canada travel to germany visa

Skip to main content
Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Germany travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 15:08 ET

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs.

Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:

major cities
transportation hubs
public transportation
Christmas markets
tourist attractions

There is a significant increase in stolen passports on trains, particularly during the summer and winter holiday season.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Violent crime

Violent crime is uncommon, but does occur.

Crimes committed by far-right extremists against individuals belonging to ethnic, religious or political minorities occur.

While tourists are not specifically targeted, you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
Be cautious when posting information on social media
Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

government buildings, including schools
places of worship
airports and other transportation hubs and networks
public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, Christmas markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks

More information about public security - Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Strikes occur regularly, particularly in key sectors including aviation and ground transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt services.

Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Mountain activities

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back
obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Road safety

Roads conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country.

Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing dedicated bicycle paths, as bicycles have right of way.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the German authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Schengen area

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Temporary border controls

The German government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain border crossings. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering Germany, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Extension of stay

As a tourist, you can’t stay in Germany longer than 90 days. If you wish to stay beyond this 90-day limit, you must apply for a residence permit and provide a valid reason.

If you unexpectedly have to stay beyond the 90-day limit, contact the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in the district you are staying in to regularize your extended stay.

Registration

If you intend to reside in Germany for more than 3 months, you must register at the local Residents‘ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), usually within 7 days of your entry into the country.

If you don’t, you may be fined.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Private healthcare is expensive. Care providers usually require upfront payment. If you need a detailed breakdown of expenses for a Canadian insurance claim, make sure you clearly request it, as German hospitals don’t usually provide one.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Germany are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Germany to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Germany authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

Local police may ask to see your identification at any time.

Carry adequate identification at all times, such as your passport or residence permit
Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or stolen

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

There are strict laws regarding the diffusion of propaganda material and the use of symbols from the Nazi party or other organizations linked to fascism and the Third Reich.

Illegal activities may include:

diffusing or sharing propaganda, including online
producing, importing or exporting memorabilia
publicly wearing, using or display symbols and greetings related to these organizations

Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or fines.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Germany.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Germany, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Germany.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Germany, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the German court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Germany to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a vehicle in Germany.

You can use your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After 6 months, you must exchange your Canadian licence for a German one. Allow up to 6 weeks for German authorities to exchange your licence.

You must always carry written permission from the registered owner of the vehicle if the vehicle doesn’t belong to you.

Winter tires are mandatory during icy conditions.

Speed limits

Speed limits vary considerably in Germany. On the highway network (autobahn), limits are generally much higher than the ones in Canada. On certain sections, there are no speed limits.

Drive carefully
Be mindful of speed regulations

Low-emission zones

Certain cities have put in place low-emission zones (Umweltzone) to reduce air pollution.

Access to these zones is restricted. You may need to obtain a permit to prove that your vehicle responds to environmental standards.

Personal light electric vehicles

Drivers of light electric vehicles, such as electric scooters and e-skateboards, must follow the rules of the road. Insurance is mandatory.

To drive such vehicles, your blood alcohol limit must not exceed 0.05%. New drivers and individuals under 21 years of age must not have any alcohol in their system. Convicted offenders can face heavy fines and have their licence confiscated on the spot. Authorities may ask for the fine to be paid right away.

You cannot drive on pedestrian walkways and in pedestrian zones.

More about driving in Germany - European Commission
Low-emission zones in Germany - German Environment Agency
Personal Light Electric Vehicles - Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure

The currency of Germany is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

banknotes and coins
bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
bonds, shares
gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly in spring and summer, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
Download the Nina warning app to receive important alerts from German authorities
Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Emergency preparation - Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (in German)
Nina warning app - Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (in German)

Forest fires may occur, particularly during summer months.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
follow the advice of local authorities

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially following heavy snowfalls. Some have resulted in deaths.

Be particularly careful in the alpine areas of Bavaria.

Avalanche forecasting and warnings - European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS)

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110
medical assistance: 112
firefighters: 112

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada to Germany, in Berlin, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Germany.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced) .

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN Clayallee 170 14191 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship: [email protected] All other questions: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-575 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number. Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF Willi-Becker-Allee 10 40227 Duesseldorf Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (211) 788-8927 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (211) 788 - 8938 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt.

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg Alsterufer 27/28 20354 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (40) 411-71-100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (40) 411-71-222 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 04107 Leipzig Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (341) 213-84-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (341) 213-84-75 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.  

Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
You will need s ufficient proof of funds  and a  return plane ticket .  
For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.  
For transit through Germany to another Schengen country, passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of your visit to Europe.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Germany as they are in the United States; however, ATMs are widely available throughout Germany.

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
Places of worship 
Schools 
Shopping malls and markets 
Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.  

Demonstrations:

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany. Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.   

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.  
Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:   

Romance/Online dating 
Transit flight issues related to romance scams
Immigration, and Detention issues related to romance scams

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information. 

Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.  Always pay close attention to your valuables!

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts.

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups. Seemingly racially motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above) .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can:

Help you find appropriate medical care
Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion
Provide a list of local attorneys
Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germay
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
Replace a stolen or lost passport

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence: 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance. Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein”  .

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances: Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
Medications/pharmaceuticals
Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and Lufthansa offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway, Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The German government has authorized  several vaccines  , including the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines.  Visit the FDA's website to   learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112. 

Ambulance services are widely available. 

Payment for medical services in Germany:

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Credit card payment is not always available.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany. 
We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals 

If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office. Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always, carry your prescription
Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.   Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy  

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany. For additional information, see this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry (German language only).

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license. Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes.

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and do not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report. It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation.

Public Transportation:  Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although some taxis do not accept credit cards. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, germany map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Language selection

Guide to temporary entry into germany under ceta, on this page.

Short-term business visitors
Business visitors for investment purposes
Contractual service suppliers
Independent professionals
Intra-corporate transferees

This guide is for a Canadian business person temporarily travelling to Germany to do business. It provides general information about temporary entry and stay requirements for business people under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and under German law. This guide aims to facilitate the entry of Canadian business people into Germany for the purposes of exploring, entering and expanding operations in the German market. You will find relevant links and summaries of main steps for work permit and visa applications, including costs and lengths, for the categories of business people covered in CETA.

