germany passport travel without visa

German Passport

The German passport is a travel document held by German citizens. It is a highly respected passport globally. Germany's population is approximately 84 million people.

German passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 155 countries. They can also obtain an e-visa for 48 countries and visas on arrival in 12 countries. However, they are required to apply for a visa beforehand in 30 countries.

This makes the German passport a powerful travel document. It offers its holders the freedom to travel to many destinations, making it an attractive asset for frequent travelers.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for German passport holders are Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark and Austria .

Visa free countries

So, where can Germans travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where Germany citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇦🇱 Albania (90 days)
• 🇦🇩 Andorra (90 days)
• 🇦🇹 Austria (Unlimited stay)
• 🇧🇾 Belarus (30 days)
• 🇧🇪 Belgium (Unlimited stay)
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
• 🇧🇬 Bulgaria (Unlimited stay)
• 🇭🇷 Croatia (Unlimited stay)
• 🇨🇾 Cyprus (Unlimited stay)
• 🇨🇿 Czech Republic (Unlimited stay)
• 🇩🇰 Denmark (Unlimited stay)
• 🇪🇪 Estonia (Unlimited stay)
• 🇫🇮 Finland (Unlimited stay)
• 🇫🇷 France (Unlimited stay)
• 🇬🇷 Greece (Unlimited stay)
• 🇭🇺 Hungary (Unlimited stay)
• 🇮🇸 Iceland (Unlimited stay)
• 🇬🇧 Ireland (Unlimited stay)
• 🇮🇹 Italy (Unlimited stay)
• 🇱🇻 Latvia (Unlimited stay)
• 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (Unlimited stay)
• 🇱🇹 Lithuania (Unlimited stay)
• 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (Unlimited stay)
• 🇲🇹 Malta (Unlimited stay)
• 🇲🇩 Moldova (90 days)
• 🇲🇨 Monaco (3 months)
• 🇲🇪 Montenegro (90 days)
• 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (90 days)
• 🇳🇴 Norway (Unlimited stay)
• 🇵🇱 Poland (Unlimited stay)
• 🇵🇹 Portugal (Unlimited stay)
• 🇷🇴 Romania (Unlimited stay)
• 🇸🇲 San Marino (3 months)
• 🇷🇸 Serbia (90 days)
• 🇸🇰 Slovakia (Unlimited stay)
• 🇸🇮 Slovenia (Unlimited stay)
• 🇪🇸 Spain (Unlimited stay)
• 🇸🇪 Sweden (Unlimited stay)
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland (Unlimited stay)
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (90 days)
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (6 months)
• 🇻🇦 Vatican City (1 day)
• 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands (N/A)
• 🇬🇮 Gibraltar (6 months from January 2021.)
• 🇬🇬 Guernsey (6 months from January 2021.)
• 🇮🇲 Isle of Man (6 months from January 2021.)
• 🇯🇪 Jersey (6 months from January 2021.)
• 🇽🇰 Kosovo (90 days)
• 🇦🇴 Angola (30 days)
• 🇧🇼 Botswana (90 days)
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini (30 days)
• 🇬🇲 Gambia (90 days)
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho (14 days)
• 🇲🇼 Malawi (30 days)
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius (90 days)
• 🇲🇦 Morocco (90 days)
• 🇲🇿 Mozambique (30 days)
• 🇳🇦 Namibia (90 days)
• 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
• 🇸🇳 Senegal (90 days)
• 🇸🇨 Seychelles (90 days)
• 🇿🇦 South Africa (90 days)
• 🇹🇳 Tunisia (120 days)
• 🇿🇲 Zambia (90 days)
• 🇾🇹 Mayotte (Unlimited stay)
• 🇷🇪 Réunion (Unlimited stay)
• 🇪🇭 Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (90 days)
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (180 days)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina (90 days)
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas (90 days)
• 🇧🇧 Barbados (90 days)
• 🇧🇿 Belize (30 days)
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia (90 days)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days)
• 🇨🇦 Canada (180 days)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
• 🇨🇴 Colombia (90 days)
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (180 days)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (180 days)
• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (30 days)
• 🇪🇨 Ecuador (90 days)
• 🇸🇻 El Salvador (90 days)
• 🇬🇩 Grenada (90 days)
• 🇬🇹 Guatemala (90 days)
• 🇬🇾 Guyana (90 days)
• 🇭🇹 Haiti (90 days)
• 🇭🇳 Honduras (90 days)
• 🇯🇲 Jamaica (90 days)
• 🇲🇽 Mexico (180 days)
• Netherlands (Unlimited stay)
• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (90 days)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay (90 days)
• 🇵🇪 Peru (90 days)
• 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (90 days)
• 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (90 days)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90 days)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
• 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
• 🇺🇸 United States (90 days)
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay (90 days)
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela (90 days)
• 🇦🇮 Anguilla (3 months)
• 🇦🇼 Aruba (30 days, extendable to 180 days)
• 🇧🇲 Bermuda (Up to 6 months, decided on arrival.)
• 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (30 days, extensions possible)
• 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (6 months)
• 🇬🇱 Greenland (N/A)
• 🇬🇵 Guadeloupe (Unlimited stay)
• 🇲🇶 Martinique (Unlimited stay)
• 🇲🇸 Montserrat (6 months)
• 🇧🇱 Saint Barthélemy (N/A)
• 🇲🇫 Saint Martin (Unlimited stay)
• 🇵🇲 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (N/A)
• 🇸🇽 Sint Maarten (3 months)
• 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
• 🇬🇫 French Guiana (Unlimited stay)
• 🇫🇰 Falkland Islands (1 month)
• 🇦🇲 Armenia (180 days)
• 🇧🇳 Brunei (90 days)
• 🇹🇼 China (15 days)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia (360 days)
• 🇯🇵 Japan (90 days)
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (30 days)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (90 days)
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia (30 days)
• 🇴🇲 Oman (14 days / 30 days)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (90 days)
• 🇹🇯 Tajikistan (30 days)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (60 days)
• 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste (90 days)
• 🇹🇷 Turkey (90 days)
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (90 days)
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan (30 days)
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam (45 days)
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (90 days)
• 🇲🇴 Macao (90 days)
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan (90 days)
• 🇫🇯 Fiji (120 days)
• 🇰🇮 Kiribati (90 days)
• 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands (90 days)
• 🇫🇲 Micronesia (90 days)
• 🇵🇼 Palau (90 days)
• 🇼🇸 Samoa (90 days)
• 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands (90 days)
• 🇹🇴 Tonga (90 days)
• 🇹🇻 Tuvalu (90 days)
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (90 days)
• 🇨🇰 Cook Islands (31 days)
• 🇳🇨 New Caledonia (N/A)
• 🇳🇺 Niue (30 days)
• 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days)
• 🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna (N/A)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 9/1/2024.

