Germany Tourist Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Well, in order to enter Germany for tourism, an individual requires a Germany Schengen tourist visa. If you are not from a Schengen nation or from a visa-exempt nation, you will require a visa to enter. Germany finds its mention in the list of the Schengen countries. What is the Germany Schengen tourist Visa? 

• A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows an individual to enter Schengen countries for tourism purposes, for up to 90 days in a maximum of a 180-day period depending upon the validity. 

• Schengen tourist visa not only enables the nationals to enter Germany but while holding this visa, one could travel to all the 26 Schengen countries. 

The tourist visa for Germany for Indian citizen could limit any nationals to just sightseeing or a tourism purpose. No study or work purpose will be allowed while holding this visa. Germany tourist visa, also known as the Germany Schengen tourist visa is categorized into three entries as, 

Note that even if you have a long validity and multiple entries, your cumulative stay of all the visits to the country must not be longer than 90 days in a 180-day period. 

• Who Needs a Visa?: All Indian citizens require a visa to enter Germany for tourism purposes, as India is not part of the visa-free policy for the Schengen Area.
• Type of Visa: For tourism, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa (Category C), specifically for the purpose of:
• Tourism
• Visiting Family/Friends (if applicable)
• Schengen Area: Germany is part of the Schengen Area, allowing you to visit other Schengen countries with this visa.

3.1 Check Jurisdiction

• Why is it important?: Ensuring you apply through the correct German mission saves time and prevents potential rejection.

• How to Check Jurisdiction:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the German Embassy New Delhi's website or the website of the Consulate General in your region.

• Consult the "Jurisdiction" or "Consular Districts" Section: Typically found under "Visa", "Consular Services", or "About Us".

• Match Your Residence with the Listed Areas:

• German Embassy New Delhi: Usually responsible for the North Indian states.

• Consulate General Bengaluru: Covers South Indian states.

• Consulate General Chennai: Responsible for certain South Indian states.

• Consulate General Kolkata: Covers East Indian states.

• Consulate General Mumbai: Handles applications from West Indian states.

Example Jurisdictional Breakdown (Subject to Change):

3.2 Book an Appointment

• Why is an Appointment Necessary?: To manage the flow of applicants and reduce waiting times.

• How to Book an Appointment:

• Online Appointment System:

• Website: Visit the website of the responsible German mission.

• Section: Look for "Visa", "Appointments", or "Online Application".

• Tool/Platform: Utilize the provided online tool (e.g., VFS Global, Embassy's own system) to schedule your appointment.

• Required Information:

• Personal details (Name, Date of Birth, etc.).

• Contact information (Email, Phone Number).

• Preferred date and time for the appointment.

• Appointment Confirmation:

• Email/SMS: Receive a confirmation of your appointment.

• Print/Save Appointment Letter: For your records and to present at the appointment.

3.3 Submit Application

• What to Expect:

• Arrival and Waiting:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

• Present your appointment confirmation.

• Document Submission:

• All Required Documents: Ensure you have every necessary document (as outlined in the initial requirements).

• Verification: Staff will verify your documents.

• Biometric Data Collection:

• Fingerprint Scanning: Part of the Schengen visa process.

• Photograph: Ensure it meets the Schengen photo requirements.

• Application Fee Payment:

• Payment Method: As specified by the German mission (e.g., cash, credit/debit card).

• Receipt: Obtain a receipt for your payment.

Example of What to Bring to the Appointment:

• Appointment confirmation printout

• All required documents for the visa application

• Application fee (in the specified payment method)

• A valid government-issued ID (for identification purposes)

3.4 Wait for the Decision

• Processing Times:

• Standard: Typically 15 calendar days.

• Extended for Complex Cases: Up to 60 days or more in rare instances.

• Status Check:

• Online: Through the German mission's website or the outsourced application center's platform, if available.

• Contact: Reach out to the German mission via phone or email for updates, though this is not always recommended unless necessary.

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid Passport:
• Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
• Should have at least two blank pages.
• Issued within the last 10 years.
2. Filled Application Form:
• Download from the official website of the German Embassy or Consulate in India.
• Ensure all fields are correctly filled; errors can lead to delays.
3. Recent Photos:
• 2-3 recent, biometric-compatible, passport-sized photographs.
• Adhere to the Schengen photo requirements.
4. Flight Reservation:
• Proof of flight reservation or a document showing your planned travel itinerary.
• Note: Actual flight booking might be requested at a later stage.
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Covers you for the entire Schengen Area.
• Minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Ensures emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
6. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank statement of the last 3-6 months (approx. €45 per day of stay, or the overall stay if less).
• Sponsorship letter and sponsor's bank statement (if someone else covers your expenses).
• Proof of income (salary slips, employment certificate).
7. Proof of Accommodation:
• Hotel booking or reservation.
• Rental agreement (for private residences).
• Invitation letter from your host (with their ID and residence permit, if not a German citizen).
8. Proof of Purpose of Visit:
• Detailed day-to-day itinerary.
• Invitation letter (for visiting friends/family, including their contact details and residence permit).

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• For Minors:
• Birth certificate.
• Consent letter from both parents.
• Parents' passports.
• For Employed Individuals:
• Leave approval from employer.
• Employment certificate.
• For Self-Employed:
• Business registration.
• Tax returns.

The Germany visa photo specification is described below -

• Photograph size: 35mmx45mm
• Height from top to bottom of the face: 32- 36mm.
• The photograph should be centrally aligned. 
• The photo must be clearly visible. 
• No edits will be allowed. 
• The photograph must be recently clicked.
• The background of the photo must be light-coloured. 
• No shadow will be allowed in the picture. Also, any interference of the object in the picture will not be considered. 
• You must give a neutral reaction.

• Application Fee:
  
  
• €80 for adults.
• €40 for children between 6-12 years.
• Free for children under 6 years.
  
  
  
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, or as specified by the German mission.

• Standard Processing Time: 15 calendar days.
  
  
• Extended Processing Time: Up to 60 days for complex applications.
  
  
• Status Check: Through the embassy/consulate's website or the outsourced visa application center, if applicable.

• Not Always Required: Depends on the application and the discretion of the German mission.

• Preparation:
  
  
• Explain your travel plans.
• Discuss your financial situation.
• Highlight your ties to India (to ensure return).

• Visa Approval:
  
  
• Check for the visa sticker in your passport.
• Ensure all details are correct.
  
  

• Collection:
  
  
• From the embassy/consulate or designated pickup point.
• Bring the receipt issued during the application submission.

• Schengen Visa Rules:
  
  
• Understand the 90/180-day rule.
• Familiarize yourself with the allowed stay duration.
  

• Registration with Local Authorities:
  
  
• Mandatory for stays exceeding a certain period (varies by location).

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Insufficient financial means.
• Unclear or incomplete application.
• Lack of proof for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay.
• Health insurance not meeting the requirements.

Tips for Success

• Apply Early: At least 3 weeks before your trip.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Be Prepared for the Interview: Clearly explain your plans and ties to India.