Germany Visa

    • Germany Visa Information…

    Germany VisaEssentially, visas are only needed for visits of more than 3 months. All citizens of the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom need a valid passport to enter Germany. For citizens of E.U. countries, only an identity card is needed. As for nationals from Africa and Asian countries, visas are required even for short visits.

    In general, visas are related to a visitor’s purpose of staying in Germany. Whether is it to tour, study or do business in Germany, the type of visa is the same as residency permits, except that the visa is not issued in Germany.

    Applying for a visa isn’t as complicated as one may think. Basically, you will have to produce some or all of the following documents:

    • A passport with at least 3 months validity
    • Visa application forms
    • 2 passport photographs
    • Evidence of sufficient financial support during stay
    • Evidence of medical insurance
    • Evidence of purpose of visit: it can be a letter from employer or place of study

    Please note that applications should be done at least 6 weeks before departure to Germany.

    After arriving in Germany, visitors may be given a residency permit for their purpose of visit. While in Germany, they cannot change their visa for other purposes. For instance, they are not allowed to enter on a student visa and then get work permit. Therefore, it is important to decide wisely before applying for visa, lest expensive procedures may ensue.

    Another thing to note is that Germany has signed the Schengen Agreement, which enables German residents to travel freely within Schengen Area countries. These include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

    Any one of these countries may grant a visa which can be used in the entire Schengen Area. Visitors can travel to countries in the Schengen Area and stay for up to 90 days during any 6-month period. Countries excluded from the Schengen Area include Switzerland, United Kingdom & the Channel Islands, Ireland, Morocco, and Gibraltar.

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