Before you travel:

This guide is for information only. It is not the official text of the CETA or German law. Always verify information using the text of the Agreement and official government sources of the country you wish to do business in. You may also seek advice from licensed or authorised individuals like an immigration lawyer or immigration consultant.

Familiarize yourself with the European Union Immigration Portal and Canada’s travel advisory for Germany before your business travel.

Short-term business visitor

Do i qualify as a short-term business visitor under ceta.

Under CETA, a short-term business visitor is a Canadian traveling to Germany for one of the following activities:

meetings and consultations
research and design
marketing research
training seminars
trade fairs and exhibitions
sales negotiations (cannot deliver goods or services themselves)
after-sales or after-lease service
commercial transactions (management and supervisory or financial services personnel only)
tourism/travel operations
translation and interpretation

The detailed list of activities can be found under Annex 10-D of CETA.

A short-term business visitor cannot:

sell a good or a service to the general public
receive payment from a source located in Germany
provide any other service to a consumer in Germany that is not listed under activities of a business visitor

Under CETA a Canadian short-term business visitor can stay in Germany for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Do I need a work permit or a visa as a short-term business visitor under CETA?

Under CETA, an eligible short-term business visitor does not need a work permit, but may need a visa.

Under German law, Canadian short-term business visitors do not need a Schengen C visa to enter Germany. You are entitled to stay within any country of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Canadian companies can also send non-Canadian nationals locally hired in Canada for short-term business travel in Germany. In this case, a Schengen C visa may be required, if they are not nationals of a visa exempt country. You must file your application for Schengen C visas must be filed with the relevant German Consulate/Embassy. The processing time is approximately 2 weeks.

Business visitor for investment purposes

Please note: The business visitors for investment purposes category is covered under CETA, but does exist under German law. A Canadian business visitor for investment purposes may qualify under the short-term business visitor category under German law. To explore all other paths for entry into Germany, please consult Germany’s official visa portal.

Do I qualify as a business visitor for investment purposes under CETA?

Under CETA, a Canadian business visitor for investment purposes is a Canadian manager or specialist responsible for setting up an enterprise in Germany.

A Canadian business visitor for investment purposes cannot:

work directly with the general public in Germany
receive compensation from a source located within Germany

Under CETA, Canadian business visitors for investment purposes can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Do I need a work permit or visa?

This category does not exist under German law. There are no specific work permit or visa options for a Canadian business visitor for investment purposes. A Canadian business visitor for investment purposes may qualify under the short-term business visitor category under German law.

Please note: although investors is covered in CETA, this category does not yet exist under German law.

Do I qualify as an investor under CETA as a business visitor for investment purposes under CETA?

Under CETA, an investor is a Canadian supervisor or executive, responsible for establishing, developing, or operating an investment that they or their employing enterprise have committed, or are in the process of committing, a substantial amount of capital to.

Under CETA, Canadian investors can stay in Germany for up to 1 year, with possible extensions at the discretion of Germany’s officials.

Do I need a work permit or a visa?

This category does not exist under German law. There are no specific work permit or visa options for a Canadian investor. However, a Canadian investor may qualify for a visa for self-employment to start a business.

What are the eligibility requirements for a visa for self-employment to start a business?

Under German law, in order to qualify for a visa for self-employment to start a business, you must meet the following requirements:

there is an economic interest in, or a regional demand for your product or service
it is foreseeable that your company will have a positive effect on the economy
you are able to finance the implementation of your business concept with your own capital or through a loan commitment
if you are older than 45 years of age, you have proof of adequate old age pension provisions

Assessment of these conditions will focus on:

the viability of your business idea
your entrepreneurial experience
the level of capital investment
the effects on employment and training,
the contribution to innovation and research in Germany

The visa for self-employment is valid up to 3 years initially. If your business idea is successful and you are able to cover the costs of living for both yourself and your family, the visa can be extended.

How do I apply for a visa for self-employment to start a business?

Step 1 : Prepare a visa application form (PDF), including all necessary documents indicated (passport, business plan, proof of financial means)

Book your appointment at the appropriate German embassy in Canada.

Step 2: Bring your application and all supporting documents to apply at the German embassy.

Step 3: If visa application is successful, upon arrival in Germany, apply for a residence permit for self-employment.

Make an appointment with the local town hall or immigration office in Germany and prepare the required documents. You must apply for a residence permit before the expiry date listed on the entry visa.

How much will it cost?

The cost of the visa application is 75 EUR. There will also be a 10 to 15 EUR fee for town hall registration and 100 EUR application for final work and residence permit.

How long will it take?

The processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks.

For more information about the application process and eligibility conditions, refer to Visa for self-employment .

Contractual services supplier

Do i qualify as a contractual service supplier under ceta.

Under CETA, a contractual services supplier is a Canadian service supplier employed by an enterprise in Canada with a contract to provide a service to a consumer in Germany in an eligible service sector. A list of eligible services sectors under CETA is found under CETA Annex 10-E, number 9 .

A Canadian contractual service supplier must also:

have provided services as an employee of the contracted Canadian enterprise for at least one year before the date of their application for entry into Germany
have a university degree or an equivalent qualification
have at least 3 years of professional experience since the age of 18 in the sector of the contracted activity
have any professional qualifications required to practice the activity according to the laws or requirements in Germany

A Canadian contractual service supplier cannot get paid for their services during their stay in Germany other than what is paid to them by their Canadian employers.

The Canadian enterprise that employs a Canadian contractual service supplier cannot have any establishment in Germany.

Fulfillment of the contract must require the temporary presence of the Canadian contractual service supplier in Germany.

Under CETA, a Canadian contractual services supplier can stay in Germany for up to 12 months in any 24-month period, or for the duration of the contract, whichever is less. Extensions are possible at the discretion of Germany’s officials.

Do I need a work permit or a visa as a contractual service supplier under CETA?

Under German law, a Canadian contractual services supplier should apply for a CETA CSS Permit.

Am I eligible for a CETA CSS Permit?

