Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Germany From the UK?
Any UK citizen who holds either a full UK passport or a BOTC, BOC, BPP or BS passport can travel to Germany visa-free. On the other hand, many non-EU nationals who reside in the UK are still required to get a Schengen visa to travel to Germany.
Moreover, Germany is quite demanding on the issue of document requirements for visa applications and tends to enforce strict guidelines for the application process.
In recent years, following visa liberalization policies for non-EU countries, the number of countries whose nationals require visas to travel to Europe has slightly dropped. Here is the list of nationalities that are still required to get a Schengen Visa to visit Germany and other Schengen states.
Below you can find more information on applying for a German visa from the UK.
Who Can Apply for a German Visa From the UK?
Citizens of these countries residing in the UK and planning to visit Germany are required to get a German visa in order to be able to enter Germany. The main requirement is that you must have a UK residence permit valid for at least another three months beyond the date they plan to leave Germany / the Schengen Area.
Use theGerman Schengen visa eligibility checkertool to find out if you qualify to apply for a German visa from the UK.
If you have a 3-month UK visa, you can extend it for three more months in order to be eligible to apply for a German Schengen visa from within the UK. You must apply for an extension before your visa expires and while you’re still in the UK. Find out more about how to extend your UK visa.
You should apply for a visa at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate or German visa application centre in the UK if:
- Germany is the only Schengen country you plan on visiting
- Germany is your main destination (the country you will be staying the longest in)
- Germany is the first Schengen country you are visiting since you will be spending an equal amount of days in each Schengen country you plan to visit
If you plan on staying in Germany for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit, not a German Schengen visa.
Please note that if you are not a resident in the United Kingdom, you should apply at the German Embassy/Consulate or German visa application centre in your country of residence.
Germany Visa Application Requirements for UK Residents
The following list of documents are required in order to obtain a German visa in the UK:
- A valid passport or travel document. Please make sure that:
- Your passport has been issued (not extended) within the previous 10 years,
- Your passport has 2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
- Your passport will be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
- A valid UK residence permit. The UK residency permit must be endorsed in the actual passport (or on a new biometric ID card)
- German visa application form. Filled out completely and signed by the applicant (please read the explanations carefully).
- One passport format photo that has a light background, is brightly coloured and shows a full face. The photo must be less than three months old and be glued to the German Schengen visa application form. Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
- A cover letter that explains the purpose of the visit to Germany
- Proof of travel arrangements: Round trip flight/travel reservations from the UK to Germany and back to the UK, or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary of your visit to Germany (if several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
- Germany Travel Medical Insurance. Stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation not just in Germany, but in the whole Schengen zone (minimum coverage of € 30.000). UK residents can easily purchase the travel insurance policy online from Europ AssistanceorMondialCare. All these travel insurance companies are accepted by German Embassies and Consulates in the UK.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany:
- Evidence of a hotel booking in Germany or rental agreement, or
- Invitation from your German host (family member, friend) along with a copy of their passport or ID (Proof of sponsorship if dependant)
- Proof of financial subsistence:
- A recent statement of UK bank account for the last three months, showing funds of at least 50 ÂŁ per person per day spent in German, or
- Traveller’s cheques
- Important note: Starting from November 20, 2015 persons applying for a German short-term visa are required to provide fingerprints (biometric data) as an additional document.
- Children younger than 12 years of age and applicants who are not physically capable of providing fingerprints are exempted from this procedure.
Note: Photocopies of the original documents should also be submitted, and documents should not be more than one month old.
The documents listed above are documents required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of your visit to Germany. Depending on your employment status, here is a list of additional documents that are required for your Germany visa application in the UK:
For UK employees:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For foreign students in the UK:
- Proof of enrolment
- No-objection certificate from school or university in the UK
For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
- A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date,
- Spouse’s valid passport
- An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation must be in English or German and must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in the UK
Requirements for children under the age of 18
Underage children must be accompanied by parents or an adult guardian at the application centre at the German Embassy or Consulate-General in the UK. Also, minors who are granted a German visa are not allowed to travel to Germany by themselves. They should be accompanied by an adult during their stay in Germany.
Required documents for Germany visa application for underage children
- Original birth certificate among others.
- Signed travel consent from both parents
- If one parent is not located in the UK they should submit their signed consent to the German Embassy/Consulate of their residing country
Note: All documents must be either in German or English or officially translated by a certified translator.
To find more about the documentation needed for applying for a visa to Germanyclickhttps://www.schengenvisainfo.com/germany/visa/orhttps://www.germany-visa.org
How to Apply for a Germany Visa From the UK?
To apply for a visa to Germany you must book an appointment with the German Embassy in London or German Consulate General in Edinburgh.
