Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Germany for tourism.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportValid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and with at least two blank pages.
• Schengen Visa Application FormDuly filled, dated, and signed.
• PhotographsTwo recent passport-sized photographs (not older than six months), meeting Schengen photo requirements.
• Cover LetterPersonal cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit, itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight reservation or itinerary.
• Proof of AccommodationHotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in Germany (with their address and contact details).
• Travel Medical InsuranceValid throughout the Schengen area, covering medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
• Proof of Financial MeansBank statements for the last three to six months, salary slips, income tax returns, or a sponsorship letter if applicable. Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the stay.
• Proof of Employment/Student StatusEmployment letter, leave sanction letter from employer, student ID, or business registration documents.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)From employer or educational institution, if applicable.
• Consent Letter for MinorsIf traveling with a minor, a consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) and copies of their passports.

1. 1
   Determine the correct visa category for your trip (e.g., Tourist, Business, Visiting Family/Friends).
2. 2
   Gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by the German Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
3. 3
   Fill out the online Schengen visa application form (VIDEX) accurately and completely.
4. 4
   Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre for Germany. Appointments are mandatory.

   VFS Global Germany India
5. 5
   Attend your appointment at VFS Global, submit your application with all supporting documents, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Pay the applicable visa fees.
6. 6
   Track your application status online through the VFS Global website.
7. 7
   Collect your passport from the VFS Global centre once your application has been processed, or opt for courier delivery.

• Insufficient proof of financial means.

  How to avoid: Ensure your bank statements clearly show sufficient funds to cover your entire stay and return journey. Provide salary slips, income tax returns, or a formal sponsorship letter if applicable, with the sponsor's financial proof.

• Unclear or unjustified purpose of the intended stay.

  How to avoid: Provide a detailed and consistent travel itinerary, including confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. Your cover letter should clearly explain the purpose of your visit and your plans in Germany.

• Incomplete or inconsistent supporting documents.

  How to avoid: Carefully review the official checklist and ensure all required documents are submitted. Double-check for consistency in dates, names, and other details across all documents (e.g., passport, flight, hotel bookings).

• Doubt about the applicant's intention to return to India.

  How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of your ties to India, such as a stable job, family responsibilities, property ownership, or enrollment in a course. A 'No Objection Certificate' from your employer or educational institution can also help.

• Invalid or inadequate travel medical insurance.

  How to avoid: Ensure your travel insurance policy meets all Schengen requirements: valid for the entire duration of your stay, covers the entire Schengen area, and has a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation.

• Previous visa refusal or overstay in the Schengen area.

  How to avoid: Always adhere to visa conditions and departure dates. If you have a previous refusal, address the reasons for that refusal in your new application and provide any additional documentation to mitigate concerns.

• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep original documents in a safe place.
• Be aware of local customs and laws. Jaywalking is illegal, and public consumption of alcohol is generally accepted but can be restricted in certain areas.
• Germany has an excellent public transport system. Consider purchasing a travel pass for cost-effective travel within cities.
• Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A tip of 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service.

• Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Germany?

  Extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons, and usually only for the duration of the exceptional circumstance. It is generally not possible to extend a tourist visa for leisure purposes.

• Can I work in Germany on a Schengen tourist visa?

  No, a Schengen tourist visa (Type C) does not permit any form of employment, paid or unpaid, in Germany or any other Schengen country. Engaging in work activities is a violation of visa conditions.

• What should I do if my German Schengen visa application is rejected?

  If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons. You have the right to appeal this decision within a specified timeframe, usually one month, by submitting a written appeal (remonstration) to the German mission that rejected your application, addressing the reasons for refusal.

• Do I need a transit visa if I have a layover in Germany?

  Indian citizens generally require an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) if they are transiting through a German airport to a non-Schengen destination and do not intend to leave the international transit area. However, there are exemptions, for example, if you hold a valid visa for a Schengen country, an EU/EEA country, or certain other countries like the USA, Canada, or Japan.

• How long does it take to process a German Schengen visa application?

  The processing time for a Schengen visa application is typically 15 calendar days from the date of submission. However, in some cases, it can take up to 45 days, especially during peak seasons or if further scrutiny of documents is required. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a German tourist visa?

  Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. If your passport expires in 5 months, you should consider renewing it before applying to ensure it meets this requirement. An application with insufficient passport validity may be refused.

• How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a German tourist visa?

  You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Germany and your return journey. The exact amount is not fixed but depends on the duration of your trip and your planned activities. You will need to provide recent bank statements, salary slips, or other proof of funds.

• I want to travel to Germany next month. Is there enough time to apply for a visa?

  It is generally recommended to apply for your Schengen visa at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date. While some applications may be processed faster, there is no guarantee, and processing times can vary. Applying at short notice increases the risk of not receiving your visa in time for your trip.

• I am self-employed in India. What documents do I need to show for my German tourist visa?

  As a self-employed applicant, you need to provide proof of your business registration, recent company bank statements, and income tax returns. Additionally, a cover letter explaining your business and travel purpose is recommended. These documents help demonstrate your financial stability and ties to India.

• I am travelling to Germany with my child. What extra documents do I need for their visa?

  When traveling with a minor, you must provide their original birth certificate and consent letters from both parents if only one parent is traveling. If one parent has sole custody, relevant legal documents must be submitted. Both parents' passports and visa copies (if applicable) are also usually required.

• How much does a Germany visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Berlin, or does this cover all of Germany?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Germany visa is valid for the whole country — including Berlin, Munich, Bavarian Alps and Cologne. Apply once for Germany and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.