Germany visa for India passport holders

Before you travel, check what the official route asks for. Which route is open to you depends on your passport and your situation.

Apply for a short-stay tourist visa before travelling. The maximum short-stay allowance is 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen, but the visa may grant less and approval is not guaranteed. A qualifying Schengen residence permit or long-stay visa can change the requirement. Follow the consulate's supporting-document and medical-insurance requirements.

ETIAS is not operational and is not accepting applications. EES records eligible travellers at the border; it is not an advance arrival form.

Germany's Federal Foreign Office says visa-free visitors must have enough money for their stay and their departure, and may be checked on the purpose and conditions of their stay. It doesn't list a prebooked ticket as a requirement for every visitor, but carry proof of departure.

The Foreign Office explicitly advises visa-exempt visitors to obtain health cover including return transport. Standard Schengen visa applicants must hold compliant cover; their insurance is compulsory, not merely advised.

These conditions are for a regular tourist visit. Where you live, your visa status and the route you take can change what applies to you.

• Short stays share a limit of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen area. Your visa or permission can allow less; this is not 90 days in each country.
• For ordinary third-country visitors, the passport generally must have been issued within 10 years and remain valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
• Border officials may request accommodation, funds and evidence of the purpose of your visit. Residence permits and qualifying EU/EEA family relationships can change the rules.