Visa Requirements to Germany by Adewale Sobowale
Nationals of states in the European Union only require identification documents to enter Germany.
However, other travelers going to Germany need to present the following:
× A passport or travel document issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond their planned day of leaving Germany.
× A valid visa (if required)
× Proof of sufficient funds for their entire stay in Germany.
× A round trip ticket.
After presenting their documents to the German border police, they may be asked a few questions upon arrival. The particular officer in charge then determines whether to allow them in or not. If they allow you in, do make sure that your passport is stamped. If not, you may be fined or detained in Germany.
You will need a visa to enter Germany and any other member of country of the Schengen zone if you are a:
× Passport holder of a third world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.
× Passport holder of a third world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states but had been previously rejected from entering Germany or any other Schengen country.
Visa types depend on a person’s purpose of entering into Germany. You may therefore apply for one of the following short stay visas:
× Germany Airport Transit Visa: Apply for this if you’re landing at a German airport in transit to a non Schengen destination.
× Germany Transit Visa: This visa is for those embarking to one of the German harbors, to take a vessel that will take them to a non Schengen destination.
× Germany Tourist Visa: This is for those visiting for vacations, sightseeing, exploring, and so on.
× Visa for Visiting Family or Friends: This is for those visiting friends or relatives living in Germany.
× Business Visa: This is for those who are visiting Germany for business activities.
× There are other visas like those for official visits, medical reasons, cultural, sports and film events, for trade fairs and exhibitions and also for training/internship.
Documents Required:
× A visa application form.
× Declaration
× Two passport photographs.
× Your passport/travel document
× Copies of your previous visas
× Round trip flight information
× Proof of accommodation
× German health insurance
× Proof of funds for your trip
× A cover letter
If you’re employed:
× Employment contact
× Current bank statement for the last 6 months
× Leave letter
× Income tax return
If self-employed:
× Copy of your business license
× Bank statement of your company for the last 6 months
× Income tax return
If a student:
× Proof of enrolment
× No-objection from school/university.
If retired:
× Pension statement for at least 6 months
If applicable:
Proof of regular income generated by the property for the last 6 months.
There are other visa requirements. The aforementioned are the major ones.
