Visa-Free Travel for German Passport Holders: Navigating Electronic Permit Requirements Worldwide
Travel paperwork needed for these nations: Passport applications or visas may be mandatory for citizens traveling to certain countries. - Countries Need to Submit Application for This
German passport holders can roam over 170 countries without a visa, as stated by the Federal Ministry of the Interior. But remember, each destination has its own entry requirements. Some demand an entry permit to be acquired prior to arrival, such as those traveling to the UK and Thailand now.
United Kingdom
Since April of this year, German citizens must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in addition to a valid passport to enter the UK. Apply for the ETA before your journey, and it'll set you back £16. This Authorisation allows stays of up to six months for visiting family, business, or vacation. Be wary of third-party providers charging excessive fees or engaging in identity theft. Apply directly through the government website or official app to avoid any inconveniences.
United States
The US has had the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for some time, and it's highly recommended to apply at least 72 hours before traveling. This approval allows stays of up to 90 days within a two-year period. If you need a longer stay, a visa will be necessary. The current fee for ESTA is $21, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Canada
The Canadian government suggests booking your flight only after receiving the electronic travel authorization (eTA). Typically, approval is granted within minutes, though processing may take several days. Apply directly on the government website for the eTA, and it will cost you CAD 7. This authorization allows stays of up to six months and is valid for five years.
Australia
Travelers to Australia need an eVisitor permit or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). While the former is free, the latter incurs a processing fee of AUD 20. Both permits grant multiple stays of up to three months within a year. Visit the Department of Home Affairs' website for an overview of all options and visas.
New Zealand
New Zealand's electronic entry permit is known as the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The majority of applications are processed within less than 72 hours, though it's suggested to apply well in advance to avoid delays. Apply through an official website or app for the NZeTA, which grants stays of up to three months. It costs NZD 17 via the app and NZD 23 via the website.
Other Countries and Special Cases
Starting in January 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries will also need a permit to enter Israel. The electronic system for this is called ETA-IL. Like many other countries, it allows stays of up to 90 days over a two-year period. The application fee is 25 Shekels.
South Korea utilizes the K-ETA, allowing a 90-day stay for a processing fee of 10,000 Won. This electronic permit is currently suspended for Germans until the end of 2025.
Travelers to Thailand need the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) starting from May 1. This card replaces the previous TM6 entry form, which is no longer required. Tourists must register three days before their arrival, though reports suggest there are no fees associated with the TDAC. However, a charge of 300 Baht is expected for tourists come the next winter.
According to the Foreign Office, travelers to Zanzibar must obtain an entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) from October 1, 2024. This currently costs $44 per person, and failure to acquire this insurance may result in entry being denied.
For other countries, such as India and Cuba, German travelers will require a visa. The Foreign Office website offers an overview of regulations for individual countries, any (partial) travel warnings, or specific safety concerns pertaining to the destination countries. For more detailed information, it's generally best to contact the respective embassies.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Thailand
- United States Dollar
- Canada
- Australia
- Federal Ministry of the Interior
- New Zealand
- Consumer Center
- Israel
- Department of Homeland Security
- The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a requirement for German citizens visiting the United Kingdom, which can be acquired before the journey at a cost of £16.
- Similarly, the United States utilizes the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is highly recommended to apply at least 72 hours before traveling, with a fee of $21.
- For travelers to Thailand starting from May 1, 2023, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) will be required, which currently does not have associated fees, but reports suggest a charge of 300 Baht will be introduced during the next winter.
- As of October 1, 2024, travelers to Zanzibar will be required to have entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) at a cost of $44 per person, failure to acquire which may result in entry being denied.