• Luxembourg visa free countries
• Netherlands visa free countries
• Liechtenstein visa free countries

• German PASSPORT VISA-FREE COUNTRIES

German passport visa-free countries

Visa free countries (148 countries), countries that offers e/visa or visa on arrival for german citizens (45 countries), fast facts:.

• Total population of countries that Germany passports can go without a visa: 2,457,856,844 people (est 2024).
• Total area of countries/territories offering visa-free for German citizens: 58,898,348 km².
• Visa free countries by region: Europe (46 countries), Africa (17 countries), Central America and Caribbean (30 countries), South America (12 countries), Asia (16 countries), North America (5 countries), Oceania (18 countries), Middle East (4 countries).
• Visa free by days: 90 days (Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Timor-Leste, Ecuador, Faroe Islands, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kosovo, American Samoa, Greenland, Curacao, Sint Maarten), 30 days (Angola, Belarus, Cape Verde, Gambia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Philippines, Eswatini, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands), 6 months (Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), 180 days (Armenia, Costa Rica, Mexico), Freedom of movement (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom), 8 months (Bahamas), 3 months (Barbados, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Israel, Namibia, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tunisia, Turkey), 1 month (Belize), 21 days (Bermuda), 31 days (Cook Islands), 4 months (Fiji), Unlimited stay (French Guiana, French Polynesia, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Wallis and Futuna), 1 year (Georgia), 60 days (Kyrgyzstan), 14 days (Lesotho), "Freedom of movement " (Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia), 15 days (São Tomé and Príncipe, Vietnam), 183 days (Saint Helena)

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German Passport Visa Free Countries 2024

Germany passport freedom of travel.

Germany’s passport gives people amazing freedom to travel. If you have this passport, you can easily go to lots of countries without needing special permission. Whether you are going on vacation, doing business, or just wanting to learn about different cultures, having this passport makes it easy. It opens doors to new experiences and helps Germans connect with people from all over the world.

How many countries are visa-free for German citizens?

People with a German passport can go to more than 190 countries without needing a visa. This means they can travel easily and see many different places around the world. Not needing a visa makes traveling simpler and opens doors to new experiences. Whether it is exploring old cities in Europe, doing business in busy markets in Asia, or seeing amazing natural sights in far-off places, having a German passport makes it all possible. It is like having a ticket to explore the world without any hassles.

German Passport Visa-Free Countries List-

Countries that require electronic travel authorization (eta) for the citizens of germany, visa-on-arrival countries for german passport holders, e-visa countries for germany passport holders.

We offer you citizenship by investment programs, company formation services, and an array of options that allow you to secure citizenship and obtain additional passports without residency obligations.

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Documents Required for Visa-free Travel

If you have a German passport and want to travel without needing a visa, make sure you have the right documents for a hassle-free trip. Check that your passport is valid for long enough after your visit. Bring proof you have enough money for your trip and a ticket to leave when you’re supposed to. It is a good idea to plan out your trip and where you will stay. And getting travel insurance for emergencies can give you peace of mind.

Entry requirements to enter German passport visa-free countries

Before you head off on your visa-free trips, it is vital to know what each place you are going to expect from you. Some countries have strict rules about how long you can stay, so it is important to stick to those to avoid problems when you arrive. It is also a good idea to have proof you have enough money to cover yourself during your visit and that you have got a place to stay sorted out.

Keep in mind that some countries might ask for vaccinations or health insurance, so it is smart to be ready for those requirements too. By knowing and following these rules before you go, you can make sure your trip goes smoothly and you can enjoy it without any unnecessary stress or issue.

Benefits of having a German Passport

• Visa-Free Travel
• Strong Passport Ranking
• Access to EU Countries
• High Quality of Life
• Global Opportunities
• Consular Protection

Grounds for obtaining a German Passport

Experience the ease of our “ Compare Passport ” feature, simplifying your decision-making. Leverage this tool to effortlessly compare passports and identify destinations requiring eVisas, visas on arrival, or offering visa-free access.

