ETIAS Visa Waiver for Germany
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be fully operational from 2025. From this date, you’ll need ETIAS to travel to Germany if you’re a national of a visa-exempt country.
Germany is one of the most popular European destinations and, thanks to ETIAS, it will soon be even safer. ETIAS screening processes will increase border security and reduce high-epidemic risk and illegal immigration.
This new travel authorisation system is different from a visa. You'll register your details online to enter Schengen member countries visa-free.
Germany, a key player in the EU and the Schengen Area
Germany, as a prominent member of both the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, plays a significant role in shaping the political and economic landscape of Europe.
Being part of the EU since its inception, Germany actively participates in the decision-making processes.
As a member of the Schengen Area, travellers can visit Germany and other member states without facing internal Schengen border checks. Schengen visa policy applies to Germany, including ETIAS.
How and when to apply for Germany ETIAS?
It’s not yet possible to apply for ETIAS. The system will be fully operational from 2025 and applying will become an entry requirement for Germany.
To complete the ETIAS application for Germany, you must answer all the questions on the online application form accurately.
You'll need to enter a range of information including your name, address, and date of birth. There are also some security questions. You will pay a fee using a credit or debit card to submit the application.
How do I receive ETIAS approval for Germany?
You’ll be notified by email once your application has been processed and approved. ETIAS is linked to your passport electronically. You do not need to print anything as your travel authorisation is verified when your passport is scanned at the border. You may wish to print or save a copy of your ETIAS confirmation email for your records.
Passport validity and country requirements for German ETIAS
You need to have a passport from one of the ETIAS-eligible countries to apply. It will be necessary to enter your passport details including the passport number, nationality, and expiry date, and meet all the ETIAS requirements.
Check your passport is valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area.
Visitors to the Schengen Area need to use the same passport to complete the application and to enter the region. Keep this in mind if you have more than one passport.
What you can do in Germany with ETIAS
ETIAS is valid for these travel purposes:
- Tourism: visit Germany’s top tourist destinations such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne
- Business: attend meetings, conferences, and other business events in Germany with ETIAS
- Study: ETIAS is suitable for short-term study (no more than 90 days) such as language courses
If you're travelling to Germany for another reason such as to work, contact the nearest embassy or consulate.
Entering Germany with ETIAS
You need ETIAS when crossing an external Schengen border. Most international passengers fly into one of the country’s main international airports:
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA): this is the busiest airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
- Munich Airport (MUC): this is the second-busiest airport in Germany. It offers a wide range of domestic and international connections and serves as a major hub for Lufthansa, Germany's national carrier.
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): this airport serves the capital city of Berlin and is the newest major airport in Germany.
Once you’ve crossed an external border, you can stay in Germany, or other parts of the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Visiting Germany’s neighbouring countries with ETIAS
It is easy to visit other European countries from Germany. Germany shares borders with 9 countries, all of which are in the Schengen countries and can be visited with ETIAS:
You can reach these countries by plane, train, or bus and there are no internal Schengen borders.