This can be done in different ways:
- By booking an appointment directly at the German Embassy in London or German Consulate General in Edinburgh.
- You can book an appointment every working day from 9 am to 10 am except on holidays.
- Through VFS Centres in London and Manchester.German visa applications for UK residents are to be submitted at the Germany Visa Application Centres in London and Manchester. All applications will be assessed by The Embassy of Germany, London.
Schengen Visa Types for Short-Term Visits in Germany
You need to apply for a German Schengen visa if you intend to travel from the UK to Germany for the following reasons:
- Business purposes.
- Visiting friends and family.
- Tourism and holidays.
- Cultural and sports events.
- Airport transit and transit for seafarers.
- Official visit.
- Medical reasons.
- Short-term study purposes.
Depending on your reasons for visiting Germany and the frequency of your visits, the German embassy/consulate in the UK can issue you asingle-entry visa,double-entry visa, or multiple-entry visa.
At which German Embassy/Consulate should I apply?
- If you are residing in England or Wales then you should apply at the German Embassy in London.
- If you are residing in Scotland or Northern Ireland then you should apply to the German Consulate General in Edinburgh.
Postal application – Only for applicants who fall under the jurisdiction of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh
(Source: German Missions in the UK)
To apply by regular post, you are required to include 55 ÂŁ in the application envelope along with all the required documents
You qualify for post-application only if the following conditions are fulfilled:
- You have provided biometric data at any other Schengen country Embassy/Consulate and
- You belong to at least one of the following categories of applicants:
- You are the spouse of an EU national
- You have been issued at least two Schengen Visas during the last 24 months
- You have been issued a Schengen Visa with a validity of at least one year during the last 24 months
- You have been issued a Schengen Visa from the German Consulate in Edinburgh during the last 12 months
- You are a student from China
Note: You can also send your application to the Consulate General in Edinburgh in person on Monday or Wednesday at 11.30 am
Germany Visa Application Processing Time in the UK
You can apply for a German Schengen visa up to 180 days before your planned trip. Usually, the German visa application process takes a minimum of 5 working days. However, for nationals of the following countries the application time takes at least 14 working days (Source: VFSGlobal):
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan*
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan*
- Tunisia
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
*Note: except for diplomatic and service passport
Considering the time German visa application processing takes, you are advised to apply 3 to 6 weeks in advance of your trip to Germany.
Germany Visa Fees for UK Residents
Since Germany is a Schengen state, visa fees are the same as any other Schengen visa. These are the costs of a German Schengen Visa when applying from the UK:
| Schengen Visa Category (by age) | Fee in UK Pound | Fee in Euro |
| Adult | 73 £ | 80 € |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | 36.5 £ | 40 € |
| Children younger than 6 years of age | Free | Free |
Note: Keep in mind that these fees may change depending on currency fluctuations and can be paid only in UK Pounds. Payments can be made in cash and by credit or debit card
Germany Visa fee exemptions
The following persons are exempted from visa fees:
- Children younger than 6 years of age
- Family members of an EU/EEA national
- Documents required for exemption:
- Original Marriage Certificate, or
- Civil Partnership Certificate
- Original full Birth Certificate
- EU/EAA national’s passport.
- Documents required for exemption:
- Persons travelling for the purpose of study or educational training and are accompanied by teaching staff such as:
- School pupils.
- Undergraduates and postgraduates.
Documents required for exemption: A letter from the school principal/dean that states that the trip is an obligatory part of the school/college programme.
Frequently asked questions on Applying for a Germany visa in the UK
What can I do if I cannot make it on the day of the appointment?
If you cannot make it on the scheduled day of the appointment, you must book another appointment as it is not possible to reschedule.
Do I have to come in person?
Yes, all applicants are required to show up in person at the German Embassy/Consulate in London/Edinburgh for a German visa application
Am I guaranteed to obtain a German visa from the UK?
No, you are not guaranteed to get a visa. To have a better chance of getting a positive answer, please make sure you provide all the required documents.
Tips:
- Reasons why Germanvisa applications getdenied
- Mistakes to avoid during a German visa interview
- Most asked questions during a German visa interview
- Find cheap flights to Germany and Europe
- Best attractions to see in Berlin
- Proof of financial funds for foreign students in Germany – mandatory for a student visa
What can I do if I’m not granted a visa?
If your visa is refused you can appeal against the decision free of charge. You must provide a refusal letter to justify your grounds of appeal. You should keep in mind that all fees are non-refundable and do not serve as a guarantee of your application’s success.
Can I get a visa the same day I apply?
Only in cases of an extreme medical emergency, you can obtain a visa on the same day of your application. However, the German Embassy/Consulate in the UK has the final say in this case.
Does a non-EU spouse/family member of a UK national need a visa to Germany?
