Guide to applying for a German tourist visa 2024

Germany captivates tourists with ancient castles, mysterious black forests, and bustling modern cities. This is the ideal destination to explore Europe's rich culture and unique history. If you are a Vietnamese citizen and want to apply for a tourist visa to Germany, there is some important information and notes that ABA VISA would like to share with you. Latest guide to applying for a German visa!

Latest instructions for applying for a German visa – What types of German tourist visas are there that you need to know?

When you apply for a visa to travel to Germany, there are several types of visas that you may consider depending on the purpose of your trip including:

Short Term Schengen Visa (C)

This is the most common type of visa for short-term travel, family visits, or business trips that are allowed to stay 90 days within a period of 180 days. This visa can be classified according to the number of entries:

Visa Schengen What is that? 

Because Germany is a country in the European Union (EU), the German tourist visa also has full accompanying privileges and is collectively called Schengen - it allows visa holders to travel freely between 26 countries in the region. Schengen in Europe, is not limited by internal border controls. This visa is usually issued for short-term trips, and can be used for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.

Which countries does the Schengen area include?

The Schengen area includes most EU countries and some non-EU countries such as Norway and Switzerland.

1. Shirt
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Virtue
9. Greek
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Italy
13. Latvia
14. Liechtenstein
15. Lithuania
16. Luxembourg
17. Malta
18. Netherlands
19. Norway
20. Poland
21. Portugal
22. Slovakia
23. Slovenia
24. Spain
25. Sweden
26. Switzerland

These countries have agreed to allow their citizens and visitors from other countries with Schengen visas to travel freely within the area without interruption from border controls.

Single entry visa

Allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen area once.

Double-entry visa

Allows you to enter the Schengen area twice.

Multiple entry visa

Allows you to enter the country many times enter the Schengen area within the validity of the visa.

German National Visa (D)

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, for example to take part in a short-term non-degree course or internship, you will need this type of visa. National visas are also used for longer-term residence purposes such as study or work.

Cultural or Sports Visit Visa

This type of visa is for people participating in cultural, scientific or sporting events.

Each of these visa types has its own requirements and application process, depending on the purpose of the trip and the desired length of stay in Germany. To ensure you choose the correct visa type and understand the necessary requirements, you should contact the German embassy or consulate directly or visit the official German visa and immigration website or contact with us over Hotline: 0938165817 (Zalo/WhatsApp) for specific advice on each case.

See more: APPLY FOR THE LATEST US VISA 2024

Documents needed to prepare to apply for a German visa

You need to prepare some basic documents as follows:

• Passport valid for at least six months.
• Household registration (notarized and translated into English or French)/Residency confirmation
• Proof of employment: For employees - Labor contract, leave application, salary statement.../ For Business Owners: Business registration certificate, Tax payment confirmation...
• 02 Photos 3.5 x 4.5
• Travel insurance.
• Letter explaining the purpose of the trip, invitation letter (in case you have relatives or friends in Germany)
• Proof of residence and travel itinerary.
• Proof of finances such as bank statements, savings books (about 200 million) or real estate documents...

Note: The documents listed above are just basic, for advice on documents based on each specific case, please contact us via Hotline: 0938165817 (Zalo/ WhatsApp) for the best support.

Where to apply for a German tourist visa?

Currently, German visa applications are submitted through VFS Global in Vietnam - an authorized unit of the Embassy to receive German visa applications. And you will also have your fingerprints taken at the VFS center. ABA VISA will assist you in making an appointment and submitting your German visa application here.

To apply for a German visa, you need to complete the visa application form appropriate to the type of visa you are applying for. Here are the two main types of forms you may need:

1. Schengen Visa application form (short-term visa)

• Used for short-term trips to Germany and other Schengen area countries, less than 90 days. The purpose can be tourism, visiting relatives, going on business trips, attending conferences, etc
• This form requires you to provide detailed personal information, trip plans, information about previous travel and visa history, employment status, financial information, and travel insurance.

2. German national visa application form (long-term visa)

• For those who plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days, for example to study, work, settle down, or reunite with family.
• This form requires more detailed personal information, as well as specific details about the purpose of the long-term stay, including proof of accommodation, study plans or employment contract, and health status. health, and other related factors.

How to get application form:

• Online: You can download these forms online from the website of the German Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam or from the websites of official visa application centers.
• Direct: If you live near a German Embassy or Consulate, you can go and pick up the application form in person.