In order to get a CETA CSS Permit, you must fulfil basic requirements that apply to all sectors, apart from general eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a CETA CSS Permit?

Step 1 : Apply for a German National Visa.

Visa application form (PDF)

Step 2: Get approval from the Federal Employment Agency .

You can also obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency before applying for a visa to avoid longer processing times.

Step 3 : If your visa application is successful, upon arrival in Germany, register at the local town hall. There you will collect your passport sticker and residence permit

Independent professional

Please note: the independent professionals category is covered in CETA but does not exist under German law. However, you may qualify for a visa for self-employment as a freelancer.

Do I qualify as an independent professional under CETA?

Under CETA, an independent professional is a self-employed Canadian service supplier with a contract to supply a service to a consumer in Germany in an eligible sector. A list of eligible services sectors under CETA is found under CETA Annex 10-E, number 9 .

A Canadian independent professional must also have:

at least 6 years of professional experience in the sector of the contracted activity at the date of application of entry
a university degree or equivalent qualification
any professional qualifications required to practice the activity, according to the laws or requirements in Germany

Other requirements:

a Canadian independent professional must not have established an enterprise in Germany
fulfillment of the contract must require the temporary presence of the independent professional in Germany

Under CETA, a Canadian independent professional can stay in Germany for a total period of up to 12 months in a 24-month period, or for the duration of the contract, whichever is less. Extensions are possible at the discretion of Germany’s officials.

Do I need a work permit or a visa as an independent professional under CETA?

The independent professional category does not exist under German law. There are no specific work permit or visa options for a Canadian independent professional. However, you may qualify for a visa for self-employment as a freelancer.

Am I eligible for a residence permit for self-employment as a freelancer?

Under German law, in order to qualify for a visa for self-employment as a freelancer, you must fulfil the following requirements:

you can provide proof of sufficient funds to finance your endeavours
you have the licenses required to perform the job in question
if you are older than 45 years of age, you have proof of adequate old age pension provisions.

How do I apply for a visa for self-employment as a freelancer?

Step 3: If successful, upon arrival in Germany, apply for a residence permit for self-employment.

Make an appointment with the local town hall or immigration office and prepare the required documents. You must apply for a residence permit before the expiry date listed on the entry visa.

The cost of the visa application is 75 EUR. There will also be a 10 to 15 EUR fee for town hall registration and, if applicable, 100 EUR application for final work and residence permit.

Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks.

Intra-corporate transferee

Do i qualify as an intra-corporate transferee under ceta.

Under CETA, Canadian intra-corporate transferees are senior personnel , specialists , or graduate trainees at a Canadian enterprise who are being temporarily transferred to a subsidiary, branch, or head company of the Canadian enterprise in Germany.

Senior personnel are Canadian business people in a senior position within an enterprise who:

primarily direct the management of the enterprise or a department or sub-division of the enterprise
make a wide range of decisions, including recruitment, promotions and dismissals
receive only general supervision or direction principally from higher-level executives, the board of directors, or stockholders of the business or their equivalent or supervise and control the work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees and exercise discretionary authority over day-to-day operations

Specialists are Canadian business people who have:

uncommon knowledge of the enterprise's products or services and its application in international markets, or
an advanced level of expertise or knowledge of the enterprise's processes and procedures such as its production, research equipment, techniques, or management

In assessing such expertise or knowledge, Germany’s officials will consider abilities that are unusual and different from those generally found in a particular industry and that cannot be easily transferred to another business person in the short-term. These abilities would have been obtained through specific academic qualifications or extensive experience with the enterprise.

Graduate trainees are Canadian business people who:

have a university degree
are being temporarily transferred to an enterprise in Germany for career development purposes, or to obtain training in business techniques or methods

The training delivered to a graduate trainee must be linked to their university degree.

Under CETA, Canadian senior personnel and specialists can stay in Germany for whichever is shorter, 3 years or the length of the contract, with a possible extension of up to 18 months at the discretion of Germany’s officials.

Canadian graduate trainees can stay in Germany for whichever is shorter, 1 year or the length of the contract.

Do I need a work permit or a visa as an intra-corporate transferee under CETA?

Under German law, a Canadian ICT should apply for an EU Intra-Corporate Transferees permit.
The maximum duration of this work and residence authorisation is 3 years for managers and specialists, and 1 year for graduate trainees.

Am I eligible for an EU Intra-Corporate Transferee Permit?

According to European law, in order to be eligible for an EU Intra-Corporate Transferee permit, you must have the following:

proof that the host Italian entity and the entity established in Canada are directly affiliated under the same “group”
proof of your professional qualifications and experience or university degree as required

for your occupation

proof of your employment within the “group” of entities for 3 to 12 uninterrupted months immediately before the date of transfer for managers and specialists, or for 3 to 6 uninterrupted months for trainees
a work contract and, if necessary, an assignment letter from the employer detailing the duration of the transfer and the location of the Italian entity, evidence of your position as a manager, specialist or trainee employee in Italy, and the salary and other terms and conditions of employment granted during the transfer

How do I apply for an EU Intra-Corporate Transferee Permit?

Book your appointment at the appropriate German embassy in Canada.

Step 2: Bring your application and all supporting documents to apply at the German Embassy.

Alternatively, approval of the Federal Employment Agency can be obtained before applying for a visa to avoid longer processing times.

The cost of the visa application is 75 EUR. There will also be a 10 to 15 EUR fee for town hall registration; and, if applicable, 100 EUR application for final work and residence permit.

What if I am a business person from a category that is not covered?

Entry into Germany for Canadian business people not belonging to any of the categories covered under the CETA is subject to Germany’s acts and regulations governing entry and stay.

To explore other paths for entry into Germany, please consult Germany’s official visa portal.

ETIAS Germany for Canadian citizens

The upcoming ETIAS (European Information and Authorisation System) will soon be an entry requirement for Canadian nationals travelling to Germany .

The ETIAS for Germany from Canada is an online visa waiver service . Canadian passport holders will be able to visit all countries in the European Schengen Area (including Germany) visa-free by registering online via a quick form.

