In 2023, Germany saw a surge in tourism with approximately 183.3 million arrivals at travel accommodations, marking a notable increase from the previous year.
If you're planning a short trip to Germany, you should apply for a Schengen visa. It is also known as a "short-term visa" or "C visa.".
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. It covers 29 European countries with no border controls. These countries share a common visa, called the Schengen visa, that allows stays of up to 90 days.
A German Tourist/Visitor Visa is a type of Schengen visa. It allows individuals to visit Germany and other Schengen countries for tourism or to visit friends and family. This visa is a sticker placed on the traveller’s passport. It grants entry to any of the 29 Schengen member states.
The Schengen Tourist Visa is specifically for travel and sightseeing within the Schengen area. It does not permit the holder to work or study. Suppose you plan to work, study, or engage in any other activities besides tourism. In that case, you must apply for the appropriate visa, such as a student or work visa, tailored to your intended purpose in Germany.
The steps you need to follow to apply for Germany Tourist Visa are given hereunder:
Below is a list of documents required to apply for a German tourist visa.
|
Document |
Description |
|
1. Schengen Visa Application Form |
Filled out and signed the Schengen visa application form. |
|
2. Declaration of True and Complete Information |
A signed declaration confirming that the information provided is true and complete. |
|
3. Declaration of Travel with Valid Medical Insurance |
A signed declaration confirming that you have valid travel medical insurance. |
|
4. Valid Passport |
A passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months' validity after the scheduled return, and at least two empty pages. Passports with observations regarding the front data page will not be accepted. |
|
5. Copy of Biometric & Address Page of Passport |
A copy of the biometric and address page of your passport. |
|
6. Biometric Passport Photo |
A recent (not older than six months) biometric passport photo (35x45mm, white background, 70%-80% face coverage). |
|
7. Personal cover letter / Proof of Transport and Itinerary |
A personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit and/or proof of intended means of transport and itinerary. |
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8. Proof of Accommodation |
Hotel reservations, rental of holiday home, campus residence reservation, or proof of sponsorship/private accommodation from the host in Germany. If travelling to multiple countries, proof of accommodation in each is required. |
|
9. Sponsor Documentation |
Proof of financial means if your trip is sponsored by a third party. This includes sponsor letters, bank statements, and relevant certificates (marriage, birth, etc.). Different documents are required depending on whether the sponsor is in India, Germany, or a company. |
|
10. Proof of Economic Status |
Documentation proving your economic status. It can be as employment details, bank statements, income tax returns, etc. Requirements vary based on your employment status. |
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11. Proof of Civil Status |
Documents proving your civil status. It can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate of children, etc., if applicable. |
|
12. Flight Reservation |
A reservation of your flight to and from Germany. |
|
13. Overseas Travel Medical Insurance |
Medical insurance that is valid for all Schengen countries, covering the entire duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. Only approved Indian Travel Insurance companies are accepted. |
|
14. Additional Documents for Minors |
If the applicant is a minor, additional documents are necessary. This can be birth certificates, passport copies of parents, and notarized consent letters may be required. |
|
15. Additional Documents (Optional) |
Any other documents the applicant wishes to submit. |
Important Notes:
Germany travel visa insurance is a health insurance plan that is required for anyone travelling to Germany. This insurance provides coverage for medical expenses you might incur while in Germany and other Schengen countries. It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 to ensure you are protected against unexpected health costs during your trip.
|
Visa Category |
Visa Fee (Adult) |
Visa Fee (Child 6-12 Years) |
Visa Fee (Child Below 6 Years) |
Visa Fee in INR (Adult) |
Visa Fee in INR (Child 6-12 Years) |
Visa Fee in INR (Child Below 6 Years) |
|
Short Term – Schengen Visas (Tourism, Family Visits, Business, Transit) |
€90 |
€45 |
No fee |
INR 8,200 |
INR 4,100 |
No fee |
The processing time for Schengen short-stay visas is up to 15 working days, not counting the day of submission at the VFS centre.
With a Schengen visa, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is known as the 90/180 rule. However, the exact number of days you can stay and the specific dates of your visit are determined by the German embassy or consulate when issuing your visa.
It's important to note the difference between the visa's validity and the duration of stay. Visa validity refers to the period during which you can enter and exit the Schengen Area.
In contrast, the duration of stay is the total number of days you are permitted to be within the Schengen Area during the visa's validity. The visa's validity period is generally longer than the duration of stay allowed. It is crucial to adhere to both the visa validity and the permitted duration of stay to avoid penalties such as deportation or a future entry ban.
A German visa application might be rejected for several reasons:
At Kansas Overseas Careers, we assist you in obtaining a German tourist visa. We do so by providing expert guidance and comprehensive support during the application process. Here’s how we can help:
Yes, Germany is currently issuing tourist visas. However, availability may vary depending on the local COVID-19 situation or other factors. It's advisable to check the latest updates from the German consulate or embassy in your region.
The processing time for a German visa for Indians takes around 15 working days. But, it can vary depending on the time of year and individual circumstances.
To get an entry visa, you need to select the appropriate visa type. Then, you need to gather all necessary documents, fill out the application form and make an appointment with the VFS Global Visa Application Center. After that, attend the visa interview if required, and pay the applicable visa fees.
Yes, you have to pay a visa fee for a child applying for a Schengen visa. However, the fee may be reduced or waived for certain age groups or under specific circumstances.
The required documents include:
You generally need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, which is typically calculated as €45-50 per day. For a 15-day trip, this would amount to approximately €675-750 (about ₹60,000-70,000).
If your application is rejected, you should review the reasons provided for the denial, address any issues, and consider reapplying. Alternatively, you can appeal the decision within the time frame specified in the rejection letter.
The different types of German Schengen visas for Indians include:
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Germany and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
The photo should be 35mm x 45mm in size, taken against a light background, with a clear, full-face view without head coverings (except for religious reasons). The photo should be recent, typically taken within the last six months.
For a German Schengen visa, you generally need to show proof of having approximately €45-50 per day for the duration of your stay, depending on the purpose of your visit.
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