Germany Tourist Visa – A Complete Guide for UK Residents

For UK residents planning a trip to experience Germany's culture, cities, and scenery, here's what you need to know about applying for a tourist visa.

• In 2024, Germany issued over 1.29 million tourist visas, with an approval rate above 85%.
• If you have a UK passport, you don't need a visa for visits up to 90 days.
• UK residents who are not British citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Germany.
• Visa fees are around £76.50, and processing takes about 15 working days.
• Germany is a top EU destination for UK travellers.

*Want guidance to apply for Germany Tourist Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

What is the Germany Tourist Visa?

The German Tourist Visa, a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), lets non-EU citizens, and some UK residents, enter Germany for tourism. This includes activities like sightseeing, holidays, or seeing friends and family. It allows stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and travel to other Schengen countries while the visa is valid. UK citizens don't need a visa for short visits, but non-British people living in the UK (with a visa or permit) usually must apply before going to Germany.

Why Visit Germany on a Tourist Visa?

Germany, a top destination for UK travelers, combines history, culture, and modern appeal. A tourist visa lets you see castles, villages, and cities such as Berlin and Munich. The visa allows travel in the Schengen Zone, giving access to many European countries. Germany offers museums, markets, drives, food, and a user-friendly travel system for a rich holiday.

Types of Germany Tourist Visas

The different kinds of German tourist visas are given below.

• Single-Entry Visa: Good for one visit to Germany and the Schengen Area.
• Double-Entry Visa: Permits two visits while the visa is valid.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Best for people who travel often; in some situations, it can be good for up to 5 years.

With all of these visas, you can stay for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Germany from the UK?

Citizens of the UK with British passports can visit Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. Non-British citizens who live in the UK must get a Schengen visa before going to Germany. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa.

Short Stays (≤ 90 Days Schengen)

• UK citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a rolling 180‑day period.
• However, working is prohibited under this visa‑free tourist/business status.
• Always carry proof of onward travel, accommodation, and financial means.

Long-Stay Visa (D‑Visa) & Residence Permit

• For stays beyond 90 days (e.g. work, study, family reunification, self-employment), UK citizens must apply for a Long‑Stay (D‑Visa) at the German Embassy in the UK.
• After arrival, apply in Germany (usually within 90 days) at the local Ausländerbehörde for a residence permit based on your purpose of stay.

Airport Transit Rules

• No airport transit visa is required for UK passport holders transiting German airports en route to official destinations.

 

Germany Tourist Visa Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a German tourist visa from the UK, you need to meet these conditions:

• Legally live in the UK with a valid BRP or residence permit.
• Have a passport that's valid for at least three months after you plan to return.
• Have definite travel plans and proof that you have ties to the UK.
• Prove you have enough money to cover your stay.
• Have travel insurance that meets Schengen requirements, with €30,000 in coverage.
• Not have any immigration violations or travel bans.

 

Documents Required for a Germany Tourist Visa

To apply for a Germany Tourist Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

Document	Details
UK Biometric Passport	Valid for entire stay in Germany
Proof of Purpose	Travel itinerary, employment letter, university enrollment, family documents
Travel Health Insurance	Coverage up to €30,000 for short stays (D‑visa for long durations)
Accommodation Proof	Hotel bookings or rental contracts
Financial Means	Bank statements or sponsorship demonstrating sufficient funds

Additional Documents for D‑Visa (Long Stays)

• Work: Signed English/German work contract, company credentials
• Study: University admission letter, proof of tuition, funds
• Freelance / Self-Employment: Business plan, invoices, evidence of client base
• Family Reunification: Marriage/birth certificates, proof of living arrangements

 

Step-by-Step Application Process for Germany Tourist Visa

For Short-Stay (Schengen C-Visa)

Step 1: Confirm if you need a visa (UK passport holders typically do not for visits under 90 days).
Step 2: If required, complete the Schengen visa application form online.
Step 3: Book an appointment with TLScontact (Germany’s official visa partner in the UK).
Step 4: Attend your biometric appointment and submit supporting documents.
Step 5: Wait for the visa decision (processing time is usually within 15 calendar days).
Step 6: Receive your visa and travel to Germany. Ensure your passport is stamped at the border.

For Long-Stay (National D-Visa) – Over 90 Days

Step 1: Determine your visa type (e.g. work, study, family reunion, freelance).
Step 2: Gather all required documents, including proof of purpose, insurance, and financial means.
Step 3: Apply online and book an appointment with th German Embassy in London.
Step 4: Attend your appointment, submit biometrics, and complete the interview.
Step 5: Wait for a decision (typically processed within 4 to 12 weeks).
Step 6: Upon visa approval, travel to Germany and register your address within 14 days of arrival.
Step 7: Apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office) within 90 days.

Germany Tourist Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for Germany Tourist Visa are given below.

Applicant Category	Visa Fee
Adults (12 years and above)	£76.50 (€90)
Children aged 6–12	£38.30 (€45)
Children under 6	Free
VFS/TLS Service Fee	£20–£25
Optional Services (SMS, courier)	Varies

 

Germany Tourist Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Germany Tourist Visa is given below.

Stage	Estimated Timeframe
Appointment Availability	1 to 4 weeks
Standard Visa Processing	10 to 15 working days
Extended Processing (if required)	Up to 30–45 days
Recommended Application Window	At least 4 to 6 weeks in advance

 

Germany Tourist Visa Validity & Stay Duration

Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay offered by a German Tourist Visa is given below.

Category	Details
Maximum Stay Duration	Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Visa Validity Period	Varies by visa type and consulate decision; may be longer than stay period
Entry Types Available	Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry
Schengen Area Access	Yes — travel permitted across all 27 Schengen countries
Stay Limit Rule	Rolling 180-day window — monitor travel days carefully
Overstay Consequences	Possible fines, visa bans, or future application rejections

 

Can You Extend a Germany Tourist Visa?

Yes, a German Tourist Visa can be extended under special circumstances. Tourist visa extensions are only given for serious reasons:

• Medical emergencies
• Unavoidable events (for example, flight cancellations caused by natural disasters)
• Entering the Schengen Area late

You must ask local officials for the extension before your visa runs out. Wanting to travel more or stay longer is not a good reason to extend your visa.

 

Travel Insurance for Germany Visa – What You Need

Your travel insurance should meet these requirements:

• It must provide at least €30,000 in coverage for emergency medical costs.
• It must be valid in all Schengen countries, not only in Germany.
• The coverage period must match your planned travel dates.
• It must cover hospital stays, repatriation, and accidents.
• If you do not have valid travel insurance, your visa application will be denied.

 

Common Reasons for Germany Visa Rejection

• Visa applications are often denied because of issues like:
• An application that's not filled out fully or has errors.
• Supporting documents that are either not valid or don't have enough information.
• A low bank balance or not enough proof of income.
• A travel plan that is not clear or a vague reason for traveling.
• Not being able to prove strong ties to the UK or that you plan to return home.
• Past problems with immigration or Schengen visa rules.

If your application is denied, you can apply again, but be sure to fix any problems with your documents first.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis can guide UK residents through each step of applying for a German Tourist Visa. We offer:

• A free assessment to check if you qualify, based on your nationality and UK residency status.
• A checklist of needed documents that is specific to your situation.
• Assistance scheduling appointments at German visa centres.
• Help creating cover letters, finding travel insurance, and planning your trip.
• Continuous help until you get your visa and are ready to travel.