Germany
Citizenship: USA
Please note this visa requirements are for US citizens only. If you are not a US citizen please contact our office at (914) 592-2760. Some countries like Germany vary on validity and may be less than 6 months however JIDS only advises you to have 6 months minimum. If you have less than 6 months you can call the Consulate General of Germany in NY so they can advise you.
US passport must be signed, valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2-3 blank visa pages not amendment pages in passport. If your passport does not meet the requirements, we can assist with obtaining new passport or passport renewal for a valid US passport.
EUROPE UNION will require ETA VISAS FOR MANY NATIONALITIES that previously did not require it as of 2024 US CITIZENS ARE ON THIS LIST . The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting from 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries. STARTING 2024. JIDS can assist you. CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS for a minimum of 3 months validity from last day of international travel date. CALL JIDS TO RENEW YOUR PASSPORT if you do not have this validity.
It is possible however that your application may take longer to process. If so, you will receive a decision within four days. Please note that this period could be extended by up to 14 days if you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview. This is why you should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance of your planned journey.
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?
- Yes. As of June 20, 2021, residents of the United States are allowed to enter Germany, unless traveling from a virus-variant area from which entry is banned. The list of virus-variant areas can be found here .
- Persons entering Germany who have spent time in an RKI-designated risk area in the 10 days prior to entry are required to submit a digital registration on entry. As of June 13, 2021, the United States is no longer a designated risk area.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
- YES, a negative COVID-19 test is required to enter Germany.
- Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted; a PCR test must have been taken less than 72 hours prior to entry to Germany, a rapid antigen test less than 48 hours prior to entry.
- The test must meet the criteria laid out by RKI, and travelers will not be allowed to board their flights without a negative result.
- The testing requirement is waived for those who are fully vaccinated (15 days after the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the first shot of a one-dose vaccine) with a vaccine listed here , as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months, unless they are entering from virus variant area. Please see further information here.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
- YES, potentially including mandatory COVID-19 testing at the airport for certain travelers.
- Valid Signed Passport valid for at least six months from the last day of stay from international destination.
- No visa required traveling for tourism or business for up to 90 days.
JIDS recommends your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of stay from international destination.
- Passport accepted for entry must be valid for at a minimum of 3 months beyond the last day of intended stay.
- If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes. You could also be denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area. For this reason, we recommend that your passport have at least six months validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.
JIDS can help you renew it if you need more validity. If you require passport services, please refer to our passport services section.
- Vaccinations are NOT required unless travel is from or through an infected area.
- Visit the Center for Disease Control: CDC.GOV for complete health requirements.