The spouse of a UK national (EEA/EU national) is required to obtain a German visa. However, there is no need for a visa to enter Germany if the following conditions are met:
- The spouse holds a UK Residence Permit that states that the holder is a family member of an EU/EEA National
- Travelling with or joining the EEA/EU spouse in Germany.
Related visa information for the UK Residents:
- Schengen Visa for the UK Residents
- French Visa for the UK Residents
- Spanish Visa for the UK Residents
- Italian Visa for the UK Residents
- Dutch visa for UK residents
- Portuguese visa for UK residents
- Germany Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
Do British Citizens Need Travel Insurance for Germany?
Travel insurance for Germany is an essential part of your trip, but it is not required by law. In other words, even though you are highly encouragedtoget a travel insurance plan whenever travelling from the UK to Germany or other EU countries, you will be allowed to visit Germany even without it – at your own risk.
Embassy & Consulates of Germanyinthe United Kingdom
There are two German missions in the United Kingdom: The Embassy in London and the Consulate General in Edinburgh.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, London, England
Address:23 Belgrave Square, Belgravia, London SW1X 8PZ, UK
Phone:+44 20 7824 1300
Fax:+44 20 7824 1435
Email:[emailprotected]
Opening times:Monday – Friday only by appointment
Consular district:Avon, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Clwyd, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dyfed, Dorset, Essex, South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, West Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Gwent, Gwynedd, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Greater London, Merseyside, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Powys, Salop, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Edinburgh, Scotland
Address:16 Eglinton Cres, Edinburgh EH12 5DG, UK
Phone:+44 131 337 2323
Fax:+44 131346 1578
Email:[emailprotected]
Opening times:Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Consular district:Scotland and the following counties in North England: Cumbria, Darlington, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton on Tees, Tyne and Wear (Tyneside), as well as North Yorkshire with the exception of Selby and York.
** Please note that these are the standard required documents. The German Visa Consular office maintains the right to ask for further documents or information if necessary.
*** Please consult the Germany Embassy or Consulate in the United Kingdom for the updated requirements!
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FAQs
Can I apply for Germany visa from UK? ›
We are pleased to confirm that British citizens do not require a visa for the Schengen Member States, provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period and provided that no economic activity is being pursued. These pages provide comprehensive information on our visa services.
Can I apply for Schengen visa from another country? ›You must lodge the application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit, or – if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, the Consulate of the country of your primary destination (i.e. main purpose of stay or longest stay).
How do I book a German visa appointment UK? ›Visa appointments can be booked through TLScontact's website.
Can I apply for German visa from another country? ›Please note that you cannot apply for a short-stay German visa from a country where you are currently on a visa. You need to be a citizen of that country or on a residence permit there in order to be eligible to file your Germany Visa application.
Where can I get Schengen visa from UK? ›To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK you must book an appointment with the relevant Consulate or Embassy in London. This can be done in two ways: By going to the Consulate/Embassy office in person. By applying via accredited agencies like VFS or BLS.
Can I apply for UK and Schengen visa together? ›Yes, if you possess a UK visitor permit, you can apply for the Schengen. In fact, you will have a higher chance of approval for your Schengen if you already possess the British permit. However, you cannot apply for the Schengen while you are in the UK. You must be in your home country while making the application.
Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen visa? ›There is no general requirement that you must enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued your visa. Your main destination may be different than your first destination. To prevent complications, stick to your itinerary as best you can.
Which country is the easiest to apply for Schengen visa? ›In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
Which Schengen visa is easy from UK? ›Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer. In addition, Estonia ranks no.
How do I book an appointment for Germany Schengen visa? ›For submission of your Schengen visa application at your nearest Visa Application Centre, please schedule an appointment at VFS Global by telephone (022-67866013) or online.
Can I go to VFS Germany without appointment? ›
VFS Global will process your visa application without a pre-booked appointment.
Why are there no Schengen visa appointments? ›This situation has occurred because embassies are unable to meet the high demand for Schengen visas. This happened because the number of Schengen visas is fixed.
What is the fastest way to get a German visa? ›Express Visa: This visa processing mode is available for fast processing of your visa within 1 to 2 days. All Germany Visa applicants must need the following documents to obtain visa: Original Passport or Valid travel document. Passport-size photographs.
Is Germany visa same as Schengen visa? ›A Schengen Tourism / Visitor visa to Germany is a visa established by the Schengen states, which allows its holder to visit Germany and all of the 26 Schengen member countries. It is issued in the form of a sticker affixed to the passport of the traveller.
How long does it take for German visa to be approved? ›The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
How long does it take to get Schengen visa from UK? ›You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
How can I get Schengen visa fast? ›- Figure out which Schengen visa type you need.
- Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
- Find the most suitable time to apply for a Schengen visa.
- Book an appointment.
- Fill the Schengen visa application form.
- Gather the required documents.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Pay the visa fee.
You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: you're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. you're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.
Can I get two visas at the same time? ›You may apply for two different visas at the same time if you can show that you will enter the United States on the first visa, leave and re-enter on the other. You are required to complete one visa application form DS-160 but pay two MRV fees; the second fee is paid to the Embassy cashier on the day of the interview.
Which country is most difficult to get visa? ›North Korea
It's one of the most difficult countries to get access to and acquire a visa. One will need to apply for the visa through a tourist agency, which provides state-approved tours. Those from South Korea or with an American passport, are not eligible for this country's visa.
Which countries I can visit with UK visa? ›
- Dominican Republic. One of the most visited countries in the Carribean, Dominican Republic is a diverse destination. ...
- Bermuda. ...
- Cayman Islands. ...
- Turks and Caicos Islands. ...
- Mexico - Cradle of civilizations. ...
- Serbia. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Georgia.
You will need to leave your passport at the consulate of the Schengen country where you apply for a visa. If you withdraw your passport while your application is being processed, your Schengen visa application will be canceled.
Are Schengen visas being issued 2022? ›The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel freely within 26 European countries, 22 of them within the European Union (EU). The standard short-stay Schengen Visa allows holders to stay within the Schengen Area for up to three months during each visit.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Which Schengen country has highest visa approval rate? ›Ranking right after Belgium is Malta – with 14.8%, followed by Sweden 10.3%, Portugal 10.1%, France 9.6%, and Norway with a rate of 8.7%. Subsequently come Spain and the Netherlands with an equal rate of visas not issued – 6.1%. Switzerland reaches close to the top with 6.0%.
Which Schengen visa is longest? ›Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
Which country has lowest visa rejection rate? ›| Schengen State | Uniform visas applied | Refusal % |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 556520 | 7.41% |
| Italy | 1844140 | 7.37% |
| Denmark | 164003 | 6.99% |
| Austria | 306133 | 6.24% |
Now for applying Schengen visa for France I approached an agent who told me that a minimum amount of 2.5L to 3L is required as balance for processing of visa.
How much does a Schengen visa cost UK? ›Once you have established where you need to pay a processing fee of €80 (€40 for minors), you will need to book an appointment at your nearest visa center, embassy, or consulate - these are located in London or a major city in each region.
Do I need a visa for Germany from UK after Brexit? ›4b. As a UK national, do I need a visa for visits and/or business trips to Germany from 1 January 2021? British citizens (with “British citizen” on their passport) do not need a visa for visits and/or business trips involving a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Which Schengen country gives visa easily? ›
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
How long does it take to get German visa? ›The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
Can UK passport holders travel to Germany? ›Visas. You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
How long does German Schengen visa take? ›Standard Processing will take around 10 Business Days to complete. Rush processing will complete your application within 8 Business Days. Super Rush processing will complete your application within 6 Business Days.
How do I book an appointment for Schengen visa in Germany? ›For submission of your Schengen visa application at your nearest Visa Application Centre, please schedule an appointment at VFS Global by telephone (022-67866013) or online.
How many countries you can travel with UK visa? ›A UK Visa Allows for Visa-Free Travel to Over 30 Countries Across the Globe.
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa 2022? ›Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Why does Schengen visa get rejected? ›According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.
Which Schengen visa is easy from UK? ›Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer. In addition, Estonia ranks no.
What documents do I need for German Schengen visa? ›- Application form completed in English or German. ...
- Declaration of Accuracy of Information.
- Passport size photographs. ...
- Valid national passport. ...
- Personal bank statements for the last three months.
- Schengen Travel Insurance. ...
- Proof of accommodation.
Why is German visa taking so long? ›
What are the reasons behind the delay? The sudden rise in visa applications is the main reason for a longer wait period. Apart from that shortage of staff at embassies, and stricter rules for issuing visas are also leading to the delay.
How long does it take for a Schengen visa to be approved? ›Processing times:
The processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days according to the Schengen Visa Code. Please arrange your appointment to submit your application as early as possible. You may apply up to six months before the start of the intended visit.
You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: you're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. you're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.
Can I live in Germany if I marry a German? ›If you are married or will get married to a German citizen, or if you are a parent of a German child and wish to seek gainful permanent residency in Germany (or staying in Germany longer than 3 months), you are required to obtain a residence permit in the form of a visa.
What documents do I need to travel to Germany? ›Required Documents to Show at the Port of Entry in Germany
EU nationals: Valid passport or national ID card. Non-EU nationals who are visa-exempt: Valid passport or travel document. Non-EU nationals with visa requirements: Valid passport with a Schengen or German national visa.