EU/EEA and Swiss nationals travel to Germany on an ID card or passport with no visa. Nationals of visa-waiver countries (USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Korea and others) can attend K visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — business visits to a trade fair are covered, but the EU's ETIAS pre-travel authorisation (approx. EUR 20, valid 3 years) is rolling out from 2026–2027 and should be checked before booking. Nationals of countries without a Schengen visa-waiver agreement (including India, China, Turkey and most of Africa and Asia) need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa: EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6–12 and free under 6, applied for at the German mission in your country of residence. Standard processing is about 15 calendar days but can take up to 45, so apply 4–6 weeks before travel. A Messe Düsseldorf invitation letter, proof of accommodation, return travel and travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 cover are the usual supporting documents.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Type C short-stay Schengen visa; children 6–12 pay EUR 45 and under 6 are free. Requires travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 cover, proof of accommodation and return travel. Business travel should be requested so exhibitor staff can work at the stand (Messe Düsseldorf invitation letter helps). 90 days in any 180-day period, sufficient for K and surrounding business travel. Check ETIAS
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