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Business / Tourism / Visitor Visa
A Schengen visa is required if you intend to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180 day period for business, visitor or tourist purposes.
Visa needed?
Entry clearance requirements depend on the citizenship of the applicant.
We are pleased to confirm that persons holding a US passport do not require a visa for the Schengen Member States, provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period and provided that no economic activity is being pursued. If you are not a US passport holder, please check our country list to see if you need a visa: country list
Where and how to apply?
German consular services are available throughout the USA. Customers will need to schedule an appointment via the service provider BLS International (except Consulate General Atlanta).
If you live in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Atlanta, please make sure to schedule an appointment in order to apply for a Schengen visa directly at the consulate (not via BLS).
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
Please note processing time of minimum 2 weeks. In some cases processing time may take up to 4 weeks plus additional business days for mailing your documents. Therefore make sure to schedule an appointment as early as possible before your intended trip to Germany.
In order to apply for a visa, it is not necessary to use services of an agency or service provider for facilitation. Also, some of such agencies provide false claims and information regarding the visa process. The German Missions are only cooperating with BLS International in the US.
Please be aware that the submission of forged documents and/or itineraries can lead to the rejection of the visa application.
Under certain circumstances you can mail in your application to the service provider BLS International. If you live in the consular jurisdiction of the consulate in Atlanta, you might mail in your application there if you qualify.
What do I need to fill out and bring?
- Online Schengen Visa Application Form
- Declaration of Accurancy
- Visa Photo Examples
- Visa Fees
- Information on Data Protection
Which documents are required?
Additional content
Information on Medical Health Insurance when applying for a visa.