About Germany

Germany, situated in central Europe, boasts a population of approximately 83 million people and stands as one of the European Union’s most populous nations. With Berlin as its vibrant capital, Germany operates under a federal parliamentary republic system, led by a Chancellor and a President. Renowned for its robust economy, Germany thrives in industries such as automotive manufacturing, engineering, and technology. Its rich cultural heritage shines through contributions to music, literature, philosophy, and science, making Germany a prominent figure on the global stage.

Do German citizens need a visa for Australia?

All travelers, excluding those from New Zealand, must secure a visa or electronic travel authorization before visiting Australia.

Can I live in Canada with a German passport?

Certainly, German citizens can relocate to Canada from Germany using various immigration pathways, such as work permits, permanent residency, and study permits. To initiate this process, individuals must evaluate their eligibility, compile essential documents, comprehend the application procedure, and submit a successful application.

Can I go to Germany with a UK Biometric Residence Permit?

If you possess a UK BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or IRL (Indefinite Leave to Remain), whether you need a Schengen visa for Germany hinges on whether your country of citizenship has a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area.

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What Are the German Passport Visa-Free Countries?

If you’re a German citizen then there’s very good news for you: the internationally recognised Henley Passport Index, which measures the strength of every nation’s passport, ranks your passport as number 3 in the world in terms of the access to travel it provides! The German passport is higher on this ranking than any other European Union Member State.

This means you have a virtually unbeaten chance to get into destinations visa-free. A full list of these countries is given below, along with useful information on how long you are permitted to stay in different places.

But even with this level of travel freedom, there are of course still a lot of places that need visa paperwork to visit too. Some of these countries will accept eVisas (Electronic Visas) or Visas on Arrival (VoAs) at their ports of entry, which we explain on this page.

We’ve researched all of the different travel rules and regulations for Germans, to make organising your next trips as straightforward as possible. Read on to learn about the visa-free countries for Germany and more!

• 1 What Are the German Passport Visa-Free Countries?
• 2 What About German Citizens Visiting Countries That Aren’t Visa-Free?
• 3 What Are the eVisa-Eligible Countries for German Citizens?
• 4 What Countries Are German Citizens Eligible to Visit With a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
• 5 What About the Countries Not Listed?
• 6 Enjoy the World!

In total there are 121 completely visa-free countries for Germany where you don’t have to apply for a formal entry document. The easiest to access are of course members of the European Union and associated European states, where there is complete Freedom of Movement. This means that you can go to the following 30 countries for as long as you want:

In addition, here’s a list of the other 91 visa-free countries for Germany, as well as how long you can actually stay:

What About German Citizens Visiting Countries That Aren’t Visa-Free?

In the other 75 or so countries of the world, you still need to complete and apply for a visa to get in. Some of these still only issue visas face-to-face through embassies or consulates.

However, there is an ever-growing list of countries that allow Germans to enter via a much simpler process – either an e-Visa (Electronic Visa) or a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the border when you arrive.

What Are the eVisa-Eligible Countries for German Citizens?

A digital e-Visa (Electronic Visa) is an easy option, as you apply for and obtain it entirely online. You’ll of course have to pay a fee and have the right information and documents to qualify. Navigating this can sometimes be challenging so at Byevisa we can help you, and even submit your application on your behalf to save you time and effort.

Germans are able to visit the following 35 destinations with an eVisa. Again, we show you how long you can stay at each destination too.

What Countries Are German Citizens Eligible to Visit With a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

You usually get a VoA when you get to passport control after your flight. You fill in the application and pay the relevant fee if there is one. Germans can enter 13 destinations with this sort of travel pass.

VoA Country Eligible to Visit for (in Months Unless Stated Otherwise)

What About the Countries Not Listed?

If the country you want to visit is one of the 30 or so that isn’t listed anywhere above, then you’ll need to attend an embassy or consulate appointment to get a visa. To help you on your way, you can find the nearest available diplomatic mission with our embassy finder tool here .

Enjoy the World!

All of this demonstrates the power of Deutschland’s passport – 123 German passport visa-free countries, accessible with no visa at all, plus around 45 more that you can enter with an eVisa or a VoA. As this page shows, getting into the vast majority of the world is not difficult when you travel on a German passport. With so much of the world to enjoy, what’s stopping you from visiting somewhere really exciting and different this year? It’s time to get yourself travelling!

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German Passport Visa-Free Countries [2024 Updated]

According to the Global Ranking, German passport holders can now travel to 194 countries around the world without a prior visa. This means that you can travel to other countries and enjoy the local cultures easily. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on which countries you can travel to without applying for a prior visa.

Where Can German Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2024, German passport holders can travel to 194 countries and territories in the world without a visa. Here is the list of visa-free countries for German passport holders:

• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Cook Islands
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

What Document Do I Need for a Visa-free Travel?

Before you visit visa-free countries and territories, you must prepare some necessary documents to ensure that you have a hassle-free trip. The following are the documents required:

• A valid German passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Proof that you have enough money for your trip
• The proof of ticket
• The proof of hotel
• Travel insurance for emergencies
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required)

The required documents may vary depending on the country you are visiting. It is recommended that you check your entry documents before traveling.

Where Can German Citizens Travel Without a Passport?

There are some countries and territories where German citizens can enter without a passport, such as EU countries, Schengen area countries, and other countries. Here you can visit the following countries with only an ID card:

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to German Passport Holders?

If German passport holders travel to countries of arrival for a visa, travelers must obtain the visa at the airport or border crossing point on arrival. Here you can check the list of visa countries on arrival for German passport holders.

• Burkina Faso
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Saint Helena

What Countries Issue eVisa to German Passport Holders?

