ETIAS for Germany

Citizens of eligible countries will be able to obtain a Germany ETIAS visa waiver in order to visit the country. Travellers will be able to obtain the ETIAS Electronic travel authorisation for Germany by completing an online form using their valid passport, a current email address, and a credit or debit card.

Germany has played a crucial role in Europe for decades. It is a Schengen member country, as well as a founding member of the European Union. A step to make travel more secure is the implementation of the Europe travel authorisation which should become available from 2026 .

The Federal Republic of Germany was also a founding member of the European Economic Community in 1957 and became a cofounder of the Eurozone in 1999. Germany has been an influential country and has been home of many incredible thinkers, artists, musicians and more. The ETIAS visa waiver for Germany will be an obligatory requirement to visit this country.

The Federal Republic of Germany is a country with great historic and economic significance. Set in central-western Europe, Germany has 82 million inhabitants making it the most populated member state.

The history of Germany dates back to several Germanic tribes located in the northern region which slowly made their way down to the southern areas. By the 10th century, several German territories were part of the Holy Roman Empire. After its collapse, the German Federation was formed in 1815.

Following the end of World War I and the revolution of 1918-19, the German Empire was replaced by the parliamentary Weimar Republic. However, when the Nazis rose to power in 1933 a dictatorship was established followed by World War II. The end of the second world war marked a period of Allied occupation and Germany was split into West and East Germany.

Communist rule was ended in 1989 and the country was unified on October 3rd 1990. Today, Germany is a powerful nation with one of the strongest economies in Europe. It is leader in several technological fields and is the world’s third-largest exporter and importer of goods. It is a member of the United Nations, NATO, and the OECD.

Germany’s appeal is far-reaching, millions of people travel to the country each year for tourism and business attracted by its modern cities, efficient transport, and ease of communication.

Europe’s visa liberalisation policy has been an added bonus for many travellers from outside Europe, these individuals will soon benefit from the added safety and security of ETIAS for Germany.

Frankfurt is one of the most important financial hubs in Europe. Indeed, the headquarters of the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt, placing the city in a strategic position.

Whilst the powerhouse is a key destination for business travellers from across the globe, it also has much to offer tourists including world-class museums and galleries plus architectural styles ranging from the traditional to the ultra-modern.

English is widely spoken in Germany. In 2019 the English Proficiency Index (EPI) placed Germany in 10th position out of 100 countries, rating their English Language skills as very high. Convenient for both tourists and business travellers, this common language contributes to a stress-free experience.

Another reason many travellers choose Germany is the efficiency of the transport networks. Over 8,000 miles of Autobahn, the German highway, crisscross the country facilitating car journeys.

An extensive rail network is also excellent and provides convenient access to almost everywhere in the country.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY?

Whether health insurance is mandatory to enter Germany or not depends largely on an individual’s nationality and the type of travel authorisation they are required to obtain.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS GERMANY

Travellers from countries with a visa waiver agreement with the EU need to register online with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

ETIAS does not require foreigners to take out medical insurance for Germany, although doing so is advisable.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA

Non-EU nationals who need a Schengen Visa to enter Germany must meet all the visa criteria.

One essential condition for travellers from Schengen visa required countries to be granted access to Germany is their ability to provide evidence of health insurance, alongside their visa. The minimum coverage is €30,000 valid for the entire Schengen Area.

Foreigners who are unable to provide documentary proof of the above will have their Schengen Visa application rejected and therefore will be unable to travel to Germany.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT GERMAN BORDER CHECKPOINTS

Thanks to borderless travel in the Schengen Area, EU nationals arriving in Germany are only required to carry their ID when crossing the border into Germany.

Currently, non-EU nationals from Schengen Area visa-waiver countries just need a passport to gain entry. Once ETIAS is launched, however, they will also need to show the approved travel authorisation.

Non-EU nationals not eligible for visa-free travel will be asked to present:

Border authorities may also ask questions relating to the purpose of the visit and the length of the intended stay.

Should a third-country national arrive in Germany with over €10,000 in cash, this must be declared at customs.

ARRIVING IN GERMANY BY PLANE, TRAIN AND ROAD

Many foreigners fly into one of Germany’s international airports, the largest of which are found in Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, and Berlin.

There are good public transport networks connecting all major airports to the city center.

Train travel is a convenient option when arriving from one of the bordering countries. Some of the most popular international routes are:

It’s also possible to drive into Germany from neighbouring countries. Motorists must be 18 years of age to drive with a foreign license.

Although there are no border checks in place if arriving from another Schengen Area country, visitors should have their visa or ETIAS visa-waiver and passport with them at all times.

Germany is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. With history, culture, and tradition in abundance in addition to beautiful countryside, Germany has much to offer sightseers from across the globe.

The enigmatic capital is a gateway into German history, from the wall that divided the country to Checkpoint Charlie. Berlin is the home of techno, fashionistas, artists, and innovation.

Beyond Berlin, there are river cruises on the Rhine and Maine that will allow travellers to admire the German countryside at its best. Bavaria can be explored by car. This region is home to medieval castles and beautiful landscapes.

Some people are drawn to Germany for its many music, film and beer festivals. Oktoberfest is a celebration like no other with some of the best beer in the world. The main event is in Munich, where giant drinking tents are set up around the city.

With its waterways and canals, Hamburg is often referred to as the ’Venice of the North’. The second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg is also one of the most picturesque. Cologne and Dresden are also well worth a visit.