Why Apply for a Germany Tourist Visa

• Explore Germany and the other 26 Schengen area countries
• Visit your friends and family
• Attend business events or meetings
• Participate in cultural activities
• Stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

If you are planning to visit Germany as a tourist, then you must know the visa requirements for this European nation.

You will need a short-term visa to visit Germany which is valid for 90 days. This short-term visa is also known as the Schengen visa. As you may be aware the Schengen visa is valid in all the European countries which are part of the Schengen agreement. Germany is one of the countries under the Schengen Agreement.

With a Schengen visa, you can travel to and stay in Germany and all the other 26 Schengen countries.

Germany visa for Indians

A German visa is a legal document that allows Indian citizens to enter Germany. For tourism purposes, Indian citizens are granted Schengen tourist visas, which are valid for up to three months (90 days). 

What is a German Tourist Visa (Schengen C)?

A German tourist visa or the Type C Schengen visa is a short-stay visa issued for the Schengen area. The visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days in 180 days. You can apply for a German Tourist visa for tourism, visiting your friends and family, attending short courses, or taking part in certain business-related events, etc.

Eligibility Requirements for Germany Tourist Visa

• Have a valid passport with a minimum of 3 months' validity
• Completed the German visa application form
• Copies of your latest passport-sized photographs
• Details of your travel itinerary
• Evidence of your accommodation in Germany
• Have medical insurance worth €30,000
• Have sufficient funds to support your stay in Germany (at least €60/day)
• Submit clear evidence of your purpose of travel (Visit, study, business)
• Submit proof of ties to India (employment, property, family)

Before you apply for a tourist visa, ensure that you meet the visa requirements and have the required travel documents.

Germany Tourist Visa Requirements – Checklist

The documents required for a German tourist visa are as follows:

• A valid passport
• Passport-size photos
• A copy of your completed and signed application form
• Proof of hotel bookings, flight bookings, and a detailed plan of your activities during the duration of your stay in Germany
• Copy of tour ticket
• Proof of having enough finances to support your travel and stay in the country
• Recent statement from your bank
• Proof of having a valid medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros
• No-objection certificate from your university or school if you are a student, and from your employer if you work in a company.
• A Cover letter explaining your reason to visit Germany
• Proof of civil status. That could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card (if applicable), etc.

Steps to apply for Germany tourist visa

Step 1: Download and fill the visa application form correctly

Step 2: Schedule an appointment at the embassy or at visa application center

Step 3: Pay the visa fees as mentioned

Step 4: Attend the interview

Step 5: Submit all the required documents and biometrics

Step 6: Await response and collect your visa 

Processing Time for Germany Tourist Visa

The processing time for Germany tourist visa is 15 days and sometimes can go up to 6 – 12 weeks. 

Factor	Processing Time
Standard	10-15 working days
Peak season	Up to 12 weeks

Note: It is advised to apply for a German tourist visa at least 3–4 weeks in advance.

Germany Tourist Visa Fees

Visa Type	Cost
Germany tourist visa for Adults	90 EUR (approximately INR 9,100)
Germany tourist visa for Children (ages 6 – 12)	45 EUR (approximately INR 4,600)

Validity & 90/180 Rule

The German tourist visa, or the Schengen visa, allows visa holders to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Example: If you spend 60 days in Germany, you can only spend 30 more days in Schengen until the 180-day cycle resets.

Proof of Funds for Germany Tourist Visa

Individuals applying for a German Tourist visa must have sufficient funds to cover their trip in the country. You must have funds worth at least €45 to €120, ideally around €60, that is, ₹5,500/day for a comfortable stay. The proof of funds for the Germany tourist visa must be demonstrated in the form of payslips, recent bank statements (6 months), a sponsor letter, etc.

Germany Tourist Visa Rejections – Common Reasons

The top 5 reasons for your Germany tourist visa rejections are as follows:

• Having insufficient funds
• Submitting an invalid insurance
• Demonstrating weak ties to (home country) India
• Giving incorrect or incomplete documents.
• The stated travel purpose does not match the one in the interview.

Travel Insurance for Germany Tourist Visa

Travel insurance is mandatory while applying for a German tourist visa. Visa applicants must have travel insurance worth €30,000. Indians applying for the visa must have insurance of at least ₹800–₹1,200 for 15 days. The insurance must cover repatriation and medical emergencies.

Can I Extend My Germany Tourist Visa?  

While you cannot extend your German tourist visa, it is only possible under certain conditions, such as medical emergencies, unavoidable circumstances, or on humanitarian grounds.

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

• Advise you on the required documentation
• Advise you on the funds that need to be shown
• Fill out the application forms
• Review your documents for the visa application