The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a German Tourist Visa: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Germany is a fantastic destination for travelers, and we are here to guide you through the process of obtaining a tourist visa. With our expert knowledge, we will ensure your application stands out and give you the best chance of exploring this captivating country.

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Germany, renowned as one of the most developed countries in Europe, is a must-visit destination for travelers. In this article, let’s explore the steps to apply for a German tourist visa.

1 What documents are required for a German tourist visa?

What documents are needed for a German tourist visa application?

The documents required for a German tourist visa are similar to those needed for other countries and include the following:

  • Original passport
  • Visa application form
  • 2 passport-size photographs
  • Residence registration book
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate
  • National ID card
  • Employment contract
  • Leave approval document for the trip
  • Pay slips for the last 3 months
  • For business owners: Business registration, tax payment confirmation, and the latest 3-month bank statement of the company
  • For retirees: Pension book
  • For students: Leave approval letter from the school
  • Other supporting documents (if any): fund transfer confirmation, credit card, regular income from assets, etc.

2 Tourist visa fees for Germany

Visa fees are mandatory when applying for a German visa.

The visa fee is mandatory as per the requirement of the German Embassy when submitting the visa application. Additionally, you may incur other expenses when applying for a German visa, such as document translation fees, certification fees, service fees, or other incidental charges.

Here is the visa fee schedule for Germany:

  • Under 6 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
  • From 6 to 12 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
  • From 13 to 18 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
  • From 18 years old and above: 75 Euros, equivalent to 2,004,500 VND

3 Where to submit the German tourist visa application?

You can submit your complete German tourist visa application along with the appointment letter to one of the following addresses:

German Embassy in Hanoi

German Embassy in Hanoi

Address: 29 Tran Phu, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Phone: 02438453836

German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City

German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: 33 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 02838288100

VFS Global Visa Application Center

VFS Global Visa Application Center

Address: 96 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone: 1900565639

4 Processing time for a German tourist visa

The processing time for a German tourist visa is 10 to 15 days.

According to the regulations of the German Embassy, the processing time for a German tourist visa is 10 to 15 days. Although this expected processing time is not too long, the number of Vietnamese applicants for a German visa is also large (especially from May to September); therefore, you should schedule an appointment 2 to 3 months in advance.

Note: The time for the German Embassy to return the visa application results is on Tuesday and Thursday every week from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

5 Validity of a German tourist visa

The German tourist visa is valid for 90 days.

The German tourist visa is intended for those traveling to Germany for tourism purposes, and the maximum validity for this type of visa is 90 days per visit.

6 Frequently asked questions about the German tourist visa

Frequently asked questions about the German tourist visa.

  • What is a German visa?

Answer: A German visa is a type of visa issued to foreign citizens who wish to enter Germany.

  • How many types of German visas are there?

Answer: Depending on the purpose of your trip to Germany, the German Immigration Office categorizes visas into various types, such as tourist, business, visiting relatives, immigration, student, official, transit, etc.

  • How long does it take to process a German visa and get a result?

Answer: After submitting your application to the German Embassy, it will take approximately 7 to 15 days to receive your visa result for a short-stay visa.

For long-term visas, the processing time is usually 8 to 12 weeks.

  • Can minors under 18 years old apply for a German visa?

Answer: Minors under 18 years old can apply for a German visa with the consent of their parents or guardians.

The above information provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a German tourist visa. Hopefully, it will help you obtain your visa and explore the beautiful country of Germany.

Frequently asked questions

The German Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen Visa that allows visitors to enter Germany and other Schengen countries for tourism or leisure purposes. It is required for citizens of certain countries who wish to visit Germany and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The required documents include a completed application form, valid passport, proof of financial means, travel health insurance, proof of accommodation, flight reservations, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip.

You can provide bank statements showing a minimum balance, salary slips, tax returns, or other financial documents that demonstrate your ability to support yourself during your stay in Germany.

Travel health insurance is mandatory for the German Tourist Visa. The insurance must cover emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.

You can provide hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from your host in Germany. The proof of accommodation should cover your entire stay in the Schengen area.

The visa fee is typically 80 EUR, but may vary depending on exchange rates. Processing time can range from 10 to 15 days, but it is recommended to apply at least 3 weeks before your planned trip to allow for possible delays.

No, the German Tourist Visa is specifically for short-stay purposes. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a National Visa, which allows for longer stays and may be converted into a residence permit.

In case of a rejection, you will receive a letter stating the reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision within a specified time frame. It is recommended to carefully review the requirements and provide all necessary documents to increase the chances of a successful application.