Traveling to Germany has become increasingly easy and organized, particularly for students. In 1985, the Schengen Agreement was reached, making it possible for Schengen Member states’ citizens to travel without a visa through the entire Schengen territory. Also non, Schengen countries are allowed to gain entry of the whole Schengen region provided they have the Schengen visa. The Schengen’s agreement’s primary purposes were to abolish border control between member states, thus permitting equal and free access of citizens to countries in the region, including Germany. These member countries include Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Germany, France, Italy, Lithuania, Liechtenstein. Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Hungary, Portugal, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden, Malta, Spain, Slovakia, and Switzerland. If you want to travel to Germany, you can always look out for cheaptickets. Below is a guide for anyone, including students who wish to travel to Germany.
Is a German Visa a Necessity When going to Germany?
On deciding on a trip to Germany, this is the first question that pops in your mind. Today citizens of over 62 countries can enter Germany visa-free for business dealings and tourism but within 180 days, for less than 90-days. Most of these countries that have established a visa-free regime when entering Germany are within the European Union. If you are in a country outside the 62 European union nations, you will be required first to obtain a visa to enter Germany. In addition, even passport holders of the 62 allowed countries entering Germany with a purpose other than business or tourism but need to stay in Germany for over 90 days within six months, you will be required to obtain a visa.
Types of German Visas
There are diverse visa types, depending on the reason you are traveling to Germany. If you are visiting Germany to study, settle permanently or even work, you will be required to apply for diverse Schengen visa types. The most common types of German Visas are:
Visitor and Tourist Visa: This is the visa to go for when visiting Germany for sightseeing, experiencing the country and its culture, or visiting friends and relatives.
Business Visa: This is a visa for business persons wanting to stay in Germany for more extended periods.
Job seekers visa: With this Visa, one can seek a job in Germany.
Family Reunion Visa: German residents’ family members can use this visa to join their family in Germany.
Guest Scientist Visa: This is a Visa for researchers or scientists invited by an institution to study or carry out research in Germany.
Airport Transit Visa: Needed for a few third-world persons.
Exhibitions Visa and Trade Fair visa: This is a visa for persons participating in an exhibition or trade fair.
Internship/ Training Visa: This visa offers the opportunity to attend an internship or training in Germany specifically for citizens of third-world countries.
Medical Treatment Visa: This Visa allows foreigners with a medical condition or an illness to get into Germany for medical treatment.
Requirements to get a German Visa
The documents needed to get a German Visa varies from one Schengen country to another. Germany is a country that is highly demanding when it comes to issues relating to visa application. You should always ensure that every detail is filled in meticulously. To apply for a German visa, you need to have the following details.
Passport: You should have a passport valid for three extra months beyond the period you plan to stay in the Schengen region.
Application Form: You should have the duly completed application form with honest and correct answers that comply with the other needed documents.
Health insurance: You should have a document confirming you have health insurance that includes coverage for accidents and illnesses and covers repatriation in case of death.
Proof of Financial Means: This document proves that you have enough cash to finance yourself in the period you are planning to stay in Germany.
Travel Itinerary: These are documents showing the intentions of your travel to Germany as well as proof of your travel or flight reservations.
Photo: You should have a photo of yourself that has been taken within the last three months and is also taken in compliance with the photo standards that the German embassy has set.
In conclusion, with this article, you have a guide on obtaining a German visa. It is important to note that there may be other additional German Visa requirements to meet at times from one country to another. Always confirm this with the German embassy of the specific country.