
Overview of Germany
Germany, located in Western Europe, shares borders with nine countries: France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. With a population of approximately 83 million, it is the most populous Schengen country and boasts one of the largest and strongest economies in Europe.
The nation is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Its capital, Berlin, exemplifies this diversity with landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. Berlin’s Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses five significant museums showcasing antiquities and 19th-century art. The city also offers a dynamic culinary scene influenced by its immigrant communities and is famed for its electronic music and nightlife.
Beyond Berlin, regions like Bavaria attract millions of visitors annually, especially during events like Oktoberfest in Munich. Germany’s commitment to preserving history is evident in its numerous museums and monuments dedicated to the Holocaust and Jewish heritage.
Germany Schengen Visa Eligibility
Schengen visa eligibility for Germany includes third country nationals from the following states, who are excluded from visa-free to Germany/the Schengen area, and are therefore eligible to apply for a Schengen visa to Germany:
1. AFGHANISTAN | 53. LAOS |
2. ALGERIA | 54. LEBANON |
3. ANGOLA | 55. LESOTHO |
4. ARMENIA | 56. LIBERIA |
5. AZERBAIJAN | 57. LIBYA |
6. BAHRAIN | 58. MADAGASCAR |
7. BANGLADESH | 59. MALAWI |
8. BELARUS | 60. MALDIVES |
9. BELIZE | 61. MALI |
10. BENIN | 62. MAURITANIA |
11. BHUTAN | 63. MONGOLIA |
12. BOLIVIA | 64. MOROCCO |
13. BOTSWANA | 65. MOZAMBIQUE |
14. BURKINA FASO | 66. NAMIBIA |
15. BURMA/MYANMAR | 67. NAURU |
16. BURUNDI | 68. NEPAL |
17. CAMBODIA | 69. NIGER |
18. CAMEROON | 70. NIGERIA |
19. CAPE VERDE | 71. NORTH KOREA |
20. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | 72. OMAN |
21. CHAD | 73. PAKISTAN |
22. CHINA | 74. PAPUA NEW GUINEA |
23. COMOROS | 75. PHILIPPINES |
24. CONGO | 76. QATAR |
25. COTE D’IVOIRE | 77. RUSSIA |
26. CUBA | 78. RWANDA |
27. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO | 79. SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE |
28. DJIBOUTI | 80. SAUDI ARABIA |
29. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | 81. SENEGAL |
30. ECUADOR | 82. SIERRA LEONE |
31. EGYPT | 83. SOMALIA |
32. EQUATORIAL GUINEA | 84. SOUTH AFRICA |
33. ERITREA | 85. SOUTH SUDAN |
34. ETHIOPIA | 86. SRI LANKA |
35. FIJI | 87. SUDAN |
36. GABON | 88. SURINAME |
37. GAMBIA | 89. SWAZILAND |
38. GHANA | 90. SYRIA |
39. GUINEA | 91. TAJIKISTAN |
40. GUINEA-BISSAU | 92. TANZANIA |
41. GUYANA | 93. THAILAND |
42. HAITI | 94. TOGO |
43. INDIA | 95. TUNISIA |
44. INDONESIA | 96. TURKEY |
45. IRAN | 97. TURKMENISTAN |
46. IRAQ | 98. UGANDA |
47. JAMAICA | 99. UZBEKISTAN |
48. JORDAN | 100.VIETNAM |
49. KAZAKHSTAN | 101.YEMEN |
50. KENYA | 102.ZAMBIA |
51. KUWAIT | 103.ZIMBABWE |
52. KYRGYZSTAN |
Third party nationals from the following entities/territories are also required to apply for a Schengen visa: KOSOVO and the PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY.
Germany Schengen Visa Fee
The standard fee for an adult applying for a German Schengen visa is 80 Euros. Certain applicants, such as most students and children under six, are exempt from visa fees. Additionally, a separate service payment may be required with your visa application. All fees are non-refundable.
When to Apply for a German Schengen Visa
It is recommended to submit your application at least 15 days prior to your intended travel date, and no earlier than six months before departure.
Processing Time for German Schengen Visa
The processing time for a German Schengen visa is generally 15 days, though it can extend to 30–60 days depending on the visa type, application volume, and season.
Important Entry Notes
- Your visa may be revoked if you do not notify the German Consulate or visa application center of any changes to your trip itinerary after submitting your application.
- Approval for a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry to Germany or the Schengen area; entry may be refused upon arrival.
- You may be required to present additional documents regarding your finances or accommodation to enter Germany/the Schengen area.
For comprehensive and updated information, always consult the official German consulate or embassy in your country before planning your trip.