
Tourist Visa – Schengen | Germany
A Germany visa permits travelers to enter and stay in the Schengen Zone for short-term visits—up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Whether you're planning a vacation, attending business meetings, or transiting through Europe, the Germany Schengen visa is your gateway to exploring Germany and other Schengen countries.
For leisure purposes, this visa is commonly known as the Germany tourist visa. Applying for a Germany visa from India allows Indian passport holders to travel freely across all 26 Schengen member states, offering a smooth and enriching European travel experience.
Documents Required for Germany Visa for Indian Citizens
To apply for a short-term Germany tourist visa (Schengen visa), you must meet the eligibility criteria and prepare the following documents:
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Germany visa application form – Duly filled and signed
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Passport – Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with a minimum of two blank pages
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Photographs – Recent passport-sized photos as per Schengen photo specifications
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Travel itinerary – Round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations
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Travel insurance for Germany visa – Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies
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Proof of funds – Last 3 months' bank statements showing sufficient balance
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Proof of accommodation – Hotel bookings or a formal invitation from a host in Germany
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Employment proof – Recent salary slips and a leave approval letter (if employed)
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Appointments for German visas from India must be made through VFS Global. Booking early is highly advised as slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons
*Additional documents may be requested depending on your travel purpose, profile, or consulate requirements
Visa Fees and Processing Time
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Germany tourist visa fees: Approx. €80 for adults and €40 for minors (fees are payable in INR at the time of application)
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Processing time: Typically, 7 to 15 working days. Delays may occur during peak seasons or if additional documentation is needed.
Discover Our Comprehensive Germany Visa Processing Services
• Personalized Germany visa checklist tailored to your profile and purpose of travel
• Error-free visa application form filling for Germany Schengen visa
• Custom travel itinerary covering Germany and other Schengen countries
• Professionally written cover letter meeting German consulate standards
• Support with VFS fee payment and guidance on service charges
• Germany visa appointment booking at VFS centers across India
• Verified travel insurance links meeting Schengen visa requirements
• Flight reservations for visa filing (no need to book actual tickets)
• Final document checklist to ensure nothing is missed before submission
• Document submission guidance (for those who’ve had a Schengen visa in the last 2 years)
* Let our expert team handle the complexities—so you can focus on planning your trip to Germany and beyond with peace of mind.

Most asked FAQ for Germany Visa
1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Germany?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Germany for tourism, business, or family visits (up to 90 days).
2. What type of visa should I apply for to visit Germany as a tourist?
You need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (Tourist – Type C) if your visit is less than 90 days and Germany is your main travel destination or first entry point.
3. How long does it take to process a Germany visa from India?
Visa processing usually takes 10 to 15 working days, depending on the volume of applications and embassy workload. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.
4. What documents are required for a Germany tourist visa?
Essential documents include:
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Valid passport (issued in the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages)
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Completed and signed visa application form
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Passport-size photographs (as per Schengen format)
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Cover letter detailing purpose and itinerary
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Flight reservation (round trip)
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Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
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Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
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Personal bank statements (last 3–6 months)
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Income Tax Returns/Form 16
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NOC or leave letter from employer (if employed)
5. How much is the Germany visa fee for Indians? €80 for adults €40 for children aged 6–12 Free for children under 6 Note: Additional VFS service charges apply. 6. Where can I apply for a Germany visa in India? Applications must be submitted via VFS Global centers. You'll need an appointment for document submission and biometrics. Visa decisions are made by the German Consulate/Embassy. 7. Is travel insurance required for a Germany visa? Yes. Travel insurance must cover: Minimum of €30,000 Valid across all Schengen countries Emergency medical expenses and repatriation 8. Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Germany visa? Yes. A valid Germany-issued Schengen visa allows travel across all 26 Schengen countries, as long as Germany is the main destination or first point of entry. 9. Do I need confirmed bookings before applying? Yes, tentative flight and hotel bookings are required. It's recommended to use bookings with free cancellation to avoid financial loss. 10. Can I apply for a Germany visa online? You can fill out the application form online via VIDEX, but you must submit the printed form and documents in person at a VFS center. 11. What are common reasons for Germany visa rejection? Frequent rejection reasons include: Incomplete or false documentation Weak financial profile Unclear travel plans Lack of ties to home country Previous visa overstays or violations
Types of Germany Tourist Visas
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Short-Stay Schengen Visa – Valid for up to 90 days, ideal for tourism, business trips, or visiting friends and family.
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Long-Stay National Visa – For stays over 90 days, often used for work, study, or family reunification purposes.
Step-by-Step Germany Visa Application Process
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Choose the right visa type based on your travel purpose
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Prepare required documents according to embassy checklist
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Schedule an appointment at VFS Global or the German consulate
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Submit your visa application in person
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Pay the visa fee (usually in INR, varies by type)
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Wait for processing – usually takes around 15 working days
Collect your passport with stamped visa or receive by courier

Why Visit Germany?
Germany stands as one of Europe’s top travel destinations—celebrated for its rich history, cutting-edge innovation, fairy-tale castles, and vibrant cities. Whether you're applying for a visa to Berlin or planning a scenic journey through Bavaria, the Germany short-stay visa opens the door to diverse and unforgettable experiences.
Top Attractions to Explore with a Germany Visa:
• Brandenburg Gate – A historic symbol of unity and Berlin’s most famous landmark.
• Neuschwanstein Castle – A real-life fairytale castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps.
• Cologne Cathedral – A Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the buzzing energy of cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg to the serene landscapes along the Rhine River and the Black Forest, Germany combines old-world charm with modern appeal. Whether you're holding a Germany multiple entry visa or a single-entry tourist visa, traveling to Germany from India promises a mix of culture, architecture, festivals, and flavors waiting to be explored.
Top Places to Visit & Things to do in Germany with a Tourist Visa
1. Berlin – Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Museum Island
2. Munich – Oktoberfest, English Garden, BMW Museum
3. Heidelberg – Romantic old town and castle ruins
4. Neuschwanstein Castle – The real-life Disney fairytale castle
5. Cologne – Majestic Cathedral and Rhine River cruises
6. Black Forest – Scenic drives, hiking trails, and spa towns
7. Hamburg – Historic port city with vibrant nightlife 8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Picture-perfect medieval town Must-Do Experiences in Germany • Tour fairy-tale castles – Neuschwanstein, Hohenzollern • Experience Oktoberfest in Munich (Sep–Oct) • Savor German cuisine – Bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels • Visit Rhine Valley vineyards for wine tasting • Cycle through Bavarian countryside • Hike in the Alps or Black Forest • Enjoy Christmas markets – Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne • Take scenic train journeys – Rhine Valley, Bavarian Alps • Explore museums and galleries in Berlin • Shop for souvenirs – cuckoo clocks, beer steins, handmade crafts
Whether you're strolling through Berlin's historic landmarks or savoring Bavarian delicacies, your journey begins with the right Germany tourist visa. With expert guidance, a complete document checklist, and early planning, your dream German holiday is just a visa away.
Need help with your Germany Schengen visa?Get in touch with our visa consultants today to start your Germany visa application from India!