When you travel to some countries that require you to obtain the visa online, you will receive it via email. Here you can check the list of visa countries below:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ivory Coast

What Countries Issue eTA to German Passport Holders?

If Germany wants to travel to some countries that require you to obtain the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), you can obtain it online before traveling. It is a digital travel document that is approved within hours or days. Here you can check the list of countries that issue eTA:

• Norfolk Island
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

Where Do German Citizens Need a Visa to Enter?

When German passport holders wish to visit these countries for travel or business purposes, they must apply for a visa in advance. The list of countries requiring visas is as follows:

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• North Korea
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

How Strong Is A German Passport?

In our passport index, the German passport ranks second in the world. German citizens with a valid passport can travel visa-free to 194 countries. It contains visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival countries, eVisa countries.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining German Citizenship?

When you obtain German citizenship with a German passport, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• You can travel without a visa to 194 countries
• You can live, work, and study in Germany at a low cost and a high quality.
• You can live, work, or study in EU countries or Schengen area countries without many restrictions.
• You will receive assistance from the Consular Service
• You can reach the highest health and education systems and their general level of stability.

Tips for Visa-free Travel for German Passport Holders

When German passport holders want to travel to visa-free countries, they need to check out these helpful tips to ensure a hassle-free trip to other countries.

• Prepare Entry Documents: You must check and prepare entry documents before you travel to your intended country.
• Check passport validity: You must prepare a passport that has at least 6 months of validity. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Prepare enough money: You must prepare enough money in advance to cover expenses in other countries.
• Book tickets and hotels: You must book a good hotel with good reviews, which can ensure you have a safe place when you are in a strange country.
• Respect the local culture: You should respect the local culture and learn some basic customs before traveling. Don’t get in trouble with local people.
• Download the map: Before you travel to another country, you should prepare the map on your phone to avoid the limited network on your phone.

When you travel to visa-free countries, you must leave before the limited time of stay. Otherwise, you may get fined or will be deported from the country.

📌 Can German citizens work in a country with visa-free?

No. German citizens cannot work in a visa-free country. When you just bring your passport to visa-free countries, you can only stay there for travel purposes. If you want to work in other countries, you are required to get a work permit visa in advance.

📌 Can German passport holders be refused to enter a visa-free country?

Yes. German passport holders can be refused entry to a visa-free country if their passport is not valid or the passport will expire within 6 months. If German passport holders do not meet the entry requirements, they are not allowed to enter a visa-free country.

📌 How many visa-free countries for German citizens? 

To date, there are 194 visa-free countries for German citizens, including visa-free countries, ETA countries, and visa-free countries of arrival. When you hold a German passport, you can travel to most countries in the world without a prior visa.

If German passport holders wish to travel to other countries, it is recommended that you check the necessary entry documents in advance. If you do not need a visa, you must prepare other requirements to ensure that you will have a safe trip. You also need to keep in mind that the stay in visa-free countries is limited, so you must leave before the maximum time of stay.

My passion lies in the intersection of technology and storytelling, and I'm thrilled to explore the world of AI and its impact on passport photography. I strive to make complex concepts easy to grasp for readers, sharing the wonders of AI in our everyday lives. Beyond writing, I find inspiration in art, diverse cuisines, and outdoor adventures. Contributing to AiPassportPhotos' innovative approach is an exciting journey, making passport photos and more creative pictures simpler and more efficient through the power of AI.

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What are you looking for?

I am a foreigner living in germany and am planning a trip abroad. do i need a valid passport and visa.

As a foreigner you are requested to hold a valid passport or document in lieu of a passport at any time. In general, the issuance and extension of foreign passports have to be applied for at the competent foreign missions in Germany, except for recognized asylum seekers, recognized refugees according to the Geneva Refugee Convention, stateless persons or those entitled to subsidiary protection. The mentioned groups are mostly issued a passport in lieu of a passport (Passersatzpapier) by the local Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) at the place of residence. There are three types of those documents:

- Travel document for refugees (“Blue Passport”)

- Travel document for stateless persons

- Travel document for foreigners

Holders of Blue Passports are in general allowed to travel to all the countries which have signed the Geneva Refugee Convention. Please note that for many of these countries, however, you may have to apply for a visa in advance. Information on visa provisions for non-German citizens wanting to travel to a third country can only be provided by the respective foreign mission of the country concerned. The addresses of the foreign missions in Germany are available here:

Foreign Missions in Germany

However, you are not allowed to travel to your country of origin - this would imply that you no longer need humanitarian protection; you risk losing your asylum in Germany if you travel to your home country.

Foreign nationals who are in possession of a valid German residence title (Aufenthaltstitel) may travel for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days to other Schengen-States, so do not need a visa. This applies as well to holders of a German Visa of the category “D”.

In both cases, general entry requirements of Article 6 Section 1 letters a, c and e of the Regulation ( EU ) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) are fulfilled and the person is not listed by the relevant Member State as not permitted.

In case of doubt please get in touch with the competent mission of the country in Germany.

• Who are Member States of the Schengen Agreement?
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• Schengen Border Code
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• German Passport Visa-Free Countries

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• Requirements
• Visa Free Countries

About travel with a German passport

German citizens are lucky to have one of the most-wanted passports in the world. As per the Henley passport index, Germany ranks 2nd, the highest result of all the European Union member states.

There are 163 German passport visa-free countries available. Only Japan and Singapore offer more visa-free countries to their citizens.

German passport holders have visa-free access to Schengen area countries, Canada, Thailand, and many others.

If you are a citizen of Germany and are interested in visa-free traveling, please read the information below.

