When you decide to visit Germany first thing you need to look into is if you have a valid passport and whether you need a visa to enter Germany. Citizens of some country do not need a visa if the stay is less than 90 days, but the passport should be valid till the person is in Germany. Citizens of some countries need visa to enter Germany.
If you are going to be in Germany in transit, you have a valid onward ticket and a plane is leaving in few hours then you do not need a visa. You can not leave the international airport or you can not stay at the airport overnight. If you want to stay overnight you will need a visa or valid documents. Your citizenship and passport decides if you need a visa.
The government of Germany has published a list of countries whose citizens do not need visa to enter in Germany. If your country is not listed then you need to have a valid visa no matter if you are going to Germany as a tourist or if you are going there as a student. Even if you are going to Germany on a business trip or want to go there and work you need entry permit for your visit.German consulate in your country will help you with your visa formalities.
To get a visa you will need,
- To submit an application form fully filled.
- Two passport size photographs,
- Valid passport and one copy,
- Your current bank statement and one Xerox copy of the same,
- Proof of your health insurance and its validity overseas, a letter or invitation letter from German company or organization which states that the company will bear all the expenses,
- Proof of airline reservation and one copy and hotel reservation proof,
- Visa fees
The time needed to get your visa depends on your country of origin. Generally you have to submit your visa application in person. It takes from 2 working days to 10 working days to get your visa so make sure you apply on time. If you are applying for residence permit then it takes more time.
If you have any doubts then the German government has opened offices in many countries. The German consulate will help you. The visa application form is available online. You can download it. It is free of cost.
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