ETIAS Authorization to Travel to Germany

Germany is the economic and industrial heart of Europe. Non-Schengen nationals will soon be required to have an ETIAS authorization to enter the country. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Can you travel to Germany with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. For stays of less than 90 days, travelers who are nationals of countries authorized by the ETIAS system will be able to enter Germany with only an ETIAS travel authorization, without having to apply for a Schengen visa. Germany has been a founding member of the Schengen Area since 1985.

The ETIAS system will apply to all Schengen countries, which means that a single authorization is sufficient if your trip includes Germany and other destinations such as Austria, the Netherlands, or France.

Germany — Europe’s leading rail hub: Germany has a dense rail network that connects it to all neighboring countries in the Schengen Area. An ETIAS authorization will allow you to enter Germany by plane or by international train—from Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, or Zurich—without any additional formalities at each border.

How do I obtain an ETIAS authorization for Germany?

The ETIAS authorization application will be completed entirely online. Filling out the ETIAS form will take only a few minutes if the applicant has a valid biometric passport.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online on the official European Union website using the information from your passport and answer the security questions.

Pay fees

Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The system is free for those under 18 and those over 70.

Receive confirmation

The response is sent by email. Processing times vary depending on the request—please allow at least 8 days before departure.

Travel with Peace of Mind

The ETIAS system is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print out your authorization before going to the airport.

Do you need an ETIAS authorization to make a stopover in Germany?

An ETIAS authorization will allow you to make a layover in Germany without a Schengen visa. Frankfurt (FRA) is one of the busiest airports in Europe and a major hub for intercontinental connections. The other major airports—Munich (MUC), Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Düsseldorf (DUS), and Hamburg (HAM)—are also within the Schengen Area.

How much does an ETIAS authorization for Germany cost?

The European Union has set the fee for the ETIAS authorization at €20. This amount is the same for all Schengen countries. Payment can only be made online by credit card.

Practical Information for Traveling in Germany

Top Destinations in Germany

Germany attracts tens of millions of visitors every year. Berlin, the capital, is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe. Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dresden, and Stuttgart are among the most visited destinations. Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, the Romantic Road, the Rhine Valley, and the Christmas markets attract many travelers from around the world.

Traveling to Germany from Abroad

The main international airports are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin Brandenburg (BER). Germany is also very well connected by international rail—from Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Zurich—via direct high-speed connections.

Business Trips to Germany

Germany hosts some of the world’s most important trade shows: the Frankfurt Book Fair, CeBIT, and the Hannover Messe (industry and technology), as well as the Munich Motor Show. For these trips, please visit our page on business travel with an ETIAS authorization.