German citizens can enjoy an unforgettable time with visa-free travel

Traveling to other countries with only a German passport can be a great way to explore other cultures and the local customs of people living in different countries. With less time spent on paperwork, you can find a moment to learn about your travel destination and its inhabitants.

Having complete information about the place you want to visit makes you more likely to have an unforgettable time there. So if you're looking for an easy way to travel without a stressful visa application process, consider visa-free travel. It's an excellent option for any traveler.

How to apply for a German passport 

Only German citizens may apply for a German passport.

To apply for the passport, you should make an appointment at your municipality's citizens' office (Bürgeramt). The official will take fingerprints from your right and left hand and check necessary documents (an ID card, an expired passport, naturalization certificate) and photographs.

Applying in other municipalities is also possible, but that could require additional payment. 

Please note  that children up to 12 years old don't have to apply for a passport and choose a cheaper and quicker option - a Kinderpass. The document allows children to travel to many foreign destinations. Unfortunately, some countries don't accept the Kinderpass, so it is better to ensure that entering the chosen country is possible with only the Kinderpass.

The passport fee will differ depending on factors like age, location, or whether the application process is regular or express.

What are the benefits of visa-free countries for German passport holders?

Getting to a visa-free country is much easier than to a country with a visa requirement. You do not stand in long lines at embassies or spend money on numerous visits to apply for a visa.

Moreover, you cross borders of other countries with the minimum necessary documents. It certainly improves the travel experience.

163 countries where German passport holders don't need a visa

German passport visa-free countries.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City
• Brest and Grodno
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
• Faroe Islands
• Isle of Man
• Transnistria
• Canary Islands
• Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Kish Island
• Sabah and Sarawak
• Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Margarita Island
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Sint Maarten
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pitcairn Islands
• French Polynesia
• Wallis and Futuna
• French Guiana
• Falkland Islands

German citizens can visit 41 countries with electronic visas and 35 with on-arrival visas.

Visa on arrival countries

• Papua New Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Burkina Faso
• Iraqi Kurdistan

Electronic visa countries

• New Zealand
• South Sudan
• South Korea
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Republic of Crimea
• Ascension Island
• American Samoa

How to check if your destination is a visa-free country?

To ensure your travel destination does not require a visa, you can go to an embassy or consulate of a chosen country and ask for a list of places you can travel to without a visa. You can also visit the embassy website and look for such a list.

What to do if your destination is not a visa-free country?

To enter a country with a visa requirement, you must apply for a visa before your trip. The application process can take a while, so you should consider this when buying tickets or booking a hotel.

You are lucky if your destination country accepts electronic visas or visas on arrival. Application for these types of visas is quick and straightforward.

Tips for preparing for travel to non-visa-free countries

Handling paperwork is a part of travel preparation. If the country you intend to visit requires a visa, you must reserve more time for formalities. Make sure your passport is valid and check the visa application step-by-step process. Collect necessary documents, fill in a form and cover a visa fee.

The time of approval will depend on the country and application method. Online visas can be approved within hours, and paper visas within days and weeks.

Does a traveler need to research the visa requirements of each country before a trip?

When arranging trips to other countries, you should remember that specific entry rules apply to some countires, and others don't. Thus it is necessary to learn about different visa requirements initially. It will reduce unnecessary stress and complications when arriving in the chosen country.

Albania Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

Norwegian Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

Canadian Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

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Visa-free travel for citizens of Germany

If you have a passport from Germany, you can visit these countries without getting a visa before your trip:

Entry under European treaties

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 6 months

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 183 days, visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 180 days, visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 4 months, visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 3 months.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• El Salvador
• New Zealand

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 90 days

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Nicaragua 1
• South Africa
• South Korea

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 1 month

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 30 days.

• Indonesia 2
• United Arab Emirates

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 21 days

• Philippines

Visa-free entry (or visa-on-arrival) valid for 14 days

All other destinations.

To visit other countries, or to stay for longer periods, you may require a visa. Please check with the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting.

• Entry Requirements
• Visa-Free Countries
• Visa Consultation
• Travel Insurance
• Polski ( Polish )

German Passport Visa-Free Countries

Traveling with a german passport.

German passport ranks 3rd in the global passport ranking by the Henley Passport Index, which means it is one of the best passports in the world in terms of travel mobility and provides its holders exceptional travel freedom.

As of the beginning of 2023, the visa-free countries list for German citizens includes 117 countries. Currently, Germany has the greatest access of all European Union member states.

German citizens have full freedom of movement in Schengen member countries, while in other countries providing travel visa-free access, the permitted stay varies from 1 day to 180 days, depending on the country and the purpose of travel.

To enter other countries, German nationals need a valid visa. It is possible to apply for a regular visa at the embassy, get a visa on arrival, or obtain an electronic visa by applying online.

The German passport application process

You need to be a German citizen to be able to get a German passport. The application can only be made in person and includes such steps:

• Make an appointment at the Embassy/Consulate General/Honorary Consul/German mission in your country of residence.
• Attend an appointment for identification and fingertips. Bring with you all the required documents.
• Wait for 3–6 weeks for the processing of your application.
• Pick the passport up from the office.

Countries that German passport holders can visit visa-free

German citizens can visit more than 100 countries without a visa, including the whole European Union member countries:

The benefits of visiting visa-free countries with the German passport

Many people would like to get a German passport, as it provides great travel benefits:

• visa-free access saves your time as you don’t need to spend it on applying for a visa;
• you don’t need to pay visa fees, so you can save the money for something else, for example, the trip itself;
• you don’t have to worry about visa requirements and therefore get a stress-free trip;
• you tend to travel to more destinations, including the countries you wouldn’t visit if they required a visa.

