Summary For Germany Tourist Visa for Indians
Eligibility: All Indian citizens require a Schengen Visa (Category C) for tourism or visiting family/friends.
Key Documents: Valid passport, application form, photos, flight reservation, travel health insurance, proof of financial means, accommodation, and purpose of visit.
Application Process: Book an appointment, submit documents, provide biometrics, and pay €80 (adults) / €40 (children 6-12) application fee.
Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days, up to 60 days for complex cases.
Post-Approval: Understand Schengen rules, register with local authorities if stay exceeds a certain period.
Success Tips: Apply early, double-check documents, and be prepared for potential interviews.
Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Table of Contents
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?
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 Visa | The visa holder could enter the Schengen area just once. |
Double Entry Schengen Visa | The visa holder could enter and exit the Schengen area twice. |
Multiple Entry Schengen Visa | The 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 Check Jurisdiction:
Visit the Official Website: Go to the German Embassy New Delhi's website or the website of the Consulate General in your region.
Consult the "Jurisdiction" or "Consular Districts" Section: Typically found under "Visa", "Consular Services", or "About Us".
Match Your Residence with the Listed Areas:
German Embassy New Delhi: Usually responsible for the North Indian states.
Consulate General Bengaluru: Covers South Indian states.
Consulate General Chennai: Responsible for certain South Indian states.
Consulate General Kolkata: Covers East Indian states.
Consulate General Mumbai: Handles applications from West Indian states.
Example Jurisdictional Breakdown (Subject to Change):
German Mission | Jurisdiction |
Embassy New Delhi | Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh |
Consulate General Bengaluru | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry |
Consulate General Chennai | Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry |
Consulate General Kolkata | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal |
Consulate General Mumbai | Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra |
Why is an Appointment Necessary?: To manage the flow of applicants and reduce waiting times.
How to Book an Appointment:
Online Appointment System:
Website: Visit the website of the responsible German mission.
Section: Look for "Visa", "Appointments", or "Online Application".
Tool/Platform: Utilize the provided online tool (e.g., VFS Global, Embassy's own system) to schedule your appointment.
Required Information:
Personal details (Name, Date of Birth, etc.).
Contact information (Email, Phone Number).
Preferred date and time for the appointment.
Appointment Confirmation:
Email/SMS: Receive a confirmation of your appointment.
Print/Save Appointment Letter: For your records and to present at the appointment.
What to Expect:
Arrival and Waiting:
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
Present your appointment confirmation.
Document Submission:
All Required Documents: Ensure you have every necessary document (as outlined in the initial requirements).
Verification: Staff will verify your documents.
Biometric Data Collection:
Fingerprint Scanning: Part of the Schengen visa process.
Photograph: Ensure it meets the Schengen photo requirements.
Application Fee Payment:
Payment Method: As specified by the German mission (e.g., cash, credit/debit card).
Receipt: Obtain a receipt for your payment.
Example of What to Bring to the Appointment:
Appointment confirmation printout
All required documents for the visa application
Application fee (in the specified payment method)
A valid government-issued ID (for identification purposes)
Processing Times:
Standard: Typically 15 calendar days.
Extended for Complex Cases: Up to 60 days or more in rare instances.
Status Check:
Online: Through the German mission's website or the outsourced application center's platform, if available.
Contact: Reach out to the German mission via phone or email for updates, though this is not always recommended unless necessary.
The Germany visa photo specification is described below -
Need more clarity on the Germany business visa? Check out helpful resources below
Germany Visa Requirement
Germany Busniess Visa Requirement
Germany Study Visa Requirement
Germany Work Visa Requirement
Germany Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Yes, but ensure they have the necessary authorization.
How long can I stay in the Schengen Area with a tourist visa?
No, it's strictly prohibited.
You can appeal the decision within a specified timeframe (usually 1 month).