Germany is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. To enter Germany and all other Schengen countries, many nationalities need to apply for a Schengen Visa before they go. The Germany Schengen visa allows travelers to explore Germany's beauty and culture, visit friends and family, or engage in business activities.
If you're wondering whether you need a visa to enter Germany, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need about which nationalities can apply for a Schengen Visa and explore the requirements and application steps involved.
We're here to help make your trip to Germany a smooth and enjoyable experience. Let's dive in and apply instantly with our online application platform or download the iVisa app on your mobile for a more convenient process!
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Importance of getting a Schengen Visa to visit Germany
The German Schengen Visa allows most non-EU and non-Schengen citizens to enter and travel within the entire Schengen Area for a specified period. The visa eliminates the need for separate visas for each country, making travel more flexible.
Besides Germany, you can visit 26 other Schengen member states with this short-stay visa: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
You are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per entry within a 180-day period. The number of countries you visit does not affect this limit.
Countries eligible for the Germany Schengen Visa
Here’s a list of countries whose citizens must get this German visa under the visa liberalization agreement of the Schengen zone. In the next sections we’ll go into more detail about the requirements and special conditions for each nationality.
Afghanistan |
Algeria |
Angola |
Azerbaijan |
Bahrain |
Bangladesh |
Belize |
Benin |
Bhutan |
Bolivia |
Botswana |
Burkina Faso |
Burundi |
Cabo Verde |
Cambodia |
Cameroon |
Central African Republic |
Chad |
China |
Comoros |
Côte d’Ivoire |
Cuba |
Dem. Rep. Of Congo |
Djibouti |
Dominican Republic |
Ecuador |
Egypt |
Equatorial Guinea |
Eritrea |
Eswatini |
Ethiopia |
Fiji |
Gabon |
Gambia |
Ghana |
Guinea-Bissau |
Guyana |
Haiti |
India |
Indonesia |
Iran |
Iraq |
Jamaica |
Jordan |
Kazakhstann |
Kenya |
Kosovo |
Kuwait |
Kyrgyzstan |
Laos |
Lebanon |
Lesotho |
Liberia |
Libya |
Madagascar |
Malawi |
Maldives |
Mali |
Mauritania |
Mongolia |
Morocco |
Mozambiqueue |
Myanmar |
Namibia |
Nepal |
Niger |
Nigeria |
North Korea |
Northern Mariana Islands |
Oman |
Pakistan |
Palestine |
Papua New Guinea |
Philippines |
Qatar |
Republic of the Congo |
Russia |
Rwanda |
Saudi Arabia |
Senegal |
Sierra Leone |
Somalia |
South Africa |
South Sudan |
Sri Lanka |
Sudan |
Suriname |
Syria |
São Tomé and Príncipe |
Tajikistan |
Tanzania |
Thailand |
Togo |
Tonga |
Tunisia |
Turkmenistan |
Turkey |
Uganda |
Uzbekistan |
Vanuatu |
Vietnam |
Yemen |
Zambia |
Zimbabwe |
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Please keep in mind that this list can change over time. For up-to-date information, use our handy Visa Checker Tool and apply directly online!
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Kenya
For Kenyan citizens, the Schengen Visa facilitates hassle-free travel, allowing them to delve into the cultural, educational, and economic aspects of Germany while enjoying the freedom to visit other Schengen countries during their stay.
When you start your application you will undergo an interview at the VFS Global application center in Nairobi.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Ghana
The German Schengen Visa presents unique opportunities for Ghanaians to discover the beauty and opportunities Germany and the Schengen Zone offers.
To apply for the German Schengen Visa, Ghanaians can fill out the form online and visit the German Embassy in Accra or the German Consulate in Kumasi for the mandatory interview.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Sri Lanka
As a citizen of Sri Lanka, if you plan to visit Germany for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes, you will generally need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
If you are a resident of Sri Lanka, you can apply online with us and submit the Schengen Visa application at VFS Global in Colombo or Jaffna.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Nepal
Having a Germany Schengen Visa is essential for Nepalese citizens who wish to travel to Germany for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
To apply for a German Schengen Visa in Nepal you’ll still need to go to the VFS Global visa application centre in Kathmandu for your interview and submitting your documents.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Russia
While Russians currently have very limited options for the Schengen Visas, they can usually apply for tourism, business, or a short-term educational course. Russians with a residence permit in a country with a visa-free agreement for the Schengen zone, can still enter the country.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Saudi Arabia
Getting a Germany Schengen Visa is essential for Saudi Arabian citizens who wish to travel to Germany for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. This visa lets travelers explore Germany's rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities.
You’ll submit your application for a Schengen Visa at one of the visa application centres in Riyadh, Al-Khobar or Jeddah.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Iran
For Iranians, the Schengen Visa is needed to visit Germany and other member states for tourism and business. Usually, an interview appointment takes place at the German Embassy or visa application center (VAC) in Tehran.