Countries offering eVisa to the German citizens

The list of visa-free countries for German passport holders is pretty long, but still, there are many other countries that do require a visa. To facilitate the application process, a number of governments implemented an online visa. The eVisa is as official as a regular visa but can be obtained in a much simpler way.

The application process takes place entirely online, all needed is to complete a short form, attach the required digital documents, and pay the fees. The approved eVisa will be delivered directly to the applicant’s email address.

Moreover, some countries introduced electronic travel authorization (ETA). It is not legally considered a visa, but it is also an official electronic travel permit that allows entering a country and can be obtained online.

See a list of countries that launched eVisas and electronic travel authorization for German citizens:

Countries offering visas on arrival to German passport holders

Some countries offer German citizens a visa on arrival. It is a good option for those who forgot or didn’t have time to apply for a visa in advance. However, visas on arrival may serve only some purposes and can be obtained solely at certain entry ports. Also, you have to wait in long lines to receive a visa on arrival, so applying for an online visa still requires less time.

Check out which countries provide visa-on-arrival services:

Countries where German citizens need to get a visa to travel to

Most countries give German passport holders an opportunity to apply for a visa in a simplified way. However, there are more than 20 countries demanding from Germans a traditional visa. To get a regular visa, it is necessary to attend a country’s embassy or consulate in person.

This is the list of countries requiring a traditional visa:

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Visa Requirements for Germany

If you're planning a trip to Germany , it's likely you'll be able to visit without applying for a special visa. Travelers from more than 50 countries and territories —including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Japan, and Mexico   —are exempt from needing a visa for visiting Germany for a period of 90 days or less within a six-month period. The only thing you need is a valid passport that doesn't expire for at least three months after the date you plan to return home, so if you're thinking about making a trip to Germany, now is a good time to check the expiration date of your passport .

If your trip to Germany is part of a larger trip around Europe, the same visa rules apply to the 26 countries that make up the area known as the Schengen Area . You can cross borders without any international checkpoints within the Schengen Area, and the 90-day limit applies to the entire area, not each individual country. Countries that are a part of this agreement include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

There are two broad types of visas depending on how long you plan to stay in Germany: the Schengen Tourist Visa and long-term national visas. The former is for nationals from non-exempt countries who plan to visit Germany or the Schengen Area, giving them the same rights as visa-exempt nationals to travel freely for 90 days.

Long-term national visas are specific to Germany and are required for any non-EU citizen who plans to spend more than 90 days in the country to live, work, or study. Normally, foreign nationals are required to apply for the appropriate visa before arriving in Germany and then obtain a long-term residence permit once they settle in.

However, citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and South Korea are able to apply for their residence permit in Germany without obtaining a visa, just like EU nationals.   Instead of applying for a visa before moving to Germany as is usually required, citizens with a passport from one of these countries can start and finish the immigration process after arrival.

For example, an American citizen living in the United States is offered a new job in Germany. That individual can pack up and move to Germany—along with their immediate family members—without ever stepping foot into a German consulate in the U.S. The American citizen enters Germany as a tourist and is allowed to stay in the country for 90 days, during which time they must apply for their long-term residence permit at the local foreigner's office—or Ausländerbehörde— to continue living and working in Germany.

Schengen Tourist Visa

If you have a passport from one of the non-exempt countries , you'll need to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa in order to visit Germany. Travelers with the visa can visit Germany and the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, and may be permitted to leave and re-enter the Schengen Area or not, depending on the conditions of the visa.

Visa Fees and Application

First, you'll need to make sure you apply for your Schengen Tourist Visa at the right consulate. If your trip is only to Germany or you'll be spending the most days in Germany, then submit your application to the nearest German consulate in your home country. If you'll be spending an equal number of days between Germany and another country or countries, apply at the consulate for the Schengen country where you arrive first.

When you show up for your appointment at the German consulate, you'll need to provide:

• Schengen Visa application
• Valid passport
• Two identical photos (35 millimeters by 45 millimeters)
• Travel insurance policy
• Roundtrip flight itinerary
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or notarized letters from hosts in France)
• Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, proof of employment, etc.)

The fee for the Schengen Tourist Visa is 80 euros,   payable at the current exchange rate in the local currency, but discounts and waivers are available for certain groups, such as European nationals from countries not in the EU, students or teachers traveling for education purposes, and young children.

Turnaround for completed applications takes anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the nationality of the applicant. You should apply for your tourist visa at least three weeks before you plan to depart to be sure you receive it in time.

Student Visa

Germany offers two main types of student visas , one for students who have been accepted into a school and another for potential students who need to be in Germany to apply. For both visas, you'll need to demonstrate that you have the necessary language skills if your program is in German and the funds to sustain yourself while living abroad.

If you've already been accepted into a German school, you'll need to show your letter of acceptance and also any relevant degrees or schoolwork that are prerequisites of the program, for example, your undergraduate diploma if you're starting a master's degree. Once you're in Germany, you'll need to apply to convert your visa into a residence permit.

The visa for potential students allows visa-holders to stay in Germany for three months—renewable up to six months—while they search and apply for academic programs. Even if you can enter Germany as a tourist without a visa for three months, you'll still need to apply for the student applicant visa before moving. The student applicant visa allows you to apply for and obtain your residency card in Germany, assuming you are accepted into an academic program. If you don't have the student applicant visa, you'll need to return to your home country and start the entire visa process from there.

