How much does a Germany tourist visa cost?

For a Germany tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Germany tourist visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Germany tourist visa?

German embassy or consulate directly, or VFS Global in some countries. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Germany tourist visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Visa application form (VIDEX system); 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservation; Hotel bookings; Cover letter; Bank statements (3 months); Employment verification; Formal obligation letter (if invited by a resident). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Germany tourist visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Germany tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Germany consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

15 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany tourist visa

German embassy or consulate directly, or VFS Global in some countries.

Required documents

Valid passport
Visa application form (VIDEX system)
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Flight reservation
Hotel bookings
Cover letter
Bank statements (3 months)
Employment verification
Formal obligation letter (if invited by a resident)

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.

Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced.

Booking an appointment

Book directly on the embassy website. Waiting times vary heavily by country (2 weeks to 3 months).

Practical tips

Use VIDEX to prepare the form online, then print. Book the appointment as soon as your travel plans are set.

What is unusual about the Germany process

Some German consulates require an in-person Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) from your host, issued by their local Ausländerbehörde.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Germany Visa Application Centre – London
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Manchester — Germany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Edinburgh — Germany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Germany consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Germany tourist visa cost?: For a Germany tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany tourist visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Germany tourist visa?: German embassy or consulate directly, or VFS Global in some countries. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany tourist visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Visa application form (VIDEX system); 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservation; Hotel bookings; Cover letter; Bank statements (3 months); Employment verification; Formal obligation letter (if invited by a resident). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Germany tourist visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Book directly on the embassy website. Waiting times vary heavily by country (2 weeks to 3 months).
Can I apply for a Germany tourist visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇩🇪 Germany tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time