If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union, you do not need a visa to visit Germany. If you are the citizen of a country that is no longer subject to visa requirements in the European Union, you will not need a visa for semi-annual visits that do not exceed three months.
There are several types of visas available for people traveling to Germany.
A national visa allows a person to stay in the country for more than three months. A hybrid visa allows a person to stay in Germany for more than three months and to travel to another Schengen country within the first three months of her stay. A Schengen visa grants a person 90 days to travel in Germany and all other Schengen countries.
As of March 31, 2010, the price for all of these visas is €60.
Visas are issued by embassies and consulates-general. If you need to apply for a visa, you should do so with the German authorities that serve the area where you live. This means that if you plan to travel to another country before you go to Germany, you should obtain your German visa before you leave home.
If you plan to apply for a German visa, you should get an application from the German embassy or consulate-general serving your area. The application should be in the local language.
Afterward, gather all the necessary documents and submit them along with your application. You will need to present everything in person.
Under normal circumstances, a short-term visa application is processed in two to 10 days. During peak travel seasons, application processing may take longer, and there may be a waiting period before applications are accepted.
If you need a long-term visa or a visa with employment rights, your application could take several months.
Applicants are therefore advised to apply while there is still ample time remaining before the intended date of departure. Applicants should also note that the Federal Foreign Office does not have information or influence in individual visa cases and, therefore, should not be contacted with concerns or questions regarding the status of applications.
The Federal Republic of Germany may refuse a visa to a person who may pose a risk to the interests of the country.
If you do not want to have your visa application denied, you will need to show that you will not be a public burden and, therefore, have sufficient funds to finance your visit and departure. If you cannot prove that you have sufficient finances, a host can pledge that he will cover all costs, including any medical treatment should it be necessary.
