Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa, Visa fees and Entry Requirements for a trip to Berlin in Germany.
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Berlin visitors arriving at a Berlin airport from a foreign country need a passport. EU nationals do not need a visa, others may need one depending on length, frequency and purpose of their stays.
Visa Requirements
EU-Nationals
EU nationals do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.
Non-EU nationals
Generally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for semi-annual visits of up to 90 days each for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.
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Issuing Visa
The responsibility for issuing visas lies with the missions of the Federal Republic of Germany, i.e. its embassies and consulates-general.
Please note: As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. Applications for visas entitling the holder to a longer stay or to take up gainful employment may take several months to process.
During the peak travel season there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. Persons requiring a visa to enter Germany should therefore submit their applications in good time.
Please note: As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. Applications for visas entitling the holder to a longer stay or to take up gainful employment may take several months to process.
During the peak travel season there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. Persons requiring a visa to enter Germany should therefore submit their applications in good time.
Visa fees:
Since 14 May 2008, the fee for all types of visas has been EUR 60. Exemptions may be possible. For more information check here:
Customs regulations for entering Germany
While entering Germany only certain amounts of goods can be imported taxfree. More information about duty-free allowances you will find here:
Visa & Entry Requirements for Refugees
The website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides extensive information for refugees planning on entering Germany and the respective visa requirements.
Source: BerlinOnline/Federal Foreign Office
| Last edited: 29. August 2018