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.
Visa Country List
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.
Consulate Finder
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 (Please note these important regulations concerning your travel document/passport:
(a) its validity has to extend the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least 3 months
(b) it has to contain at least two blank pages;
(c) it must have been issued within the previous 10 years. If it has been issued before that, your passport can not be accepted. That even applies in cases where the validity has been extended by the authorities of your home country.
- 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 three 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 and one copy thereof
- reference letter from your employer
- airline reservation and one copy thereof
- your driver's license and/or utility bill in your name as proof of residence in the consular district where you plan to apply
- visa fees
- invitation letter/official affidavit from your friends/relatives in Germany and one copy thereof 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.
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.
