Visit to relatives/friends in Germany
Visa Needed?
Entry clearance requirements are dependent on the citizenship of the applicant. Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to visit Germany for stays up to 90 days. Please check our country list if you are not sure whether you need a visa.
Where and how to apply?
German consular services are available through its Embassy in Washington and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco.
Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person. Click below to find out where to submit your application and to learn about any specific application procedures. Due to local particularities handling and processing may vary slightly among the German missions involved.
Required Documents
- fully completed application form (only German and English versions accepted) and required declaration
- two passport photographs (strict requirements, see details)
- valid national passport and one copy thereof
- original of valid US alien registration card or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F plus endorsed I-20, G, H, I, J plus J1 documents, L, O, R) and one copy
- your current bank statement from the previous two months and one copy hereof
- confirmation letter from your health insurance stating coverage for medical emergency, hospitalization and repatriation with a minimum of 30,000 Euros (equiv. US$ 50,000) for trips outside the US showing an office or contact number in a Schengen state and one copy thereof
- reference letter from your employer
- invitation letter from your friends/relatives in Germany together with a copy of their German ID or foreign passport.
The letter has to be signed and should state the names of inviter and invitee and the address in Germany where invitee will stay.Copy of the German ID should show the name and the current address of inviter.
Copies of the foreign passport should include ID page and the page showing the residence permit for Germany.
- airline reservation and one copy thereof
- visa fees
Please note: In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents.
Please Note: Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.
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