If you’re planning on travelling to Germany from the UK soon, you may be wondering about this country’s entry requirements. Around 2 million British nationals visit this nation every year, and the country continues to retain its popularity with British travellers. If you’re researching your trip, you’ll want to consider what requirements you need to fulfil before you go.
You may be pleased to hear that if you hold a full British Citizen passport, you do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, travel here will be affected by the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is scheduled to be implemented in late 2022 and becomes required in 2023. Fortunately, you can apply for the German ETIAS here on Byevisa’s website.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the German visit visa from the UK regulations.
Contents
- 1 Do I Need a Visa for Germany From the UK?
- 2 All About the ETIAS for Germany for UK Citizens
- 3 How Long Does It Take To Get a Germany ETIAS From the UK?
- 4 Germany Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
- 5 How Much Does the Visa for Germany From the UK Cost?
- 6 About the British Embassy in Germany
- 7 FAQs About the Germany Visa for UK Visitors
- 8 More Information on Travelling to Germany
Do I Need a Visa for Germany From the UK?
The good news is, if you hold a full British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This means that Brits are visa-free at the present time and do not require a travel pass for short visits.
Germany is a country in the Schengen Area, and British nationals can stay visa-free here and in other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your reason for visiting could include travelling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, travelling for business, for cultural or sports events, or for short-term education and training.
To qualify as visa-free, you need to make sure your entire visit is within the 90-day limit. To stay longer or to work, study or reside, you will need to apply for a visa in person and by appointment at the Embassy of Germany located in London.
The address of the Embassy of Germany in Britain is: 23 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PZ. Its opening hours are 9 – 10:30 am, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
All About the ETIAS for Germany for UK Citizens
From late 2022, the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver will come into effect, and from 2023 it will be required. For travel here, you will need to obtain an ETIAS for travel, even for short stays.
If you’re wondering how to obtain the ETIAS for Germany from the UK, you may be pleased to know that you can apply for the ETIAS online through Byevisa.
To get your travel pass, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- You hold a valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining after the day you arrive in the country.
- Your visit includes for purposes such as tourism, business or medical treatment.
- You can answer and pass a few security questions, which include whether you’ve ever been convicted of a crime or terrorist act.
After you apply online through Byevisa, if approved you will receive official confirmation and a document in your email inbox. The visa waiver is electronically linked to your passport, though you can print off your document at home and take it with you on your travels if you prefer.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Germany ETIAS From the UK?
Filling in the online application form will take just 10 minutes. From there, the Byevisa processing speed you choose when you apply will determine how long it takes for you to get your visa waiver.
Byevisa offers 3 processing speeds:
- Standard service
- Rapid service
- Highly Rapid service
By selecting the Highly Rapid service, you will get your travel document in the shortest amount of time.
Germany Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Currently, British citizens are not required to obtain a visa for Schengen Member States (including Germany), if the duration of your stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Although you can travel visa-free if your reason for visiting is touristic or business-related, you will need to meet a few passport requirements to travel here.
Make sure your passport meets the following requirements:
- It is a British passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond the date you intend to return from the country.
- Your passport is less than 10 years old.
How Much Does the Visa for Germany From the UK Cost?
At present, there are no direct costs associated with entering the country for UK travellers because you do not need to pay for a visa. However, from late 2022 and 2023, the ETIAS will come into effect and there will be a 7 EUR official charge to obtain this travel pass. Fortunately, you can obtain your pass quickly and simply through Byevisa.
About the British Embassy in Germany
The British Embassy in Germany is located in Berlin on 70-71 Wilhelmstraße, near the Hotel Adlon and the Brandenburg Gate.
It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The embassy’s full address is as follows: Wilhelmstraße 70/71, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
FAQs About the Germany Visa for UK Visitors
Below you will find answers to some common FAQs about travelling to this country.
Can All UK Nationals Travel to Germany?
Yes. Travel to Germany from the UK is a simple and straightforward process if you are intending to visit for a short stay. So long as your stay is within 90 days in a 180-day period and is for purposes such as visiting family or friends, business or as a tourist, travel here should be simple.
If you intend to stay longer than 90 days or your visit is for other purposes than those outlined above, you will need to seek advice from an embassy or consulate.
Can I Bring My Medication With Me?
Yes. You are permitted to take medical products in quantities that meet your usual personal requirements. Usually, you’re expected to take a maximum of 3 months’ supply of the recommended dose of each individual medication.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Travelling From the UK?
The euro is the official currency of the country. You can pick up the currency at your destination at ATMs, in airports and even at hotels. However, it’s also a good idea to carry some cash on you for stalls and smaller bars, restaurants and shops, as not everywhere will accept credit or debit cards.
More Information on Travelling to Germany
For more information on the ETIAS, including a list of eligible countries and how much it will cost, check out our ETIAS for Germany page for more information. You can also read our Visit Germany page for more handy tips about travel here.