Germany
Germany visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Germany; they must obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation and can stay up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, provided their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure.
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GuideGermany
Key facts
- Visa required for short stays
- No
- Maximum stay without visa
- 90 days in any 180‑day period
- Electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS)check
- Required for US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE citizens (check)
- Passport validitycheck
- At least 3 months beyond planned departure (check)
Quick answer
No visa is needed for tourism, business or family visits for the listed passport holders. Apply for ETIAS online before travel; the process takes minutes and costs €7 (≈$8).
Visa details
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland can enter visa‑free for up to 90 days within any rolling 180‑day window. This covers tourism, short business trips, conferences and visiting relatives.
If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country before travel.
- Allowed activities: tourism, business meetings, short courses, cultural events.
- Not allowed: paid employment, long‑term study, residence.
ETIAS electronic travel authorisation
From 2025, the EU requires an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for visa‑free travellers from the listed countries. The application is completed online, requires a passport scan, travel details and a small fee.
Approval is usually instant; in rare cases it can take up to 72 hours. The authorisation is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
| Country | ETIAS required | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | 7 |
| United Kingdom | Yes | 7 |
| Canada | Yes | 7 |
| Australia | Yes | 7 |
| New Zealand | Yes | 7 |
| Ireland | Yes | 7 |
Passport validity rules
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area. Blank pages are required for entry/exit stamps; two consecutive pages are recommended.
- Check your passport’s expiry date before booking flights.
- If your passport expires within three months, renew it before travel.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Germany?
No. They can enter visa‑free for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period, but must obtain an ETIAS authorisation.
How long can I stay in Germany without a visa?
Up to 90 days within a rolling 180‑day window for tourism, business or family visits.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Germany?
Yes. All listed passport holders must apply for ETIAS online before travel; the fee is €7 and the authorisation lasts three years.
Can I work in Germany on a visa‑free stay?
No. Paid employment requires a work visa or residence permit obtained before arrival.
What passport validity is required for entry?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date and have enough blank pages for stamps.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialU.S. Department of State – Germany Travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Germany
- officialGovernment of Canada – Travel Advice and Advisories – Germany
- officialSmartraveller – Australia – Germany
- officialSafeTravel – New Zealand – Germany
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – Ireland – Germany
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialU.S. Department of State – Germany Travel
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Germany
- officialGovernment of Canada – Travel Advice and Advisories – Germany
- officialSmartraveller – Australia – Germany
- officialSafeTravel – New Zealand – Germany
- officialDepartment of Foreign Affairs – Ireland – Germany
Ask about Germany
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