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.
Find and book your ideal hotel in Berlin - fast, comfortable and safe. Choose from hotels in all categories and all districts
more
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.
The website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides extensive information for refugees planning on entering Germany and the respective visa requirements.
