Germany

Germany is the oft opted Tourist destination for people across the world. The country with picturesque landscapes, mind-blowing architecture and pristine pure lakes is definitely a hot tourist hub.

If you want to visit Germany for a short duration you will need a visitor or tourist visa.

The document checklist required for the German Tourist/Visitor Visa:

Germany is pretty strict with regards to documents that you need to submit to procure this Visa. Given below is a comprehensive list of documents that you need to submit get your Visa:

• Visa application form. Fully completed with the correct information, printed and signed at the end.
• Two recent photos. Taken within the last three months, in compliance with the Schengen visa photo criteria.
• Valid passport. No older than ten years and with a minimum validity of three months beyond your planned stay in Schengen. It must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the visa sticker.
• Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. A document that includes dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. Find out how to get a flight reservation for a tourist visa application.
• Travel Health Insurance. Evidence that you have purchased health insurance that covers medical emergencies with a minimum of €30,000, for your whole period of stay. The insurance policy can easily be purchased online from Europe Assistance, AXA Schengen or DR-WALTER.
• Proof of accommodation. Evidence that shows where you will be staying throughout your time in Schengen. This could be a:
  • Hotel/hostel booking. With name, complete address, phone and e-mail, for the entire time you will be in the Schengen area.
  • Rent agreement. If you have rented a place, in the country you will be staying.
• Letter of tour organizer. If you will be travelling with a tour agency.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that shows you have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay in Schengen. This could be a:
  • Bank account statement.
  • Sponsorship Letter. When another person will be financially sponsoring your trip to the Schengen Zone. It is also often called an Affidavit of Support.
  • A combination of both.
• Invitation letter from your host in Germany with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Germany
• Proof of relationship with the host residing in Germany.
• Verpflichtungserklärung. In case your host will be covering all your expenses, they need to sign this document, also known as a letter of commitment. The form can be obtained from the German immigration authorities at the place of residence of your host, whose solvency will be verified by these authorities.
• Evidence of employment status.
  • If employed:
    • Employment contract,
    • Leave permission from the employer
    • Income Tax Return
  • If self-employed:
    • A copy of your business license,
    • Company’s bank statement of the latest 6 months
    • Income Tax Return (ITR)
  • If a student:
    • Proof of enrolment &
    • No Objection Letter from University
• Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip to Europe, your purpose of travelling, which places are you going to visit in Europe, the time frame and all the personal data.
• For Minors:
  • Either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced / death certificate of the parent.
  • Letter of consent from parents, including passport copies of both parents/ legal guardian.

It is always better to apply for your Germany Tourist/Visitor Visa at least 3 weeks prior to your intended date. Approach the nearest German Consulate to fix a date of your appointment. You need to fill in the application form with authentic information and take two prints of it. Ensure that all the documents are in place before you submit them.

VisaMint Overseas Services is the best place you need to approach to know about the interview process to obtain a Visitor/Tourist Visa to Germany. Our expert Germany Immigration Consultants will tell you what exactly will be asked during the interview process.

The processing of your Tourist/Visitor Visa to Germany is subject to the workload in the embassy. The sooner you apply the better. Nevertheless, you can apply for the visa at least 3 weeks before your intended date of arrival in Germany.  Some tourists apply as early as six months and that is pretty commendable. The Tourist Visa fee is Euros 80 for adults and Euros 40 for children between 6 and 12 years of age.

You can stay in Germany under the aegis of Tourist or Visitor Visa for a period of three months. During this period you can also stay and enjoy yourself in the Schengen Countries. However, this must be mentioned on your Visa sticker.