The user-friendly system is designed to improve border security for the Schengen region. This will make travel to Germany from Canada safer than ever before.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Germany?

Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Germany . From 2025, Canadians will have to register online for an ETIAS visa waiver to continue to travel visa-free.

The ETIAS online application will be quick and easy to do. Simply fill in the short online form and confirmation of the travel authorisation will be sent by email.

With the ETIAS, Canadian citizens going to Germany will continue to enjoy visa exemption for up to 90 days. The visa waiver will cover holidays, business trips, and transit .

To live, work, or engage in other activities in Germany, Canadians will need to apply for a German visa.

How to get the ETIAS for Germany from Canada

The European Information and Authorisation System will be simple and convenient to use. To get a Germany ETIAS for Canadian citizens, follow these 3 simple steps:

Complete the online form
Pay the ETIAS processing fee
Receive the travel permit by email

The streamlined application process is designed to make it easy for international travellers to get their travel authorisation for Germany. Canadians will be able to complete the quick form online from the comfort of their own home .

There is no need to go all the way to an embassy or consulate to deal with paperwork, as with a visa. The ETIAS is designed to be user-friendly and convenient to obtain to make travelling to Germany easy for Americans and other international visitors.

ETIAS Germany application for Canadians

Canadian citizens can complete their ETIAS application in a matter of minutes .

The online platform means that they do not have to make a trip to a diplomatic mission to file visa paperwork, which can be a lengthy process. Instead, they simply complete a short form online and receive the ETIAS visa waiver by email.

The following information is required:

Basic personal details (including name, date of birth, etc.)
Passport information (including the document number, expiry date, etc.)
Contact details (including an email address)

Canadian applicants must also answer some security questions .

It is a good idea to check all answers carefully before submitting the ETIAS form for Germany from Canada. Small errors and inconsistencies could cause issues in processing and/or using the visa waiver.

ETIAS requirements to travel to Germany from Canada

The Germany ETIAS requirements for Canadians include providing the following items when applying online:

Valid Canadian passport
Email address
Credit or debit card

Travellers must enter their Canadian passport details into the relevant fields of the ETIAS form.

The email address is important because this is where confirmation of the ETIAS visa waiver for Germany will be delivered.

There is a small processing fee to submit the Germany ETIAS application for Canadians. Simply enter the card details when prompted. All transactions are processed and protected by secure servers.

Can Canadian citizens travel to Germany?

Yes, Canadians can travel to Germany. When travelling on a Canadian passport, passengers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Germany from 2025.

The ETIAS will allow Canadians to visit Germany for tourism and business purposes . It will be valid for a total of 3 years (or until the Canadian passport it is registered to expires).

Canadians can use the ETIAS to visit Germany multiple times visa-free during the period of validity. They can spend a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Before setting off, passengers should check that they meet all the Germany entry requirements from Canada.

Booking a flight is the simplest way to travel between Canada and Germany. Passengers can find flight routes between most international airports. There is usually at least one stopover.

Flights to Germany go from most major Canadian airports, including Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), and Calgary (YYC) to German cities like Berlin (BER), Munich (MUC), Frankfurt (FRA), and Düsseldorf (DUS).

Do Canadian citizens need the ETIAS for Germany?

Yes, Canadians will have to register for the ETIAS visa waiver for Germany in the near future. The electronic system is set to go live towards 2025.

Passengers travelling to Germany from Canada for tourism or business will need an ETIAS visa waiver.

Nationals of Canada transiting through Germany (or other Schengen nations) will also require an ETIAS visa waiver.

Once granted, the ETIAS is valid for 3 years . This means Canadians can make multiple trips to Germany and other parts of the Schengen region during this time, without having to reapply.

Medical information for Canadians travelling to Germany

When travelling abroad in general, it is recommended to have travel insurance and be up-to-date with all routine vaccinations.

Medical care in Germany is of a high quality, but Canadians may need insurance to cover the costs of any treatment required while visiting.

The COVID-19 situation is improving and international travel is returning to normal. However, Germany continues to monitor the situation and implements travel restrictions where necessary. Canadians are advised to check the current rules for entry before travelling.

Capital : Berlin
Language : German
Time Zone : GMT+1
Currency : €
Country calling code : +49
Population : 83.24 million

Electric socket

1 Waverley Street Ottawa Ontario K2P OT8 P.O. Box 379, Postal Station "A" Ottawa, ON K1N 8V4 Canada

(+1) (613) 232 11 01

https://canada.diplo.de/

[email protected]

Leipziger Platz 17 10117 Berlin Germany

(+49) 30 20 31 20

https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/germany-allemagne/

[email protected]

Flight Reservation
Hotel Booking
Flight + Hotel
Flight + Hotel + Insurance
Flight + Insurance
Hotel + Insurance
Travel Guides
Visa Interview Guide
Visa Packages
Book Appointment
ASK COMMUNITY

How to Apply for Germany Schengen Visa from Canada in 5 Easy Steps – A Complete Guide

Of the 26 Schengen countries to choose from, but why not head to Germany for what might be the most exciting trip you’ve ever made? With stunning countryside, beautiful cities, and an interesting history – there is more than enough in this country to keep you happy and you’ll be thrilled that you ventured there in the first place! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Germany visa at the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto, Canada, Germany visa appointment booking, processing time at the Germany visa application center, flight itinerary for a Germany visa, hotel bookings for a Germany visa, Schengen travel insurance for a Germany visa application, and Germany visa application process at the Toronto consulate.

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/toronto-skyline-waters-sunset-dawn-3112508/

Germany Schengen Visas

In 2018, 2,056,296 German Schengen visa applications were received by embassies and consulates around the world. 186,699 (9.1%) were rejected. The Consulate General of Germany in Toronto received 2,432 applications and 91 (3.7%) were rejected.

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada Stats

Applying for a Schengen Visa from Canada

If you are a Canadian citizen, you do NOT need to apply for a Germany Schengen visa. However, if you are a non-Canadian citizen and are currently living in Canada on a permanent basis, you DO need to apply for a visa for Germany. As long as you can prove that you have a legal right to remain in Canada, the application process is relatively straightforward. If you cannot prove this, you can still apply, but you must do so from the country where you were born.

