Are you a proud holder of a German passport? If so, you’ve got something powerful in your pocket. As of 2025, Germany has one of the most powerful passports in the world. The German passport actually is considered the 3rd most powerful passport in the world, offering you visa-free or simplified access to nearly 190 destinations.
Visa Not Required (With Stay Duration) – 115 Countries
These are countries where you can travel visa-free for a specific number of days. For example, head to Argentina for 90 days or chill out in Georgia for up to a full year. German passport holders can enter these countries without a visa and stay for the number of days specified:
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Albania – 90 days
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Andorra – 90 days
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Antigua and Barbuda – 180 days
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Argentina – 90 days
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Armenia – 180 days
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Australia – 90 days (with ETA)
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Austria – 90 days
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Bahamas – 90 days
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Barbados – 180 days
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Belarus – 30 days
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Belgium – 90 days
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Belize – 90 days
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Bosnia and Herzegovina – 90 days
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Botswana – 90 days
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Brazil – 90 days
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Brunei – 90 days
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Bulgaria – 90 days
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Canada – 180 days
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Chile – 90 days
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Colombia – 180 days
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Costa Rica – 90 days
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Croatia – 90 days
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Cyprus – 90 days
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Czech Republic – 90 days
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Denmark – 90 days
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Dominica – 180 days
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Dominican Republic – 90 days
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Ecuador – 90 days
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El Salvador – 90 days
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Estonia – 90 days
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Eswatini – 30 days
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Fiji – 120 days
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Finland – 90 days
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France – 90 days
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Georgia – 360 days
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Greece – 90 days
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Grenada – 90 days
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Guatemala – 90 days
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Honduras – 90 days
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Hong Kong – 90 days
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Hungary – 90 days
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Iceland – 90 days
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Indonesia – 30 days
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Ireland – 90 days
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Israel – 90 days
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Italy – 90 days
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Jamaica – 90 days
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Japan – 90 days
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Kazakhstan – 30 days
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Kiribati – 120 days
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South Korea – 90 days
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Kosovo – 90 days
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Kyrgyzstan – 60 days
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Latvia – 90 days
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Lesotho – 90 days
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Liechtenstein – 90 days
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Lithuania – 90 days
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Luxembourg – 90 days
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Macau – 90 days
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Malaysia – 90 days
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Malta – 90 days
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Mauritius – 90 days
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Mexico – 180 days
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Moldova – 90 days
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Monaco – 90 days
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Mongolia – 30 days
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Montenegro – 90 days
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Morocco – 90 days
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Namibia – 90 days
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Netherlands – 90 days
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New Zealand – 90 days
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Nicaragua – 90 days
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North Macedonia – 90 days
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Norway – 90 days
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Panama – 180 days
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Paraguay – 90 days
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Peru – 180 days
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Philippines – 30 days
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Poland – 90 days
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Portugal – 90 days
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Qatar – 90 days
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Romania – 90 days
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Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days
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Saint Lucia – 90 days
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 90 days
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San Marino – 90 days
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Serbia – 90 days
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Singapore – 90 days
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Slovakia – 90 days
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Slovenia – 90 days
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South Africa – 90 days
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Spain – 90 days
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Suriname – 90 days
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Sweden – 90 days
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Switzerland – 90 days
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Taiwan – 90 days
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Thailand – 30 days
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Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days
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Tunisia – 90 days
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Turkey – 90 days
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Ukraine – 90 days
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United Arab Emirates – 90 days
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United Kingdom – 180 days
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United States – 90 days (with ESTA)
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Uruguay – 90 days
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Uzbekistan – 30 days
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Vanuatu – 30 days
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Vatican City – 90 days
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Venezuela – 90 days
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Vietnam – 45 days
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Seychelles – 90 days
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Micronesia – 90 days
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Samoa – 90 days
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Marshall Islands – 90 days
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Palau – 90 days
Visa on Arrival – 25 Countries
If you’re the spontaneous type, these are perfect for you. Just fly in, go to the visa counter at the airport, pay a small fee, and you’re good to go. These are the countries that allow German passport holders to do just that:
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Bangladesh
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Bolivia
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Comoros
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Egypt
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Guyana
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Iran
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Jordan
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Laos
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Lebanon
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Maldives
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Marshall Islands
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Mauritania
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Mozambique
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Nepal
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Palau
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Rwanda
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Samoa
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Senegal
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Seychelles
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Solomon Islands
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Tajikistan
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Timor-Leste
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Togo
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Tuvalu
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Zambia
eVisa – 30 Countries
Skip the embassy and apply online before your trip. These destinations let you get a visa in just a few clicks if you hold a German passport. This is super helpful if you’re planning ahead but don’t want the paperwork hassle.
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Armenia
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Azerbaijan
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Bahrain
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Benin
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Bhutan
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Cameroon
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Côte d’Ivoire
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DR Congo
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Djibouti
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Equatorial Guinea
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Ethiopia
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Gabon
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Guinea
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India
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Kenya
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Kyrgyzstan
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Madagascar
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Malawi
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Myanmar
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Namibia
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Nigeria
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Pakistan
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Saudi Arabia
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South Sudan
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Sri Lanka
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Sudan
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Suriname
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Tanzania
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Uganda
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Uzbekistan
Visa Available Both on Arrival or Online – 5 Countries
Can’t decide whether to plan ahead or go with the flow? These countries give you both options. Apply online if you like to be prepared, or just get it when you land.
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Cambodia
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Iraq
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Laos
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Tajikistan
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Vietnam
Visa Required – 21 Countries
Some countries still require traditional visas for German travelers. These places demand advance planning and an official visa before departure. Think of China, Russia, and a few African countries.
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Afghanistan
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Algeria
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Angola
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Burkina Faso
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Central African Republic
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Chad
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China
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Republic of the Congo
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Cuba
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Eritrea
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Gambia
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Ghana
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Liberia
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Libya
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Mali
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Niger
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North Korea
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Syria
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Turkmenistan
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Yemen
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Russia
German Passport Travel FAQs
How powerful is the German passport in 2025?
It is very, very powerful. As of 2025, it ranks among the top in the world. Owing to this, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 189 countries as of 2025.
Can I enter the USA without a visa?
Yes, but you must apply for an ESTA online first under the Visa Waiver Program. It allows German citizens to stay up to 90 days.
Do I need a visa for European countries?
Not usually. You have full access to EU countries and visa-free stays in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if you’re heading outside the EU.
Which countries offer visa on arrival for Germans?
Examples include Maldives, Iran, Nepal, and Mozambique. You’ll just pay a small fee at the airport and fill out a form.
What is an eVisa and how does it work?
An eVisa is a digital visa you apply for online before traveling. Countries like India, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia offer this. The good thing with an eVisa is that it’s faster and easier than traditional visas.
What if I forget to apply for an eVisa before flying?
You may be denied boarding or entry. Some countries offer both eVisa and visa on arrival (like Cambodia), but most require online approval in advance.
Can I stay long-term in a visa-free country?
It depends. Georgia lets you stay up to 360 days visa-free. But places like Thailand or Indonesia allow only 30-day stays. Always double-check.
Do I still need travel insurance if a visa isn’t required?
Yes, especially in Schengen countries. Even if a visa isn’t needed, insurance can be mandatory and always wise for peace of mind.