List of countries that don’t need visa to enter Germany
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Germany will continue its visa-free travel policy for citizens of 62 non-EU/Schengen countries in 2026.
- Eligible travelers can visit for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- The list of countries includes major partners like the United States, the UK, Canada, and Japan, but employment is not permitted under this exemption.
Germany plans to maintain its visa-free access policy for travelers from 62 countries outside the European Union and Schengen Area for short stays through 2026, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.
This policy allows eligible individuals to enter Germany for tourism, business meetings, or family visits without a visa. The duration of stay is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the visa exemption explicitly prohibits taking up employment during the visit.
The list of visa-exempt countries comprises significant diplomatic and economic partners of Germany. Notable nations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel. Citizens from these countries can enjoy seamless entry for short-term purposes.
Additionally, individuals from a select group of these visa-exempt countries may be eligible to apply for certain residence permits after their arrival in Germany, provided they meet the country's immigration regulations. Travelers must adhere to the 90-day limit, and those intending to work or extend their stay beyond this period must secure the appropriate visa or residence permit beforehand or upon arrival, depending on their specific nationality and eligibility criteria.
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.