Where to apply for a Germany Schengen visa

The German Missions in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver DO NOT ACCEPT visa applications. If you are applying for a Schengen (short-stay) visa, you will submit your application to either::

Consulate General of Germany in Toronto
Austrian Embassy in Ottawa
Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver

The correct office will depend on where you live in Canada:

Residents of: – Manitoba, Ontario except residents of National Capital Region of Ottawa or its counties (Lanark; Leeds and Grenville; Prescott and Russell; Renfrew; Tormont, Dundas and Glengary) – German Consulate General in Toronto
Residents of: – National Capital Region of Ottawa or its counties (Lanark; Leeds and Grenville; Prescott and Russell; Renfrew; Stormont, Dundas and Glengary), Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Islands – Austrian Embassy in Ottawa
Residents of: – Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory – Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver

If you are applying for a National (long-stay) visa, you will submit your application to the consulate in Toronto.

You have to make sure you apply at the right visa office.

Types of Schengen visas offered at the Consulate General of Germany

There are 3 types of visas you may apply for and the one you choose will depend on the reason and duration of your trip:

Short-stay Schengen visa : for tourism, business , or visiting family or friends for up to 90 days
Transit visa : if you are passing through the international transit areas of a German airport or any other country in the Schengen area
Long-stay National visa : for over 90 days for employment , study, research, family reunification or residence

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Canada

Visa applications are usually processed within 15 days, but it could take longer depending on the type of visa you are applying for. You may apply up to 90 days ahead, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.

There are 5 easy steps to follow to help you apply for your visa:

Step 1: Complete your application form

To complete your application form, go to the Embassy of Germany’s website and click on: “Consular services” then “Visa”:

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada Application Form

Scroll down and choose the visa that you wish to apply for:

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada Application Form1

Click on: “Preparing your application” then the link for VIDEX Application Form Schengen Visa:

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada Application Form2

You will then be able to complete the application online by inputting the requested information and continuing through the screens:

Germany Schengen Visa from Toronto Canada Application Form3

Step 2: Make an appointment

Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
Submit the appointment details, the visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below.

Go to the embassy’s website again, click on: “Consular services” and “Visa”
Scroll down and click on the link where it says: “Book an appointment with the Visa Section”
Choose the correct visa office where you will be submitting your application
Click on the link
You will be directed to the appointment booking system, click on: “Continue” under Visa
Choose the type of visa you are applying for
Read the instructions and continue
Type in the CAPTCHA text
Then, you will be able to choose a convenient day and time for your appointment

Step 3: Prepare your documents

The embassy has checklists of the documents required for each type of visa, so you should check these first before you start to prepare your documents. If you don’t provide all that is required, it could result in your visa application being rejected.

If you are applying for a long-stay visa, you will have to provide 2 application forms, so check the website to find out if this applies to you. You should also prepare photocopies as well as providing the original documents, so don’t forget to do that too!

Documents include:

Visa application form – completed and signed
Passport photographs
Passport – must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure from the Schengen zone, at least two empty pages and issued no more than 10 years ago
Copy of your passport’s data page
Valid permanent resident card or valid multiple entry visa for Canada, valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area
Copy of the valid visa/residence permit of your final destination (if applicable)
Declaration “Use of mail services”, duly signed
Flight reservation/itinerary (including your name) to Germany and back to Canada or final destination, rail tickets etc
Proof of Schengen travel medical insurance valid for the entire stay in the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of 30,000,00 EUR (approx. 50,000.00 CAD), including the following details: name of insured person, length of coverage, insurance sum and repatriation coverage
Proof of financial means to cover the costs of your proposed trip:- last three bank statements with your name OR declaration of formal obligation , passport copy as well as last three bank statements of the financial supporter
Confirmed hotel reservation for each day of your stay in the Schengen area, including name and full address of the hotel
Proof of employment – job letter or business registration, if self-employed OR enrolment letter from university or school in Canada
Invitation letter from your host not older than 4 weeks and signed, stating the dates of your trip, and a passport copy of the host along with host’s ID and/or residence permit (if applicable)
If sponsored by host in Germany or if your own funds are not sufficient: Original and copy of Formal Obligation (“Verpflichtungserklärung”) from your host
For minors: birth certificate with parental information, original and official translation into German or English, if applicable
Prepaid self-addressed Xpress post envelope (Canada Post only), RegionalStandard to Ontario or National Standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only)

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
Submit the travel details and make the payment online
Receive flight itinerary in email

Step 4: Attend your appointment

Step 4 is to go to the visa office and submit your application along with your supporting documents. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your allotted time. If you are late, you will not be seen and you will have to reschedule your appointment. Remember to take all the documents you have prepared and dress smartly!

The visa officer will examine your application and documents and if they need to clarify anything they may question you about what you have stated. If this happens, simply give honest answers.

Typical questions include:

What do you know about Germany or the EU ?
What is your salary?
Do you have any children?
What do you plan to do in Germany?
Why do you wish to go at this time?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

You will also pay the fee for your visa. You can pay by cash, Mastercard or Visa Please note, the fee is non-refundable even if your application gets rejected.

A scan of your fingerprints and a photograph will be taken while you are at the visa office, especially if this is your first time applying for a Schengen visa. If you have provided this data within the last 5 years, it can be reused.

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your passport by mail to your home address.

