🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOM

🇩🇪GERMANY (SCHENGEN)GB-DE

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit Germany (Schengen)?

Q: Do UK citizens need a visa for Germany?

No. UK ordinary passport holders can visit Germany visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits.

Q: How long can I stay in Germany without a visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen area, not just Germany.

Q: Do I need ETIAS to travel to Germany now?

Not yet. ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026 with a transitional period; it will likely become mandatory around 2027. It is not required as of May 2026.

Q: What is the EES and do I have to register?

The Entry/Exit System records biometric data (photo and fingerprints) of non-EU visitors on first entry. It is free, replaces passport stamping, and the registration is valid for 3 years.

Q: What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?

You will need a national long-stay visa or residence permit for stays over 90 days, or for work or study purposes.

No visa required. UK ordinary passport holders can travel to Germany visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism under the Schengen short-stay rules. British citizens holding an ordinary passport do not need a visa to visit Germany for tourism. As a non-EU/EEA but visa-exempt nationality, you may stay in Germany and the wider Schengen area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Since the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live in 2025, UK travellers register biometric data (photo and fingerprints) on first entry; this is free and valid for 3 years. The ETIAS travel authorisation (a EUR 20 online pre-authorisation) is expected to launch in late 2026 and become mandatory only after a transitional period (around 2027) - it is NOT yet required as of 30 May 2026. For stays over 90 days or for work or study, a national visa/residence permit is required.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free (Schengen short stay)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

GBP 0 / EUR 0

consular fee only

Processing time

None - no advance application

standard track

Validity

Tied to the 90/180 rolling limit

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check your passport validity

Ensure your UK passport was issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area.

· Issued < 10 years ago· 3 months validity beyond departure

/02

Confirm your stay is within 90/180

Add up all days spent in Germany and any other Schengen country in the rolling 180-day window; the total must not exceed 90 days.

· 90 days max· 180-day rolling period

/03

Prepare supporting documents

Carry proof of onward/return travel, accommodation details, travel insurance and evidence of sufficient funds; border officers may ask to see them.

· Return ticket· Proof of funds

/04

On first entry under the Entry/Exit System, provide a photo and fingerprints at the border kiosk or booth. Registration is free and valid for 3 years.

· Free· Valid 3 years

/05

Pass border control

Present your passport; passports are stamped/scanned and your entry recorded electronically via EES. No visa is checked for short tourist stays.

· No visa needed

/06

Track ETIAS rollout for future trips

ETIAS authorisation (EUR 20, online) is expected from late 2026 and mandatory around 2027. It is not required now but plan to apply once it goes live.

· EUR 20· Not yet required

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

UK passport issued within the last 10 years

required

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure from Schengen

required

Stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period

required

Proof of onward or return travel

recommended

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking / invitation)

recommended

Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Travel/medical insurance

recommended

Biometric registration completed at EES on entry

required

ETIAS authorisation (only once mandatory, ~2027)

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Short-stay tourist visaEUR 0No visa required for UK ordinary passport holders

EES biometric registrationEUR 0Free; photo and fingerprints on first entry, valid 3 years

ETIAS travel authorisationEUR 20Not yet required; expected mandatory around 2027. Free for under-18s and over-70s

Total estimateEUR 0 — EUR 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa-free entry

Immediate at border

No advance application; present passport and complete EES biometrics on arrival.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and sightseeing

Short holidays and leisure travel within the 90/180 allowance.

High

/02

Visiting family or friends

Social visits to residents in Germany for short periods.

High

/03

Business meetings and conferences

Short business trips, meetings and trade events are permitted visa-free.

Medium

/04

Transit through Germany

Connecting via German airports or onward Schengen travel.

Medium

/05

Short cultural or sporting events

Attending festivals, exhibitions or matches as a visitor.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Border control

Carry your Schengen visa, itinerary, insurance, funds proof, and return ticket. Border officers can ask for the same evidence used for the visa.

/02

90/180 tracking

Your allowed stay is counted across the whole Schengen Area, not only Germany. Keep entry and exit dates recorded.

/03

Connectivity

EU roaming works for EU SIMs. Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are available at airports, stations, and electronics shops.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United Kingdom to Germany route verified

Confirmed via UK Government foreign travel advice and EU ETIAS portal that UK ordinary passport holders remain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. EES biometric registration is live; ETIAS (EUR 20) is expected late 2026 and not yet mandatory.

/09 — The questions