The student visa fee is 75 euros, payable in the current exchange rate of the local currency.

If you'll be living and earning money in Germany and you aren't from a visa-exempt country, you'll need to apply for a work visa before moving. Work visas apply to those who have already been hired by a German company, self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, or highly qualified job-seekers who want to look for work in Germany.

You'll need to provide ample documentation to show your job and skills, depending on the type of work visa you're applying for. Examples include a work contract with the salary stated, a professional license or degree, a detailed business plan, and a portfolio of work. Most important, you'll need to demonstrate that you'll have the funds to support yourself while living in Germany, either through your own savings or from the salary of your new position.

The work visa fee is 75 euros, which you'll pay during the appointment at the current exchange rate in the local currency.

Family Reunion Visa

Both German citizens and legal residents are able to bring immediate family members to Germany to live with them by applying for a family reunion visa . Eligible relatives include their same-sex or opposite-sex spouse, fiance, minor children, and parents. If the applicant is from one of the visa-exempt countries, they can move to Germany without applying for a visa and request their residence permit upon arrival.

For those who do need a visa, the documents that you'll need to turn into the German consulate are:

• Completed application form
• Declaration of Accuracy of Information
• Valid passport of applicant
• Passport copy of sponsoring family member
• Passport-sized photos
• Certificate that verifies relation (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, filing for intended marriage, etc.)
• At least A1 level of German language (exceptions apply)
• Proof of housing in Germany
• Letter of invitation from sponsoring family member

The fee structure depends on if the family member already living in Germany is a German citizen or a legal resident. The family members of German citizens can submit their visa application at no cost, while family members of legal residents must pay the standard national visa fee of 75 euros, payable in local currency.

Visa Overstays

If you're visiting Germany from a visa-exempt country—including the U.S.—you can only be in the country and the surrounding Schengen Area for 90 days out of a 180-day period. To find out if it applies to you, just pull out a calendar and find the last date you expect to be in a Schengen country. Then, count backward for six months and count up each day you spent in a Schengen country during that time. If the number of days is more than 90, you'll need to leave earlier or risk overstaying your visa.

The exact punishment for overstaying your visa depends on the country you're caught in and your unique situation, but Germany is notoriously strict. Possible punishments include a fine, deportation, incarceration, and the inability to return to the Schengen Area for a period of time.

Extending Your Visa

Extending your Schengen tourist visa isn't easy to do, but it is possible in extreme circumstances. In Germany, you can only request an extension at the Berlin Immigration Office at Lise-Meitner-Straße.

You'll need documentation that supports your justification for staying longer and possible reasons include a medical emergency, a natural disaster, a crisis in your home country, or an unforeseeable funeral, but the decision to extend your visa is entirely at the discretion of the official who helps you. The most important piece is to apply for the extension before your current visa expires. If you wait too long, you'll have already overstayed your visa and you may be deported immediately.

Eur-Lex. " Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. " November 14, 2018.

German Federal Foreign Office. " Visa for Germany. " November 13, 2017.

German Federal Foreign Office. " Visa Fees. " February 2, 2020.

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Germany set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the German Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Germany.

Passport validity requirements 

Germany follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you have a residence permit, you must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. Renew it before the expiry date.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Germany, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Germany are different.     

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit (until November 2024).

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At German border control, you may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the German government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the  German Embassy in the UK . 

If you’re in Germany with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Germany .

New Schengen entry requirements (planned for November 2024 onwards)

From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will start for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries, 25 of which are EU Member States. The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports.

You will need to have your fingerprints and your photo taken when entering the Schengen area. If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK. You will also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo on exit.

You may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Germany guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Germany . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Germany

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Germany

You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You can find more information on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

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You’ll now need your passport to enter GERMANY from the Netherlands

Not very neighbourly of the Germans 😐

Starting next Monday, September 16, Germany will enforce passport controls along all of its land borders for at least six months. Helaas , that includes the Dutch-German border, too.

Through this drastic measure, the German government hopes to reduce the number of people entering the country without a valid visa, the NOS reports. 

What changes for the Dutch?

How exactly Germany plans to implement checks along the entirety of its 3,767-kilometre land border remains unclear.

The practical implications for neighbouring countries are also yet to be defined.

READ NEXT | The 19 biggest differences between Germany and the Netherlands

However, the Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber (PVV), has already stated that she understands Germany’s decision.

In fact, Faber wishes to cooperate with Germany to strengthen border control not only between the two countries, but also in the rest of the EU.

As such, individuals travelling to Germany from the Netherlands are likely to be affected.

Goods travelling across the border, however, may be spared the hassle. Faber has announced that she will work with Germany to minimise the measure’s impact on trade. 

What about the Schengen treaty?

You might be wondering how this is legal, considering that EU rules are supposed to guarantee freedom of movement across Schengen countries. 

Well… it is! Apparently, if a country has good reason to implement border checks, does so extraordinarily and temporarily, and requests the European Commission’s permission beforehand, the measure is allowed. 

READ NEXT | Roadtrips from the Netherlands to Germany: a guide to your summer getaways

Germany has complied with all of the above, citing social and political pressure caused by terrorism and cross-border crime threats as the reason for tightening its borders. 

It is not the first country to obtain permission to disregard Schengen rules, either: Sweden, Denmark, France, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy have also done it recently. 

Just how temporary and extraordinary this measure will be, then, remains to be seen.

What do you think of Germany’s decision? Let us know in the comments below.

