germany tourist visa

Germany Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Berlin, the capital of Germany has been the visitors’ favourite with the most number of visits. However, how could one forget Munich, Hamburg, and cities in Germany? Along with German technology, the German tourism, too, has made noise to attract a huge percentage of 459.6 million visitors to the country. Germany has always been welcoming towards the visitors. One may not forget the fact that entering Germany for tourism demands a Germany visa. Well, we will make sure that we shall provide you with Germany tourist visa for Indian citizens without letting you perfuse many efforts. Consisting of a team of experts has always helped us to provide customer-driven services. The below guide will help you to obtain the Germany tourist visa from India. 

What is Germany Tourist Visa?

germany tourist visa

Well, in order to enter Germany for tourism, an individual requires a Germany Schengen tourist visa. If you are not from a Schengen nation or from a visa-exempt nation, you will require a visa to enter. Germany finds its mention in the list of the Schengen countries. What is the Germany Schengen tourist Visa? 

  • A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows an individual to enter Schengen countries for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days in a maximum of a 180-day period depending upon the validity. 
  • Schengen tourist visa not only enables the nationals to enter Germany but while holding this visa, one could travel to all the 26 Schengen countries. 

The tourist visa for Germany for Indian citizen could limit any nationals to just sightseeing or a tourism purpose. No study or work purpose will be allowed while holding this visa. Germany tourist visa, also known as the Germany Schengen tourist visa is categorized into three entries as, 

Single Entry Schengen VisaThe visa holder could enter the Schengen area just once. 
Double Entry Schengen VisaThe visa holder could enter and exit the Schengen area twice. 
Multiple Entry Schengen VisaThe visa holder could enter and exit the Schengen area, as many times as possible depending upon the validity.  

Note that even if you have a long validity and multiple entries, your cumulative stay of all the visits to the country must not be longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. 

How to Get Tourist Visa for Germany from India?

germany tourist visa process

The application form for the Germany tourist visa must be filled online. Offline forms are no longer accepted. However, the submission of the forms and documents has to be made offline at an outsourced Visa Application Center (VAC) or at a German mission as per the jurisdiction. The procedure can be described as follows -

 Obtain the necessary documents for the tourist category.

  • Visit the German Missions website, and fill in the Schengen visa application form online. Take a print out of the form, as well as sign any required declarations. 
  • Proceed to schedule your appointment at a VAC or Mission. You can do this online, or by contacting them via call
  • You should then visit the appointment centre with the application form, fees, and the documents required. 
  • You will be subjected to a biometric at the centre if you have not submitted a biometric for a Schengen in the past 5 years. Keep in mind that if your appointment is at a German Mission, you will have to pay the fees in the form of a demand draft. 

Ensure to fill in the right details, and submit the correct documents. Submitting fake documents can lead to visa rejection.

Who should Apply or Eligibility

The below guidelines will help you in understanding the eligibility for the Schengen visa. 

  • You must be present within India if you are applying from India. If you are an Indian resident in another country, you may be able to apply for the visa in that country itself. 
  • You must possess an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, 
  • Your primary motive behind the visit must be to take part in tourism only. 
  • You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
  • You can apply for the permit if -
    1. Germany is your only travel destination, or
    2. Germany is one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of your travel period in Germany, or, Germany is your port of entry.

Documents Required For Germany Tourist Visa

As per the Germany tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the documents required can be stated as below - 

germany tourist visa requirements

  • Original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
  • 2 passport size photographs 
  • Covering letter stating the details of the journey
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Confirmed flight tickets
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Leave letter or NOC from relevant authorities
  • Proof of employment
  • Proof of finance

Germany Tourist Visa Photo Specification

The Germany visa photo specification is described below -

germany tourist visa photo specifications

  • Photograph size: 35mmx45mm
  • Height from top to bottom of the face: 32- 36mm.
  • The photograph should be centrally aligned. 
  • The photo must be clearly visible. 
  • No edits will be allowed. 
  • The photograph must be recently clicked.
  • The background of the photo must be light-coloured. 
  • No shadow will be allowed in the picture. Also, any interference of the object in the picture will not be considered. 
  • You must give a neutral reaction.

Germany tourist Visa Processing time

The total processing time required for the Germany tourist visa entirely depends on the number of entries, the validity, volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. 

  • However, the estimated time to procure the Schengen tourist visa for Germany is at least 15 working days after submission.
  • To avoid any delay in the visa processing, one must properly fill the application form without any major flaws. 

Germany Tourist Visa Fee

The total fees for the process include the biometric charges, service charges by the VAC, delivery charges, and so on. It can also vary depending upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Entry Stay Duration Validity Fees
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 9027.0
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6881.0
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6881.0
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 9027.0
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6881.0
Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6881.0

How to Check Visa Status

While your tourist visa application is being processed, you may track the status by visiting the website of the VAC and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact the visa agency you have applied through. You may also opt for SMS notification of your status provided by the VAC. 

When You have this visa

Once you possess the tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following key points - 

  • Ensure that you do not overstay after the expiry date as mentioned on the visa.
  • You must travel to Germany within 6 months of your visa issue date, or as mentioned on the sticker. If you do not, your permit will become invalid and you will have to apply for a new one.
  • Always carry a copy of your travel documents such as passport and visa while you are in the country.
  • While you are on this permit, you are not allowed to work or take part in other work-related activities. 
  • You are not allowed to extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances such as force majeure, unfavourable situations in the home country, and so on. 
  • You must abide by the German rules and regulations while you are in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to extend the Schengen tourist visa for Germany?

No, it is not normally possible to extend a German tourist permit. Similar to other Schengen countries, the short term permits issued by them are non-extendable. As a result, you are expected to leave the country once your permit expires. However, in certain extreme cases of unforeseeable events, you may be granted an extension. 

What are the medical tests that are conducted for German tourist visa?

They are no mandatory tests for this category. Being issued or durations shorter than 6 months, there are no medical requirements for this. However, longer duration visas may require you to provide proof of health. In any case, it is advised that you get a checkup done before travelling to any foreign nation. 

After expiring my tourist visa, how long can I stay?

You cannot stay back in the country even for one extra day. Staying back after the visa validity is considered as an offense. To avoid this, you must leave the country before or on the day of your visa expiry. Alternately, you may be able to apply for an extension under extreme circumstances.  

Can I convert my tourist visa into another visa?

No, you cannot change your visa into any other while you are in the country. Trying to change the visa from a tourist permit to another type can get you deported. However, you can apply for another visa once you are back in your home country provided that you meet the eligibility.

 

 

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