Germany is a party to the Schengen Agreement. U.S. citizens may enter Germany for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay. This regulation is strictly enforced in Germany.

Traveling to Germany has never been more organized and stress-free no matter what the purpose of your travel is. Due to the Schengen Agreement (Schengen Visa)reached in 1985 among the majority of the EU member states, the citizens of the designated countries are allowed to travel visa free among the Schengen territories, meanwhile persons of non Schengen origin can enter the whole Schengen territory with one unified document known as the Schengen Visa.

Schengen agreement stands for the abolishment of border control between member states, which allows free and equal access to the citizens of any of the aforementioned countries, including Germany.

When in Germany (on a Schengen Visa), you are allowed to visit all the other members of the Schengen agreement as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Nevertheless, there are some exceptions to the rule. Citizens of certain countries are OBLIGED to obtain a Schengen Visa in order to enter the Schengen Zone, consequently Germany meanwhile there are countries which are entitled to travel visa-free in this area even though they are not part of the Schengen Agreement.

Schengen visa will allow you to enter and reside in Germany for a maximum period of time of 90 days (3 months), however you are not allowed to work (not even as a freelancer).

Depending on the purpose of your travel to Germany, there are different types of visas that will apply. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside permanently you will have to apply for a different Schengen visa, accordingly.

These are the most frequent visa types:

• Tourist & Visitor Visa
• Studying & Language Learning Visa
• Family Reunion Visa to Join a Relative or a Partner
• Job Seeker Visa
• Business Visa
• Airport Transit Visa
• Working Visa
• Guest Scientist Visa
• Training/Internship Visa
• Medical Treatment Visa
• Trade Fair & Exhibitions Visa

Although a unified document, requirements for obtaining a Germany Visa (respectively Schengen Visa) differ from one Schengen country to another. Germany however is quite demanding on the issue, and it is recommendable to fulfill each request meticulously to the last detail. It’s important that you have your passport in order, identifiable picture according to the standard and health insurance that will cover the days of your stay in this country.

Follow these requirements so you don’t get your Germany Visa rejected:

• Germany Visa Requirements
• Germany Health Insurance Requirements
• Photo requirements for Germany Visa
• Passport requirements for Germany Visa

Germany Visa costs differ depending on the type of visa you are applying for thus the motif of your travel. Remember that with a single visa you will be able to explore almost the whole Europe.

Applying for the Schengen visa includes a sequence of events in-between yourself and the designated Embassy, in this case German Embassy in your home country.

Don’t forget that you can download the Germany Visa Application form right here in our web-site.

Please ensure that you complete the form in full, – please also print, sign and bring with you when attending for your Visa appointment. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.