Travel Permits: Essential Requirements for German Passport Holders
Countries Need to Submit Applications for This Case - Submission of Application Required for These Countries
Heading to another country? Don't forget to check the entry requirements! While a German passport grants access to more than 170 countries without a visa, complying with each country's specific entry rules is still a must. Here are some destinations where an entry permit is necessary:
The United Kingdom
With the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you can now visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business trips, or a mix of purposes for up to six months. As of April 2, 2025, you must apply for this mandatory ETA before traveling. The process costs around 16 pounds and can be completed directly via the government website or official app. Be on guard against third-party providers giving false promises or compromising your personal data.
United States
German citizens have been using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for some time now to enter the US for stays up to 90 days within a two-year span. It's highly recommended to submit the application no less than 72 hours before your trip. For longer stays or purposes other than tourism, business, or transit, a visa is required. The processing fee is currently 21 USD, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Canada
If you're flying to Canada, be sure to secure an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before booking your flight, as these are often processed within a few minutes, but waiting times may vary. The eTA allows stays of up to six months in most cases and is valid for up to five years. The fee is 7 Canadian dollars. Booking your flight after obtaining the eTA is advised to avoid potential delays.
Australia
For a trip to Australia, you'll need either an eVisitor permit or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). While the eVisitor permit is free of charge, the ETA carries a 20 AUD processing fee. Both options allow for multiple stays of up to three months within a year. Learn more about your options on the Department of Home Affairs' website.
New Zealand
Traveling to New Zealand calls for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which grants stays of up to three months. Although processing typically takes less than 72 hours, it's advised to apply "well in advance" to avoid delays. The NZeTA can be obtained via an official website or app and costs 17 NZ dollars via the app and 23 NZ dollars via the website.
Other Countries & Special Cases
Are you planning to visit Israel, South Korea, Thailand, or Zanzibar? Be mindful of additional requirements and fees for these destinations. For comprehensive information on specific countries and their visa requirements, consult the respective embassies.
- Travel permit
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- South Korea
- Zanzibar
- Israel
Detailed Insights:
Here are the current entry permit requirements for traveling from Germany to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, and Zanzibar:
- United Kingdom (UK): Since April 2, 2025, German citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short stays (up to 6 months) in the UK. The ETA is mandatory for all German travelers visiting for holidays, business, study, or family visits [3][5].
- United States of America (USA): Generally, German citizens enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for stays up to 90 days. They must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip. For longer stays or purposes other than tourism, business, or transit, a visa is required.
- Canada: For stays up to 6 months, German citizens typically don't need a visa but must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they fly to or transit through Canada. For longer stays or specific purposes (e.g., work, study), a visa is required.
- Australia: Germans can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa for stays up to 3 months if they are traveling for tourism or business. For longer stays or specific purposes, other visas may be necessary.
- New Zealand: For stays up to 6 months, German citizens need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) if they fly to or transit through New Zealand. For longer stays or different purposes, a visa is required.
- Israel: Israel now requires travelers from countries that do not require visas to apply for an electronic system called ETA-IL for stays up to 90 days over a two-year period. The application fee is 25 shekels.
- South Korea: South Korea's K-ETA allows a 90-day stay for a processing fee of 10,000 Won, but it's currently suspended until the end of 2025 for German travelers.
- Thailand: The mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaces the previous TM6 entry form. Tourists must register within three days before arrival, with no fees at present but a 300 Baht charge expected for tourists from the next winter.
- Zanzibar: Travelers to Zanzibar must obtain travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) since October 1, 2024, at a cost of $44 per person. Entry may be denied without this insurance.
- In EC countries like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, German passport holders may require a travel permit such as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for visits up to 6 months and 3 months, respectively.
- For aspirations to explore beyond work and leisure, it's essential to note that a visa may be necessary for longer stays or particular purposes in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and Zanzibar.
