Visa Requirements for German Citizens

German citizens can visit 189 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. Popular visa-free destinations include the United States (90 days via ESTA), United Kingdom (180 days), Canada (ETA required), Australia (ETA required), Japan (90 days), and all 29 Schengen Area countries. Additional visa-free destinations include Brazil (90 days), Mexico (180 days), South Korea (90 days), Singapore (90 days), Thailand (60 days), and New Zealand (90 days via NZeTA).

German passport holders need advance visas for approximately 30 countries, including China (tourist visa required), Russia (visa required), India (e-visa available), North Korea, Afghanistan, and several African nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Some countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Indonesia offer visa-on-arrival options as an alternative to applying in advance.

The China tourist visa (L visa) costs ¥956 (approximately €125 or $135) for German citizens applying through Chinese embassies or visa application centers. Express processing is available for an additional fee. Processing typically takes 4 to 7 working days. German travelers can apply at visa centers in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Düsseldorf.

The Russia tourist visa costs approximately $160 (€148) for German citizens with standard processing of 10 to 20 working days. Express processing (3 to 4 days) costs around $250 (€230). Applications are submitted through VFS Global centers in Germany. An invitation letter from a Russian tour operator or hotel is required.

Yes, German citizens must obtain ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to the United States. ESTA costs $21 (approximately €19), is valid for 2 years or until passport expiration, and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each. Applications are processed online, usually within 72 hours. ESTA is not a visa but a travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.

Standard visa requirements for Germans include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent biometric passport photographs, proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter), return flight itinerary, travel insurance covering the destination, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), and employment verification or business registration. Requirements vary by destination country.

Yes, German citizens can obtain visa-on-arrival in approximately 43 countries including Egypt ($25 / €23), Jordan (40 JOD / €52), Indonesia (free for 30 days), Maldives (free for 30 days), Cambodia ($30 / €28), Nepal ($30 / €28 for 15 days), and Kenya ($51 / €47 via e-visa or on arrival). Processing at the airport typically takes 15 to 30 minutes with payment in cash or card.

The India e-Tourist visa costs between $10 to $100 (€9 to €92) for German citizens depending on the validity period: 30-day visa costs $25 (€23), 1-year visa costs $40 (€37), and 5-year visa costs $80 (€74). Peak season surcharges of $25 may apply from July to March. Applications are processed online within 72 hours. German travelers can apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

German citizens can verify visa requirements through the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) website at auswaertiges-amt.de, which provides country-specific travel advisories and entry requirements. Additionally, destination country embassy websites and official government portals provide accurate visa information. Always check requirements 4 to 8 weeks before travel as regulations can change.