The decision will be either:

Approved – your visa will be inside your passport
Rejected – this would have been for a specific reason which will be stated in the letter notifying you that your application has been rejected. You are welcome to submit a new application at any time with complete, informative and verifiable documentation

Common rejection reasons include:

Missing documents – if there are any missing documents, don’t be surprised if your application gets rejected. This is why it is so important to check what you need to provide before you get to your appointment
You applied at the wrong consulate/embassy – each visa office deals with applications from those that live within their jurisdiction, so check this before you start (see above for jurisdictions)
The consulate has concerns that you won’t return to Canada – the consulate is not going to grant you a visa if they have concerns that you won’t return home, so you need to provide them with documents to prove that you have ties in your country of residence such as an employment contract or proof that you own property
Documents are in a foreign language- any foreign documents must be translated into English or German before you submit your application

Contact details of the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto

Address: 2 Bloor Street East, 25th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A8o

Phone: +1 416 925 28 13

Fax: +1 416 925 28 18

Email: Contact form

Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 – 4:30, Friday 8:30 – 1:30

Contact details of the Austrian Embassy in Ottawa

Address: 445 Wilbrod Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 6M7

Phone: +1 613 789 1444

Fax: +1 613 789 3431

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 12.00 noon (EST)

Contact details of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver

Address: World Trade Centre, 790-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1

Phone: +1 604 684 2231

Fax: +1 604 684 28 06

Email: [email protected]

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

To apply for a Schengen visa for Germany, follow these simple steps:

Complete your application online or download it
Make an appointment
Prepare your documents
Attend your appointment
Receive your visa

At Visa Reservation , we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa , travel medical insurance , hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides , Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

Apply for Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for Austria Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Belgium Schengen Visa from Montreal, Canada

Apply for Czech Republic Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Denmark Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Estonia Schengen Visa from Ottawa, Canada

Apply for Finland Schengen Visa from Canada

Apply for France Schengen Visa from Canada

Visa Reservation

Excellent service provider. Trustworthy and very precise information. Got my itinerary very well done and in a very short period of time. Thank you and please continue with this high standard service.

– BRAZIL

Hilderbrando D.| MAR.15.2024

Amazing service! Thank you.

– BRUSSELS

ANDREA O.| MAR.15.2024

This really helped, reserved tickets until our visa has been approved. Hope we knew this way before. Thank you!

– UNITED KINGDOM

ELY P.| MAR.14.2024

The service was very easy to use and they helped answer all my questions using the online chat helpline. Great way to book without paying full cost for flights!

– UNITED STATES

SUCHIT M.| MAR.11.2024

Thank you so much to the team for the quick response. I’ve received my roundtrip flight reservation, fast, transaction is very smooth even if I have made a correction, I received my roundtrip flight reservation less than 3 hrs. estimated great service, kudos to the team, and regards from Philippines ❤️🙏

– PHILIPPINES

TEOCIL M.| FEB.24.2024

I’m beyond satisfied! Excellent service each time. Availed of their service a few times, they are so patient with revision requests at no added costs💚 I’m a repeat customer, and the service i got before was the reason I came back. They don’t disappoint. Ahead of me are more EU travel plans , I don’t ever worry because I have their site Bookmarked for years already💚

HEANETTA G.| FEB.16.2024

Timeline update for France Visa, applied through VFS Global Houston.

I used visareservation.com to secure an appointment and to procure a valid itinerary. They were a breeze to work with and highly responsive. Highly recommend.

Appt: 25th May Visa stamped: 31st May Passport received: 2nd June

SHRUTHI K.| JUN.02.2022

At VisaReservation.com , customer service comes first. Providing top-notch quality service to you is at the core and heart of our company. Check out what customers are saying about us and our services!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS| GLOBAL

24 Hours Delivery

Schengen Visa Interview Guide

6 Hours Delivery

Customer Reviews
Worldwide Visa
Terms & Conditions
Refund Policy
Privacy & Policy
Scholarship Program
Become Our Affiliate Partners
Join Community

1135 Kildaire Farm Road, Second Floor, Suite #200, Cary, North Carolina - 27511 United States of America

+1 (919)-263-2551

[email protected]

Forgot Password

Language selection

Français fr

Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

Image that represents the different stages of the application process and biometrics.

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application .

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give , how to give , and where to give your biometrics .

COVID-19: Biometrics deadline

Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics .

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents .

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements , the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

have a valid travel document, like a passport
be in good health
have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

criminal activity
human rights violations
organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility .

Biometrics fee

Individual applicant: CAD $85
Families applying at the same time : maximum total fee of CAD $170
Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)
super visas (for parents and grandparents)
transit visas

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

You must have both of these to apply online:

access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa : Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents) : Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply , make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

Instruction Guide 5256

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa

You can’t fill out and save the application form using your Internet browser. To use the form, you need to:

Use your computer (Mac or PC). The form won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
Download the PDF file to your computer . Save the file in a place you can remember.
Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

Note: If you are applying online , you don’t need to print and sign the form. Leave the signature section empty.

Get the form

Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] (PDF, 556.66 KB) June 2019

Having issues with the form?

I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?
After clicking the “validate” button on my visa application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why is this happening?

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Living in Canada tool

Language selection

Français fr

How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
who is considered fully vaccinated
rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

To visit as a tourist
To visit for business
To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

Canadian citizen
Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
Canadian permanent resident
Temporary resident in Canada
For compassionate reasons
None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
alien’s passport for stateless persons
US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

any passport issued by Somalia
non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

date of birth
document number
citizenship or residency status
expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
entry and exit stamps
study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

flight details
hotel reservations
registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
confirmation that you have a job with the employer
your full name and date of birth
date you started the job
brief description of your job
current salary
contact information of your manager
phone number
email address
employer information
company name
state or province
Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

a marriage certificate
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
a birth certificate
an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

The letter must be written to you from your family member.
current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

joint bank accounts or credit cards
joint ownership of a home
joint residential leases
joint rental receipts
joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
joint management of household expenses
proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

you plan to stay for less than 6 months
you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

you can’t apply online because of a disability or
you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

your medical exam
a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

Afghanistan
Antigua and Barbuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Virgin Islands
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
China (People’s Republic of)
Comoros Island
Côte d’Ivoire
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong SAR
Liechtenstein
Marshall Islands
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
North Korea
North Macedonia (Republic of)
Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Puerto Rico
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland
Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

MasterCard ®
American Express ®
UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

Page details

Canada Application

Handyvisas.com >
Canada eTA Visa Waiver >

Canadian eTA Requirements for German Citizens

Simplified Application Form
Expert Application Review
Approved visa or money back

The Canada eTA for German nationals is a digital visa waiver that grants entry to the country. It allows citizens of Germany to apply online for authorization to visit Canada.