Noo! This is gonna be so inconvenient for my business 😭😭

So, are they going to post a border agent at the “drie landen punt” park in southeastern Netherlands?

Well done to Germany. I agree with them and all other countries. I say put all borders back up everywhere.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

The Visa Waiver Program  (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries *  to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

You must meet  all  the following requirements to travel to the United States on the VWP:

Travel Purpose Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa

The following are examples of activities permitted while in the United States on the VWP. In addition, transiting through the United States to other countries is generally permitted for VWP travelers.

• consult with business associates
• attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
• negotiate a contract

Learn more about  Business Travel to the United States  (PDF - 362 KB).

• vacation (holiday)
• visit with friends or relatives
• medical treatment
• participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Learn more about  Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure  (PDF - 510 KB).

Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:

• study, for credit
• work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
• permanent residence in the United States

Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country *

You must be a citizen or national of the following countries *  to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom**

**To be eligible to travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA

In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the VWP. Visit the  ESTA webpage  on the CBP website for more information.

Updating Your ESTA

In most cases, your ESTA will be valid for two years.  You also must obtain a new ESTA if you: (1) receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport; (2) change your name; (3) change your gender; (4) change your country of citizenship; or (5) need to change your responses to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.

These individuals can apply for visas using regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. For more information, please visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview.

If an individual who is exempt from the Act because of his or her diplomatic or military presence in one of the seven countries is denied ESTA, he or she may go to the  CBP website , or contact the  CBP information Center . The traveler may also apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that any traveler to the United States check his or her  ESTA status  prior to making any travel reservations or travelling to the United States. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website . 

Have the Correct Type of Passport

You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by  country-specific agreements ). For families, each member of your family, including infants and children, must have a passport. 

In addition, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport. E-Passports must be in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). You can readily identify an e-passport, by a symbol on the cover. See the example below. More information about e-passports is available on the DHS website .

Emergency and Temporary Passports

If you use an   emergency or temporary passport to enter the United States on the VWP, the passport must be an e-passport. This includes VWP travelers who are transiting the United States. 

More information on frequently asked questions about VWP can be found at the following websites:

• DHS Visa Waiver Program Requirements
• CBP Visa Waiver Program

May I apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Yes, you may apply for a visitor (B) visa if you prefer to do so or if you are not eligible for VWP travel. Additionally, you need to apply for a visa if you will be traveling on a private aircraft or other non-VWP approved air or sea carrier. Review the  approved carriers list . Also, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days, then you need to apply for a visa. 

I was denied a visa under section 214(b). May I use the VWP?

A recent visa refusal for any reason could result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States. If you are uncertain if you qualify for VWP travel, you may apply for a visa.

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States. Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less. See the  CBP website . Citizens of VWP countries *  who reside in Mexico, Canada, or a nearby island are generally exempted from the requirement to show onward travel to another country *  when entering the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

How can a country* join the VWP?

A country *  must meet various requirements to be considered for designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States;
• issuing e-passports;
• having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent (for initial designation);
• timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
• maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Designation as a VWP country *  is at the discretion of the U.S. government. Meeting the objective requirements of the VWP does not guarantee a country *  will receive VWP designation.

Entering the United States

An approved ESTA allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States, but an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

Extending your stay

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to extend your stay in the United States beyond the initial admission period. You must depart the United States on or before the date on your admission stamp when you entered the United States. See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website .

Change of status

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to change status in the United States. See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands?

Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom do not need a visa or ESTA to visit both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands because of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, though they must complete Form I-736 prior to travel.  People's Republic of China Passport holders also do not need a visa if they complete Form I-736 for temporary admission into the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program,  click here

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

More Information

A-Z Index Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Border Security/Safety - DHS Customer Service Statement

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Indians can now visit these top 10 countries without a visa; Check full list, other details

The total number of countries indian passport holders can visit without a visa increased from 57 to 62..

• Updated Sep 10, 2024, 6:21 PM IST

Many people carry a dream of exploring the world and discovering new destinations. Thankfully, for those holding an Indian passport, this dream is becoming more attainable than ever.

India's growing influence globally has led numerous countries to welcome Indian travellers with greater ease, eliminating the need for complicated visa applications. 

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The Henley Passport Index has ranked India 82th in the world, which has dropped by 2 points from the previous year. However, as of January 2024, the number of countries Indian Passport holders can visit without a visa increased from 57 to 62.

These are the 10 countries that Indian travel enthusiasts can travel to without a visa:

1. Thailand:  30 days (until November 11, 2024)  

   Explore stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine in this Southeast Asian gem.

2. Malaysia : 30 days (until December 31, 2024)  

   Experience a blend of rainforests and urban life with iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.

3. Qatar : Free visa for 30 days  

   Enjoy the futuristic city of Doha and its impressive skyline on a visa-free trip.

4. Sri Lanka : Free visa for 6 months (starting October 1, 2024)  

   Access the beautiful island nation known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes.

5. Seychelles : Free visa for 30 days  

   Visit paradise with breathtaking beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

6. Macao : Free visa for 30 days  

   Discover the vibrant nightlife and cultural fusion in the "Las Vegas of the East."

7. Bhutan : Free visa for 14 days  

   Experience the serene landscapes, majestic monasteries, and rich spiritual culture of the Himalayas.

8. Nepal : No visa required  

   Home to Mount Everest, this country offers adventure and rich cultural heritage.

9. Mauritius : Free visa for 90 days  

   Enjoy a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and delicious local cuisine.

10. El Salvador : 180 days

   Explore this Central American nation known for its history, culture, and beautiful beaches.  

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