Germany Tourist Visa for Indians

Types of Tourist Visas for Germany

Applying for the right Germany visa from India for your visit is critical, as you plan to enjoy a holiday in this country. The Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa) is the most prominent Germany tourist visa for Indians. It allows you to visit Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Single-Entry Schengen Visa: This visa would be ideal for people planning a single trip to Germany (and possibly other Schengen countries). With this visa, you would not be allowed to re-enter the Schengen zone once you leave it. A single-entry Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Double-Entry Schengen Visa: You would require a double-entry visa if you are planning to enter, leave, and then re-enter the Schengen Area. This visa would expire when you leave the Schengen Area for the second time, even if you have not used all the travel days it specifies. A double-entry Schengen visa also entitles its holder/s to stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa: This visa allows you to make multiple trips in and out of the Schengen Area.  Multiple-entry Schengen visas are available, lasting one, three, and five years, and would cover you for any trips within that period.

Airport Transit Visa: An airport transit visa would be required by Indian travellers who have to change flights for their destination countries through one of the international airports in Germany. The airport transit visa for Germany is valid for up to 24 hours and does not allow you to leave the international transit area.

Visa Application Process

The process to apply for a Germany visa from India is fairly simple. You just need to follow a few important steps.

• Step 1: Determine The Right Visa Type

First of all, you need to identify the right Germany tourist visa for India to apply for, based on your specific requirements and travel plans.

• Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Each visa category has specific documentation requirements. You must have all the necessary documents in place as per your chosen visa type. Germany visa requirements for Indians visiting the country for tourism include documents like:

• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Travel Insurance
• Your travel itinerary
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of accommodation
• Step 3: Visit The VFS Global Website.

To apply for a Germany visa from India, you have to visit VFS Global’s website, open an account, list Germany as your ‘visiting country’ and India as your ‘residing country’.  You need to specify the visa type you are applying for and schedule an appointment at the VFS Global centre located closest to you.

• Step 4: Answer Questions

You would have to give a few personal details and answer questions about your background at the VFS Global website.

• Step 5: Pay The Visa Fee

You have to pay a visa fee for the visa application to be processed. Germany visa fees for Indian citizens are about €80. The visa centre shall let you know whether you have to pay the fee before you apply or at the time of application.

• Step 6: Submit Your Application

Show up in time for your appointment at the VFS Global centre, along with all the necessary documents. The staff at the centre would take your application, documents and passport and submit them to the German embassy for review.

• Step 7: Wait for Processing

A Germany tourist visa or Schengen visa takes around 15 days to get processed. You may track the status of your application online.

• Step 8: Collect Your Visa

After your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa sticker.

Having a good understanding of the tourist visa for Germany from India, including the price and documentation involved, is extremely important before proceeding with the application. 

Germany Visa Charges for Indians

The short-stay Germany visa cost from India is 90€ for adults and 45€ for children between 6 and 12 years of age. This fee may change with time. Hence, you must check the up-to-date cost of a Germany visit visa from India when planning your trip.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: One of the most common reasons for visa rejections is the submission of incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Hence, you must double-check the documentation requirements specific to your visa type before submitting your application.

Inadequate Financial Proof: Failing to provide sufficient or valid proof of financial stability can lead to visa rejection. You should ideally submit your recent bank statements and pay slips with the visa application.

Missing Application Deadlines: Visa processing can take time, and missing deadlines can jeopardise your plans. You should consider applying for your visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date, and set reminders on your phone to keep track of deadlines.

 Tips for Travellers

• You must make sure that all details provided on your visa application are correct and current.
• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Germany and have sufficient blank pages.
• Give a clear and concise explanation of your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
• Familiarise yourself with the visa requirements beforehand and be ready to answer questions about your trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

All the information mentioned above is accurate at the time of writing.