Germany is one of more than 50 countries whose citizens can take advantage of this simplified method of obtaining travel authorization for Canada and avoid the longer process of applying for a traditional visa at an embassy.

The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization , usually referred to as the eTA, was introduced in 2015 and has a validity period of 5 years. It is very quick and easy for German passport holders to apply for the Canada eTA and the process is done entirely online — in fact, most applicants go through the form in less than 15 minutes.

Do German Citizens Need an eTA for Canada?

Yes, German citizens are required to have a Canadian eTA linked to their passport if they are planning to enter the country by air.

The Canada eTA for Germans can be used for a variety of different purposes, including the following:

Visiting family

German passport holders with an eTA can stay in Canada for a maximum amount of 6 months per visit. The Canada eTA is valid for 5 years or until the traveler’s German passport expires (whichever happens first).

Do German citizens need a visa for Canada?

No, citizens of Germany are not required to hold a Canadian visa to visit for up to 6 months.

German visitors must instead register online with the Canadian eTA system .

The eTA application only takes a matter of minutes and the travel authorization is delivered by email shortly afterwards (usually within 24 hours). There is no need to go to an embassy , as with a visa application.

According to Canada’s visa requirements for German citizens, they only require a Canada visa for the following reasons :

To move to Canada
To undertake paid work in Canada
To perform any other activity not covered by the eTA
To stay longer than 6 months

How to Apply for a Canada eTA From Germany

The application process for German travelers to obtain a Canadian eTA is incredibly straightforward and simple . The steps to apply for a Canada eTA as a German passport holder are outlined below:

1. Fill out the online application

2. Pay the application fee

3. Receive the Canada eTA for German citizens via email

The first step to obtaining a Canadian eTA for German citizens is to start an online application. The form takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The first part of the Canadian eTA application form will ask about the German traveler’s background information . This includes the following details:

First and last name
Date of birth
City and country of birth
Contact information, including permanent residence and email address

There will also be questions regarding the traveler’s German passport , such as the document number, date of issue, date of expiry, and nationality.

The second part of the application has questions about the German citizen’s previous trips to Canada (if any), their upcoming trip to Canada, health background, and criminal history (if applicable).

All visitors from Germany should double-check their answers once they have finished filling out the application and correct any errors or typos. This is important because travelers can obtain the Canadian eTA only if all of the information is accurate and consistent.

Canada eTA Requirements for Germans

To apply for a Canada eTA, German nationals are required to have the following:

A valid passport from Germany
A current email address to receive the Canada eTA
A valid form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to pay the Canada eTA fee

When Will Citizens of Germany Receive the Canada eTA?

In most circumstances, the eTA for Canada is approved rapidly. Almost all cases are processed within 24 hours and may even be sent to the German traveler within a few minutes of submitting the form.

However, in rare cases it may take a little longer, especially if it is the high tourist season or if there is a mismatch in information on the application form.

Once a German national has successfully been approved for the Canadian eTA, he or she is free to travel to Canada.

The Canada eTA is automatically l inked to the traveler’s German passport . When arriving in Canada, all the traveler has to do is show the passport that they used to apply for their eTA in order to be granted entry into the country. It is advisable to also print a copy of the eTA and bring it to Canada just in case.

Canada eTA for Citizens of Germany Benefits

There are many benefits of obtaining a Canadian eTA for German citizens.

The online application process is simple, convenient, and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need to go to a Canadian embassy .

Since the Canadian eTA is a multiple-entry document , travelers from Germany can use it to enter and exit Canada as many times as they wish, as long as it is within the framework of the Canadian eTA’s validity period.

Finally, the Canadian eTA is valid for a period of 5 years , or until the traveler’s German passport expires (whichever comes first). This is very convenient because travelers do not have to re-apply for their eTA every year.

How long can a German citizen stay in Canada?

German nationals with a Canadian eTA are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 6 months at a time .

Application Steps

German citizens who are planning to apply for a Canadian eTA do not need to visit their closest Canadian Embassy. This is because the process is done entirely online and does not require any additional steps at the consulate.

Germans who are not eligible for the Canada eTA, or who wish to stay longer than the allotted 6 months, will need to contact the Canadian embassy in Germany for further information and requirements.

The addresses for the Canadian Embassy and Consulates in Germany are found below:

Country policy

Check the visa policy of Canada and discover the travel requirements for your nationality.

How to Travel from Germany to Canada

German travelers who are planning a holiday to Canada have many options available. For example, there are nearly a dozen non-stop flights between Germany and Canada.

Germany’s main aviation hub, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), offers non-stop flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, and seasonal routes. The average flight time ranges from 7.5 to 10 hours, depending on the destination.

Similarly, Munich Airport has recently expanded its routes to include underserved destinations like Whistler, Victoria, Hamilton, and Mississauga.

German citizens can choose from a variety of popular airlines to fly between the two countries, including but not limited to Condor, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and SWISS. Dozens of other European airlines offer flights, albeit with one or two layovers.

German Tourism in Canada

Outside of Europe, Canada is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans — and the statistics prove it. Between 2015 and 2019, German arrivals in Canada increased by an astounding 26%.

Although German citizens tend to visit Canada’s typical tourist cities like Vancouver or Toronto, there’s one area that’s especially popular: the Yukon. This is thanks to the Yukon’s plentiful nature, rich Indigenous culture, and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere — all excellent points for an intrepid trip.

Non-resident arrivals from Germany

Visa requirements checker

Why IRCC may refuse your visitor visa application

Foreign nationals often come to Canada for leisure, to visit family and friends, or to conduct business.

To visit Canada, residents of visa-required countries * must obtain a visitor visa . However, there are many reasons that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse an applicant’s visitor visa application.

Read more about business visitors to Canada here .

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

*Other visitors to Canada, from visa-exempt countries , would require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) rather than a visitor visa.

Failure to provide proper and accurate supporting documents and/or pay government processing fees

Visiting Canada involves meeting strict entry and admissibility requirements, which include presenting IRCC with mandatory documents as part of the visitor visa application. It is recommended that visitors to Canada take the time to double-check IRCC’s application checklist to ensure they compile an accurate and complete set of supporting documents.

