Germany Tourist Visa

About Germany Tourist Visa

Germany has been a Schengen member country since 1985. With a valid Schengen visa, you can visit Germany and all other member countries as a tourist. Before we understand Germany's tourist visa application process in detail, here are some key facts about the country.

Documents Required for a Germany Tourist Visa for Indians

To be eligible for a Schengen visa, you must prove that you have only visited Germany and other Schengen countries as a tourist and intend to return to India later. You must also confirm that you have the financial ability to pay for your stay and travel expenses. Here is a detailed list of documents to be submitted for a short-stay Schengen visa application.

Schengen Visa Application Form

• Completely filled out and signed form
• Use the VIDEX website to complete it online, and ensure to print and submit all pages, including the barcodes.
• Declaration of True and Complete Information-A signed statement affirming that all provided information is accurate and complete.

Valid Passport

• Issued within the last 10 years with at least 3 months' validity after the scheduled return and at least two blank pages for the visa.
• Passports with observations on the front data page are not accepted.
• Passport Biometric & Address Page Copy
• A copy of the biometric and address page of the passport.

Biometric Passport Photo
One biometric passport photo as per Germany's tourist visa photo requirements.

• Size: 35 x 45mm
• Background: White
• 70%-80% face coverage
• Not older than six months.
• Personal Covering Letter / Proof of Transport and Itinerary
• A personal covering letter or proof of intended transport and itinerary.
• Travel Agency Certificate or Travel Plans
• Certificate from the travel agency confirming an organised trip or
• Any other appropriate document indicating detailed travel plans.

Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservations, rental of holiday home, campus residence reservation, or
• Proof of sponsorship/private accommodation from the host, including their signature, proof of address, and a copy of their passport or German ID card. Proof of accommodation in each member state if travelling to several.

Sponsor Documentation
Proof of Financial Means Various documents depending on the sponsor (Indian resident, German/EU resident, company in India, or company in Germany), including:

• Sponsor letters
• Passport copies
• Bank statements
• Marriage/birth certificates, and
• Formal obligation letters, if applicable.
• According to the Schengen requirements, you must have funds equivalent to EUR 45 (approx. 4137) per day of your stay in Germany.

Traveler Documentation
Proof of Economic Status: Different documents based on employment status (employed, company owner/self-employed, retired, student, unemployed) including:

• Pay slips
• Employment contracts,
• Pension statements
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• School/university certificates, confirming your enrollment there.

Proof of Civil Status

Relevant civil status documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, custody decree, children's birth certificates, or death certificate of a spouse, if applicable.

Flight Reservation

Confirmation of flight booking.

Travel Medical Insurance
The policy should cover the entire trip that is valid for all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. Only accepted from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies.

• Additional Documents for Minors
• Application form and declarations signed by both parents.
• Birth certificate
• Parents' passport copies, visa copy of non-present parent, if applicable.
• Proof of single custody, if applicable
• Written consent certified by a notary if the minor travels alone.

Here is the list of additional documents you need to submit for an Airport Transit Visa.

Types of Germany Tourist Visa

To get your visa smoothly, select the correct German tourist visa type. It would help if you decided on the proper type based on the duration and purpose of your trip. Here is a summary of various Germany tourist visa types for Indians.

Germany Tourist Visa Requirements

Here's a summary of various Germany tourist visa requirements that you should be familiar with. Compliance with these requirements will improve the chances of getting your visa approved.

1. Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned return date, and containing at least two blank pages for the visa.
2. Proof of accommodation includes hotel bookings, rental agreements for holiday homes, campus residence reservations, or sponsorship documentation.
3. Confirmation of flight booking to and from Germany.
4. Valid travel insurance for all Schengen countries, covering the entire trip duration, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, accepted only from approved Indian travel insurance companies.
5. Photos as per Germany's tourist visa photo requirements.

How to Apply for a Germany Tourist Visa

You can apply for a Germany tourist visa via VFS Global, the official visa application centre. The process involves filling out a form, submitting documents and biometric information, etc. This step-wise guide will help you understand how to apply for a Germany tourist visa.

1. Prepare the Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documentation for your visa application using the provided checklists. It includes your passport, photos as per Germany's tourist visa photo requirements, flight tickets, insurance documents, etc.
2. Complete the Germany Tourist Visa Application Form: Fill out the online application form via VIDEX, print it, sign it, and submit it along with the other required documents.
   • Ensure you submit a high-quality printout of the barcode from the application, as this will reduce your time at the VFS visa application centre.
   • If you cannot fill out the online form, you may print the form and fill it out by hand.
   • If your fingerprints were collected for a Schengen visa application in the past 59 months, you can authorize someone else to submit your application by completing an authorization letter and attaching a copy of the authorised person's ID.
   • Print out and sign the required declarations like a declaration on true and complete information, a declaration on health insurance (for multiple entry visas only), and additional contact and legal representation information.
3. Schedule and Attend Your Appointment: Use the VFS Global website to book an appointment to submit your visa application. When booking the appointment, pay the VFS service charge.
4. Attend Your Appointment: Visit the selected visa application Centre to provide your biometric information and documents.
5. Pay Fees and Submit Application: Pay your visa fees at the end of the appointment. Submit your visa application at any VFS Centre across India; the application will be forwarded to the German Consulate General Mumbai for processing.

Germany Tourist Visa Fee for Indians

You can pay your Germany tourist visa fees via a demand draft. Only the visa application centres located in Delhi and Bengaluru accept fees by cash as well. These fees are non-refundable and are determined based on your visa type and age. Here's a summary of Germany tourist visa fees for Schengen tourist visa and transit visa.