Germany Visa Requirements 2026
Visa requirements for Germany: schengen area for up to 90 days within 180. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.
Germany visa at a glance
- Policy
- Schengen area
- Length of stay
- 90 days within 180
- Cost
- Free (ETIAS €20 once active)
- Passport
- Valid for 3+ months beyond stay.
- Official source
- travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Schengen visa-free. ETIAS from late 2025.
Schengen 90 days visa-free (UK/US). ETIAS may be required for UK citizens.
Customs allowances
200 cigarettes, 1L spirits from non-EU.
Prohibited items
Nazi symbols and salutes are criminal offenses.
Frequently asked questions about Germany visas
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
Schengen area applies for Germany: Schengen visa-free. ETIAS from late 2025.
How much does a Germany visa cost?
Entry to Germany is free under the current schengen area policy for eligible passports. There is no visa fee. Always check whether your nationality is eligible before booking flights.
How long can I stay in Germany?
The standard schengen area allows 90 days within 180 per entry. Most policies are extendable in-country at an immigration office for an additional fee — check the official source for current extension rules. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.
What passport validity does Germany require?
Valid for 3+ months beyond stay.
Where do I apply for a Germany visa?
Apply directly at the official government source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same form. Always check the URL ends in a government domain (.gov, .gov.<country>, or the country's official immigration domain) before paying.