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Germany Tourist Visa
Who Needs It:
Anyone from a non-Schengen country who wants to visit Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes.
General Document Checklist
1. Visa Application Form
- Fully filled and signed
- Can be downloaded from the German Missions
2. Passport
- Valid for at least 3 months after your planned return
- Minimum 2 blank pages
- Issued within the last 10 years
3. Photographs
- 2 recent biometric passport-sized photos
- White background, matte finish
4. Cover Letter
- Clearly state your purpose of visit, itinerary, and duration of stay
- Mention who will bear the cost of the trip
5. Travel Itinerary
- Flight reservation (round trip)
- Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation
6. Proof of Financial Means
- Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
- Sponsorship letter (if someone in Germany is supporting your stay)
- Proof of employment/income (pay slips, ITRs)
7. Travel Insurance
- Must cover the entire Schengen area
- Minimum coverage of €30,000
- Must cover emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation
8. Proof of Social/Professional Ties to Home Country
- Employment letter
- Proof of leave approval
- Business license (if self-employed)
- Academic enrollment (for students)
9. Visa Fee
- Standard fee: €80 for adults
- Payable in local currency (non-refundable)
Processing Time
- Typically 10–15 working days
- May take longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is needed
Key Points from IRA Immigration Style Guidance (Typical)
Though I couldn’t access the site directly, based on IRA’s usual content:
- They offer document preparation, appointment booking, and visa interview training.
- Clients are advised to apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
- Emphasis is placed on proper financial documentation and cover letters to avoid rejections.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Insufficient ties to home country
- Inadequate financial proof
- Unclear or inconsistent travel purpose
- Missing documents