost/stolen-reported passports are refused. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use a valid national ID card instead. Safe standard: 3 months beyond the day you leave.
Arrival card
No arrival card for most visitors.
Border systems for every visitor
Entry/Exit System (EES): rolled out from 12 Oct 2025 and fully operational at all Schengen external borders since 10 Apr 2026. Non-EU short-stay visitors (visa-exempt and visa holders) have passport data, a facial image and fingerprints recorded at their first crossing (registration booth or kiosk before passport control), then face/fingerprint checks on later entries and exits. Children aged 11 or younger are not fingerprinted but may be photographed. Free of charge. Replaces passport stamps; the record lasts 3 years and is used to count the 90/180 days. Long-term residents of a Schengen state are exempt (carry proof). Expect longer queues; allow extra time on departure. ETIAS (travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals): NOT yet required. The official EU site states ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are collected; the 'last quarter of 2026' target was removed in July 2026 and the EU will announce the start date several months in advance (press reports point to 2027). Fee when launched: EUR 20 (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411, in force 18 Nov 2025; free under 18 and over 70); valid 3 years or until passport expiry; at least 6 months' transition (apply, not yet enforced) then 6 months' grace.
Onward ticket
Border guards may ask to see a return or onward ticket.
Proof of funds
Border guards may ask for proof of enough money for the stay and return; the amount depends on length of stay and accommodation.
Travel insurance
Not required for visa-exempt visitors, though border guards may ask about cover. Schengen visa applicants must hold travel medical insurance covering emergency care, hospitalisation and repatriation (minimum EUR 30,000) valid for the whole Schengen area.
Vaccinations
No vaccination certificates required for entry (no yellow fever requirement). Routine vaccinations recommended (see TravelHealthPro).
Cash to declare at customs
Declare cash or equivalent (traveller's cheques, etc.) of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the EU; keep the certified declaration or the money may be seized on exit. Meat, milk and products containing them cannot be brought in from outside the EU (exceptions: powdered infant milk, baby food, medically required foods).
Taxes, levies and fees
No national tourist tax; many cities charge an accommodation tax (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg) as a percentage of the room rate (unverified this session).
Medicines, vapes and banned items
Meat and dairy products from outside the EU are banned (limited exceptions). Declare anything prohibited, taxable or dutiable.
Travelling with children
Under EES, children aged 11 or younger are not fingerprinted but may be photographed.
Work, study, working holiday and nomad visas
Every official route NUM found for Germany. You apply directly with the government.
Work permits
University graduates (or 3-year tertiary qualification) with a job offer of 6+ months matching their qualification.
Stay: Contract length + 3 months, max 4 years; settlement after 27 months (21 with German B1)
Salary threshold (2025): EUR 48,300 gross/year standard; EUR 43,759.80 for shortage occupations and recent graduates (published yearly; 2026 figures not re-checked).
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
Holders of recognised vocational or academic qualifications with a job offer; experienced workers with a state-recognised qualification and 2 years' experience.
Stay: Up to 4 years
Job offer, recognition of qualification (or exemption route), salary conditions.
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
Study
Students admitted to German higher education.
Stay: Length of studies
Admission, proof of funds (usually a blocked account), health insurance.
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
Working holiday
Of our passports: AU, BR, HK, IL, JP, KR (18-34), NZ, TW; also AR, CL, UY. Canada has a separate youth mobility agreement (18-35, secondary source).
Stay: Up to 12 months
Age 18-30 (Korea to 34); holiday jobs allowed to fund the stay; apply at the German mission.
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
Digital nomad
Freelancers and entrepreneurs (Section 21 Residence Act).
Stay: Up to 3 years
Business plan, economic interest or demand, financing; freelancers need clients in Germany (unverified this session).
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
Family
Spouses and children of Germans or of non-EU residents.
Stay: Linked to sponsor
Proof of relationship; basic German (A1) for spouses in many cases (unverified this session).
Official fee: EUR 75 (free for spouses/minor children of German citizens)
Business
Visa-exempt nationals can attend meetings, conferences and negotiations without a visa; others need a Schengen C visa (business purpose).
Stay: Up to 90 days in any 180.
No paid work for a local employer; invitation letter from the host company for visa applicants.
Official fee: Visa-exempt: none; C visa EUR 90
Transit
Nationals on the common EU airport-transit-visa list (of our passports: Nigeria) even when staying airside; some states add other nationalities nationally.
Stay: Airside transit only.
Onward ticket and visa for final destination. Check the transit country's own list.
Official fee: EUR 90
Tourist
Nationals on the EU visa-required list (of our passports: RU, TR, SA, IN, CN, TH, VN, PH, ID, NG, ZA) for tourism, family visits or business.
Stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area; single, double or multiple entry.
Apply to the consulate (or its visa centre) of the main destination 15 days to 6 months before travel; processing normally 15 days, up to 45. Fingerprints (age 12+), photo, travel medical insurance min EUR 30,000, proof of funds, accommodation, return travel and ties to home country.
Official fee: EUR 90; children 6-11 EUR 45; under 6 free
Other
Skilled workers with a fully recognised qualification, or with a qualification recognised at home plus 6 points (qualification, experience, German/English, age under 35, prior stay).
Stay: Up to 1 year
Proof of funds: blocked account with at least EUR 1,091 net/month (2026) or declaration of commitment; German A1 or English B2 for the points route. Part-time work up to 20 h/week and 2-week trial jobs allowed.
Official fee: EUR 75 (national visa)
What changed, and what is coming
- Not set (2027 expected) · Announced ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (EUR 20, 3 years). Start date to be announced several months ahead; at least 6 months' transition then 6 months' grace before refusal at the border. Source
- 2026-09-07 · In force End of the legal window that let states partially suspend EES biometric registration at busy crossings (90 days after 10 Apr 2026 plus 60-day summer extension). Expect full registration everywhere. Source
- 2026-07 · In force Official ETIAS site dropped the 'last quarter of 2026' start target; now says ETIAS is not in operation and a date will be announced several months ahead. Source
- 2026-04-10 · In force EES fully operational: biometric registration for all non-EU short-stay travellers; passport stamping ended. Source
- 2026-01-01 · In force Opportunity Card proof-of-funds amount updated to EUR 1,091 net per month (2026). Source
- 2025-12-30 · In force Revised EU visa suspension mechanism (Regulation (EU) 2025/2441) applies, making it easier to suspend visa-free travel for a country; no suspension affects any of our 33 passports as of 10 Oct 2026. Source
- 2025-11-18 · In force Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1411 on the ETIAS fee entered into force (fee raised from EUR 7 to EUR 20, applicable once ETIAS launches). Source
- 2025-10-12 · In force EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased roll-out at Schengen external borders. Source
Your checklist, with the dates it is due
NUM builds it for your passport and your travel dates: the authorisation and when to apply, the arrival card and the day it opens, what to carry at the border, your own country's exit rules, and a calendar file for every deadline.
Every document here is issued by a government, and the official link is the only place to get it. Most arrival cards and many authorisations are free. NUM is not a visa service and cannot apply for anything. Rules change without notice: the official page always has the final word.