Germany is in the Schengen area: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enter freely with a national ID card, and visa-waiver nationals (UK, US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and others) can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Other nationalities need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa issued before travel — apply through the German mission in your country (VIDEX online form), allow 4–6 weeks for an appointment plus the 15-day statutory processing time, and budget EUR 90 (about USD 98) for adults. Carry the event invitation or registration confirmation for the visa interview and at the border.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply via the German diplomatic mission responsible for your place of residence using the VIDEX online form; accompanying children aged 6–12 pay EUR 45 and under-6s are free. Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover is required. The EU's ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is being phased in — confirm the current requirement on the official EU site before booking
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