ETIAS Will Soon be Required for Germany: What to Know

Germany, one of the most popular travel destinations in Western Europe offers a mix of the old and the new, urban and nature, land and sea.

With historic cities like Munich, castles straight out of fairytales, and Berlin’s unrivaled night scene, traveling to Germany can be the adventure of a lifetime.

European travel requirements continue to evolve, with one of the newer requirements being ETIAS approval.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS for Germany and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Berlin, Frankfurt, or wherever you’re off to in this diverse country.

Do I need ETIAS to visit Germany?

Yes. ETIAS is required for anyone traveling to Germany who does not hold a valid Schengen visa/passport, from 2026 on.

Even if you did not need ETIAS to travel to Germany in the past, you need one now.

The Schengen area (which includes Germany) has visa-waiver agreements with a handful of countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Citizens of these countries do not need to obtain a visa to travel to Germany (or anywhere in the Schengen area for that matter).

Because a visa isn’t required, citizens from visa-waiver countries need to get ETIAS approval to enter the Schengen area from 2026 on.

It is important to keep in mind that ETIAS doesn’t replace a visa – if you’re planning to travel to Germany/the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of ETIAS.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country (such as China, India, or Russia), you do not need to ETIAS to travel to Germany; you need a visa instead. Learn more in our Germany visa guide.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a German visa?

No. If you hold a valid visa for Germany (or a Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is an “either/or” situation. Either you need a Schengen visa or you need ETIAS approval.

How to apply for ETIAS for Germany

Getting your ETIAS for Germany is quick and easy. The process is entirely online and should only take you a few minutes.

Step one: fill out the form on ETIAS

You’ll need to fill out a form with your details, including your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.

Step two: answer personal background questions

You’ll be asked a few questions about your background, such as your highest level of education and current occupation. You’ll also need to share other details like your parents’ first names.

Step three: pay the application fee

After filling out the form and answering a few questions, you will need to pay the application fee online with a debit or credit card. The fee is 20 euros.

Step four: wait for approval

In most cases, you’ll receive ETIAS approval immediately (or within a couple of minutes). While uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days in some circumstances, so it’s always best to apply ahead of time to avoid any potential travel delays.

Step five: travel to Germany!

Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see when you travel to Germany. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case.

Step six: reapply for ETIAS when needed

Your approved ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once the three years are up or when you renew your passport, you’ll need to reapply for ETIAS. You can do this by repeating the steps above.

Traveling outside of Germany

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

TLDR

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Germany who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2026 on.
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes.
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• German/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Germany visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 20 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.