ETIAS for Germany
Citizens of the United Kingdom will soon need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Germany. The new visa waiver for Europe will be available to British passport holders from November 2023.
Requirements to enter Germany from the UK
British citizens do not need a visa for short trips to Germany. Tourists and business travellers with a valid UK passport can spend up to 90 days in Germany without a visa.
From plugin:content-inject, however, they will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS is a new visa waiver for Europe. It will be mandatory to go to Germany from the United Kingdom.
ETIAS will make Germany an even safer destination for tourists and residents. It will screen foreigners entering the country without a visa, helping to identify security threats.
UK passport holders can already apply for ESTA for the US and the Canadian eTA. ETIAS is the European equivalent.
When will ETIAS be necessary to travel from the UK to Germany?
ETIAS for Germany will be operational from November 2023. There will be a short implementation period, after which the visa waiver will become mandatory.
UK passport holders will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation online before visiting Germany, or another country in the Schengen zone. Tourists, transit passengers, and business travellers will be eligible.
ETIAS for Germany will be valid for:
- Up to 3 years, or until the passport expires (whichever happens first)
- Multiple trips to Germany or other EU countries
- Trips of up to 90 days per 180-day period
How to apply for ETIAS for Germany
UK passport holders will apply for ETIAS for Germany online. They will need:
- Valid UK passport
- Email address
- Debit or credit card
British nationals will complete an electronic application form with:
- Personal information
- Passport data
- Travel information
- Safety and security information
To finalise the request, British applicants will pay the ETIAS for Germany processing fee using a debit or credit card.
Travellers who meet the ETIAS requirements for Germany receive the approved visa waiver by email.
Travel to Germany after Brexit
Rules for travelling between the UK and Germany changed when the United Kingdom left the European Union.
British citizens can still visit Germany without a visa after Brexit. However, visa-free stays are now limited to 90 days per 180-day period.
There are some other ways in which travelling between the UK and Germany has changed since Brexit:
- British passports must be valid for at least 6 months and cannot be more than 10 years old
- Passengers from the UK can no longer use EU border gates when entering Germany
- Proof of funds or onwards travel could be required on arrival in Germany
- Citizens of the UK need a visa to work in Germany or stay longer than 3 months
Passengers travelling from the UK to Germany after Brexit may also be affected by changes to medical care and mobile roaming charges.
British tourists should check all the latest information.
Information about Germany
Germany is a popular European destination for British holidaymakers; tourists visit Germany to enjoy its cities and countryside. Germany is also visited by many British business travellers.
The German capital, Berlin, is the most visited city. The Reichstag Building and the Memorial of the Berlin Wall are amongst the top attractions. The German countryside boasts many picturesque villages, castles, and palaces.
Other places to visit include Munich, Frankfurt, and the Rhine Valley.
Recommended insurance to travel to Germany
British travellers can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the EU until it expires.
With a valid EHIC, British citizens can receive state-provided medical care if they fall ill or have an accident whilst in Germany.
Due to Brexit, expired EHIC cards will be replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
UK citizens should still take out travel insurance when visiting Germany. Neither the EHIC nor the GHIC is a substitute for insurance that covers medical expenses.
British consular services in Germany
The UK has several representations in Germany. British citizens in Germany can request consular services at the embassy or consulates.
The UK has several representations in Germany. British citizens in Germany can request consular services at the embassy or consulates.
German consular service in UK
Citizens of the United Kingdom can get information about German residency and work visas at a German representation.
Citizens of the United Kingdom can get information about German residency and work visas at a German representation.
Major airports in Germany
Germany is easily accessible from the UK. There are direct flights to Germany from UK cities including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester.
ETIAS will be valid to enter Germany through any of its international airports. The British traveller’s visa waiver will be verified when crossing the external Schengen border.
The most important airports in Germany include:
Germany is easily accessible from the UK. There are direct flights to Germany from UK cities including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester.
ETIAS will be valid to enter Germany through any of its international airports. The British traveller’s visa waiver will be verified when crossing the external Schengen border.
The most important airports in Germany include: