Traveling to Germany

Nationals of the EU-EEA can travel to Germany without restrictions with a national identity card or a valid passport. Residence permits for EU-EEA nationals are no longer necessary.  

For citizens of over a hundred countries, a valid passport is required to enter Germany for a stay up to 90 days. The list of visa exempt countries for entering Germany is available at http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/.

For nationals of other countries, a tourist visa is necessary for entering Germany. You can opt for a Schengen visa allowing you to travel within the European Union for a period up to 90 days. For more Information about the Schengen visa, visit the European Union website at http://www.visa-schengen.info/. Other short-term visas are available. Check out with the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

In order to apply for a Schengen visa at the German consulate or embassy in your country, it is necessary to provide financial statements and health insurance certificate covering your heath care expenses during your stay in Germany. 

If you are unable to provide such statements, a sponsor living in Germany can vouch for you. This statement of support must be filed at the city hall of your sponsor's city of residence in Germany.

For the detailed application documents' checklist, visit the German embassy website in your country, or site go to http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/. 

If you are in possession of a Schengen visa issued by another EU member state, you can enter Germany without further formality for a period not exceeding 3 months. 

For more information about the Schengen visa, visit the "Auswärtiges Amt" (Federal Foreign Office) website at http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/.

 Good to know: 

Nationals of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel can apply for a work permit after having entered Germany. For more information, contact the German embassy or consulate in your country. 

 Useful links: 

Auswärtiges Amt - Federal Foreign Office

http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/

Germany Visa

http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/

Schengen Info

http://www.visa-schengen.info/

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