The Consulate General in Erbil is only available for Iraqi citizens or other nationalities living in the Kurdish provinces Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dohuk.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Thailand
If you are a citizen of Thailand planning to visit Germany for tourism, a family visit, or business, you will likely need a Schengen Visa.
Once you applied online, you must attend the Schengen Visa Interview at the Germany Visa Application Center in Bangkok.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Morocco
Embark on a remarkable journey from Morocco to Germany with the Germany Schengen Visa. As a Moroccan citizen, you have the opportunity to visit the country for tourism, business, and to meet with family or friends residing in the country.
After you fill out the application form online, you must schedule an appointment with the nearest visa application centre, based on your location.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Indonesia
The Germany Schengen Visa allows citizens of Indonesia to visit Germany and other Schengen member countries for a certain period of time.
Citizens of Indonesia who wish to apply for a Germany Schengen Visa can fill out their application online and attend the interview at the German Embassy or Consulate in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Ethiopia
German Schengen Visas is available for tourists and business travelers from Ethiopia, allowing you to explore the beautiful sights and vibrant culture of Germany and the Schengen zone hassle-free.
Apply online and submit your documents at the German Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Syria
Discover the gateway to Germany for citizens of Syria with the Germany Schengen Visa, unlocking business and tourism experiences for this incredible country.
Syrian citizens can apply for the German Schengen Visa by filling out the application form online and submitting their supporting documents at the German Embassy located in Damascus, the capital city of Syria.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Iraq
The German Schengen visa allows Iraqi citizens to travel to Germany and other Schengen countries within the designated visa period for various purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.
Follow the steps to apply for a Schengen Visa and attend the interview at the application centre of VFS Global in Baghdad or Erbil.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Zimbabwe
Citizens of Zimbabwe can apply for a Germany Schengen Visa through our platform, which allows them to travel to Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
The visa application process involves submitting the required documents and doing an interview at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Harare.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Jamaica
The Germany Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows citizens of Jamaica to enter Germany and other Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
The visa application process involves filling out the application form online, submitting the required documents, and attending an interview at the German Embassy in Kingston.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Tanzania
The Germany Schengen Visa is a key to unlocking the wonders of Europe for Tanzanians. With this visa, they can immerse themselves in Germany's vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and historical treasures.
Apply online before submitting your documents at the TLS Visa Application Centre for Germany in Dar es Salaam.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Jordan
The Germany Schengen Visa process offers numerous travel opportunities to citizens of Jordan, facilitating their exploration of Germany and other Schengen countries.
We offer a simplified application form online and assist in submitting your documents and preparing your interview at the partner of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Amman.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Vietnam
For Vietnamese citizens, the German Schengen Visa ensures a smooth and hassle-free travel experience to one of Europe's most vibrant and culturally rich countries.
You must attend the appointment with your supporting documents at the VFS German Visa Application Centres in Hồ Chí Minh, after filling out the form online.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Namibia
As the gateway to Europe, this visa allows Namibians to explore Germany's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Complete the application form online to submit your documents for the application, you’ll have to attend your appointment at the German Embassy in Windhoek in person.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Cuba
The Germany Schengen Visa offers citizens of Cuba an incredible opportunity to embark on an enriching journey through the heart of Europe. Discover the seamless visa process and delve into the captivating experiences awaiting Cuban travelers in Germany.
If you apply online through us, you’ll only have to submit your documents and attend the interview at the visa application centre in Havana.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Senegal
This visa opens up a world of opportunities, allowing Senegalese citizens to explore the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities of Germany while enjoying the freedom to visit 26 other Schengen countries.
Apply online and submit the documents at your appointment at the visa application center in Dakar.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Lebanon
Discover the convenience and opportunities offered by the Germany Schengen Visa, granting Lebanese citizens seamless travel access to multiple European countries.
To obtain a Schengen visa from Lebanon, all applicants must go through the online application process and undergo an interview at a visa application center in Beirut.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of Bahrain
Bahrain citizens can now experience hassle-free travel with the Germany Schengen Visa, granting you unrestricted access to a multitude of countries within the Schengen Area. Discover the wonders that await you in Germany and beyond!
After applying online you’ll attend the interview at a Visa Application Centre in Manama.
Germany Schengen Visa for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Unlock a world of possibilities as a citizen of the DRC, exploring the rich culture and business opportunities that await you in Germany and other enchanting European destinations.
To get a German Schengen Visa from Democratic Republic of the Congo, all applicants must go through a detailed application process online and attend the interview at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kinshasa.
Who has visa-free entry to Germany?
Residents of 62 countries are permitted to enter Germany and any other Schengen country visa-free and remain there for a period of 90 days.
These include (but are not limited to) nationals from the following countries:
Is your country not listed and you want to know if you’re visa-exempt for Germany and the Schengen Area? Use our Visa Checker Tool now!
More about the steps and documents for the German Visa application
For an overview of the steps and more information about the documents required for the German Schengen Visa application, we’re here to assist. You can also contact us via online chat or email at help@iVisa if you have more questions!
Start your application with us now!