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Visiting Germany

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Everything you need to know before you go for Germany

Quick Facts

Germany is a Schengen Area member. What you need to enter depends on your citizenship: ETIAS, a visa, or neither.

Capital Berlin
Currency EUR
Schengen Yes
Languages German

Exploring Germany

Germany is Europe's largest economy and a cultural powerhouse, offering an extraordinary range of experiences. Berlin's layered history, Munich's legendary beer gardens and Oktoberfest, the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine Valley, and the dense trails of the Black Forest draw millions of visitors each year. Germany's world-famous Christmas markets transform cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne into magical winter destinations.

The country boasts one of Europe's best rail networks, with high-speed ICE trains connecting major cities efficiently. From the cutting-edge museums of Hamburg to the vineyards of the Moselle Valley, Germany rewards travelers who venture beyond the well-known highlights.

Capital Berlin
Currency EUR
Population 83.2 million
Languages German

How to Enter Germany

  • EU/EEA citizens No visa or travel authorization needed — just bring your passport or national ID.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) Stay up to 90 days visa-free. From Q4 2026, you will need ETIAS ({etiasFee
  • Visa-required nationals You need a Schengen Visa ({visaFee
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Prepare for Your Trip to Germany

ETIAS Guide

Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors

Schengen Visa

Visa application guide

90/180 Calculator

Check how long you can stay

Travel Insurance

Coverage for your European trip

Popular Cities in Germany

Berlin Cologne Frankfurt Hamburg Munich

Common Questions about Visiting Germany

Is Germany part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Germany is a founding member of the Schengen Area, which came into effect on March 26, 1995. Germany is both an EU member and a Schengen member.
When did Germany join Schengen?
Germany was one of the five original Schengen countries (along with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands). The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, and border controls were abolished on March 26, 1995.
Do I need ETIAS to visit Germany?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit Germany starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
What airports in Germany are Schengen entry points?
Major Schengen entry points in Germany include Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), and Hamburg Airport (HAM).
How long can I stay in Germany as a tourist?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Germany and the entire Schengen Area combined. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward this limit.

Prepare for Your Trip to Germany

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

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