Note when filling out the form:

• Make sure to fill in all required information completely and accurately.
• Double-check your completed sections before submitting to avoid errors that could cause your application to be delayed or denied.
• Attach all required supporting documents, such as passport photo, proof of finances, travel insurance, invitation letter, and other documents depending on the purpose of your trip.

Careful preparation and compliance with the instructions will help your visa application process go more smoothly

Processing time for tourist visa to Germany

It usually takes about 15 days to process the application, however, this time may vary depending on each specific case and according to the regulations of the German Embassy.

Cost of applying for a tourist visa to Germany

Depending on the type of tourist visa, there will be different fees, please contact ABA VISA for a quote at the current time.

Applying for a German visa for Vietnamese citizens may not be too complicated if you prepare all the necessary documents and follow the correct process. However, visa issuance is not guaranteed and may depend on many factors such as the purpose of the trip, the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents, as well as travel history and other factors. .

It is important that you should not buy air tickets before your visa is approved to avoid the risk of losing money if your visa is not issued.

Visa applications should be made at least one month to two months before the intended departure date to ensure there is enough time for application processing.

If you meet all the requirements and the application process is carried out correctly, the chances of receiving a German tourist visa are quite high, but not an absolute certainty. Therefore, ABA VISA, with experience supporting many customers applying for German visas, will be the place to evaluate documents and advise so you can easily know whether your success rate is high or low before deciding to apply. Germany tourist visa.

For the case if you apply for a German visa with the purpose of being invited by relatives or friends in Germany

If you apply for a German visa with the purpose of being invited by relatives or friends in Germany, you need to provide the following information and documents:

Invitation: The inviter needs to write an invitation letter to you. This letter should include:

• • Name, address, and contact information of the inviter.
  • Purpose of visit.
  • The relationship between you and the inviter.
  • Details of your stay and where you will stay during your trip.
  • Commitment to financial support (if any) and accommodation for you.

Proof of the inviting person's finances: If the inviter commits to financial support, they need to provide:

• • Most recent bank statement.
  • Documents proving income or assets.

Proof of residence: If you will be staying at the inviter's house, they will need to provide proof of ownership or a rental contract.

• Prove a reasonable travel purpose: The inviter and you need to prove that the purpose of the trip is appropriate and that you have a clear plan to return to the country after the visa expires.

After getting a German visa, what do you need to keep in mind?

After getting your German visa, you need to keep in mind the following important things to make your trip go smoothly and avoid breaking the law while in Germany:

1. Check Passport and Visa: Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Check the information on the visa to make sure there are no errors.
2. Health Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory when entering Germany, ensure you have appropriate health insurance covering at least 30,000 euros for emergency medical expenses and unplanned return to your home country.
3. Comply with entry and stay regulations: Although your visa may allow you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you are not allowed to work unless you have a work permit. Comply with the purpose of the trip such as tourism, visiting relatives, or business.
4. Notify immigration authorities: If you plan to stay in Germany for more than three days, you must register your temporary residence with the local authority.
5. Note about regulations in Germany: Learn and comply with German legal regulations, including traffic safety regulations, residence laws, and other regulations related to daily operations.
6. Stay in touch with the Embassy: In case of emergency or you need legal assistance, you should contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany.
7. Financial preparation and banking transactions: Make sure you have enough finances for the trip and understand how to do banking in Germany.

If you need to contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany in an emergency, you can do the following:

• Address: The Embassy is located at Elsenstraße 3, 12435 Berlin-Treptow, Germany.
• Phone: You can call the number (+49) 30 5363 0108 to contact the embassy.
• Email: Email can be sent to the address [email protected] to receive support.
• Work time: The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

If you need urgent consular assistance outside business hours, you can contact the civil protection phone number: +49-1625391500.

These are official contact details and you should use them to ensure you receive the necessary support from the Embassy in any situation. For more information, you can visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany here.

Why should you choose ABA VISA & LAW SERVICE to Apply for a German Visa?

• With many years of experience, we will advise for free and suggest a plan for applying for a German tourist visa that suits your purposes.
• We aim to exploit your strengths and minimize your weaknesses to help you achieve the best results.
• ABA VISA & LAW SERVICE Guide customers to prepare necessary documents to apply for a German visa and support notarized translation of documents.
• We represent customers to submit documents, work with the Embassy to save you time and effort.
• ABA VISA & LAW SERVICE Supports processing German visa applications and visa extensions according to customer needs at the German Consulate in Vietnam.
• Monitor visa results and handle problems that arise during the German visa application process.
• Delivery of results to the place.