In addition, visitor visa applicants must make sure they pay IRCC’s processing fees on time to avoid any potential mishaps with their application, including a refusal.

Inadmissibility due to prior criminality

Visitor visa applicants with a criminal history may be denied entry to Canada. However, it is also possible that the applicant’s criminal background may not bar them from coming to Canada. Therefore, foreign nationals seeking a visitor visa should be transparent about their history and ensure they submit a criminal record check and any other applicable documentation to support their application.

Note: This may involve putting together documents to show IRCC that the applicant is rehabilitated and should be allowed to enter Canada as a visitor. An authorized immigration lawyer can help with these efforts.

Doubts about an applicant’s intentions during their stay in Canada

Applicants may have their visitor visa refused if they are not clear with IRCC and/or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) about the purpose of their time in Canada. To avoid creating doubt, applicants should provide supplementary documents such as an itinerary to help immigration authorities and border security officers understand why they are visiting and what they plan to do while in the country.

Other proof of intention may include flight reservations and hotel bookings.

Applicant lacks ties to their home country

Because visitors are typically only admitted to Canada for up to six months, a significant part of the application process is proving that they will depart at the end of their authorized stay. Therefore, if an IRCC or CBSA officer has reason to believe that an applicant may not leave Canada when their visa expires, the application may be refused.

One reason that IRCC may doubt that a visitor will leave when their visa expires is if they determine the applicant lacks strong ties to their home country. To help IRCC establish that the applicant does indeed have ties to their home country, giving the immigration department confidence that they will depart from Canada at the end of their authorized stay, applicants should submit documents such as the following:

Evidence of home country employment (confirmation letters and pay stubs)
Evidence of family dependencies in the applicant’s home country (children, parents, grandparents etc.)
Evidence of home country property ownership (lease agreements etc.)

Concerns about the applicant’s past travel history

Visiting Canada will be harder, but not impossible, for applicants with a poor travel history. In the context of a visitor visa application, IRCC may refuse to issue a visa to foreign nationals with a history of:

Prior overstay in Canada
Prior refusal of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applications in Canada

To help IRCC mitigate concerns about an applicant’s past TRV refusals or worries that the applicant may repeat the pattern of overstaying their authorized stay in Canada, the applicant should be transparent with the immigration department about this history.

In the same way that transparency is important for an applicant’s criminal history and purpose for visiting Canada, visitor visa applicants should provide IRCC with a detailed explanation of this history and show what actions* they have taken to correct this behaviour.

*Examples of corrective behaviour may include proof of compliance with visa regulations in subsequent travels and proof of the individual’s commitment to Canadian immigration laws

Misrepresentation

Applicants must be honest and truthful during all stages of the visitor visa application process to avoid issues regarding misrepresentation.

Note: One example of a misrepresentation issue that can lead to a visitor visa refusal is the non-disclosure of TRV refusals to other countries such as the United States.

The applicant does not have legal status in their country of residence

Applicants are required to resolve any illegal status issues in their country of residence before applying for a Canadian visitor visa. Providing proof of legal residence, for instance, will help IRCC feel comfortable that the applicant will abide by the law during their stay in Canada.

Failure to meet health standards

Some foreign nationals, such as those applying for a Super Visa , will be asked to undergo a medical examination as part of their visitor visa application.

Applicants may be refused entry to Canada based on their health status, but it is possible to overcome these concerns by providing IRCC with a detailed medical history and passing any required medical examinations. A letter from a certified healthcare professional, confirming that the applicant is in good health, can also be helpful.

Failure to show financial support

IRCC and CBSA officers need to be sure that foreign nationals can cover their expenses while in Canada. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate financial stability by providing documents that affirm the applicant’s income and assets, such as recent bank statements, employment verification letters, and any other details that can establish financial stability.

business visitors
Canada travel
electronic Travel Authorization
temporary resident visa
visitor visa
Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at [email protected]

Father working from home with young child

Express Entry
Family Sponsorship
Citizenship
Life in Canada

6 Countries That Make Retiring Abroad (Relatively) Easy

By Laura Kiniry

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Sea Water Scenery Lake Architecture Building Shoreline Coast and Land

Whether it’s the appeal of universal healthcare, affordable living, or overall quality of life, there are many arguments for retiring abroad. These days, it’s easier than ever to stay connected with family and friends over long distances, one of the many reasons today's retirees are making travel a priority in their lives.

For Americans looking to relocate abroad in their golden years, we have good news for you: a handful of incredible destinations offer incentives specifically for expat retirees. Countries like Costa Rica and the Philippines grant special visas to foreign retirees and pensioners, while other places offer financial perks such as tax cuts and discount programs to expats regardless of their age. There are even rural towns in countries like Switzerland, Italy, and Spain attracting new residents with cash payouts and one euro homes —all things that can make those retirement savings go a long way.

The below seven countries, across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, offer some of the best incentives for expat retirees . So, what are you waiting for? Your big move is just a plane flight away.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Countries With Incentives for Retirees Greece

If you have money to invest, Greece may be the retirement spot for you. Since 2013, this European country has offered its Greece Golden Visa , granting five-year permanent residency to anyone investing approximately $271,562 or more in local real estate. After five years you can then renew your residency (as long as you’re still invested in local property), and you can apply for citizenship after seven.

To make things more enticing, Greece’s Ministry of Finance proposed a 7% flat tax in 2020 for any foreign nationals willing to transfer their tax residence (meaning the place where you’re legally required to pay taxes) here. This means that any pensions, rental income, and other transferable investments will stay at a 7% tax rate for up to 15 years. With tax brackets in the US typically ranging from 10 to 37% , it’s a steal.

Requirements: There's no requirement to invest in local real estate to take advantage of the tax rate, nor are you expected to permanently reside in Greece. Still, the overall goal is to bring in foreign dollars, so government officials hope you’ll spend accordingly. Anyone interested in utilizing Greece’s flat tax can take advantage, no matter their age. To qualify for a tax transfer, however, you can’t have paid taxes in Greece over any of the last five years. Also, the country or nation where you’re transferring your tax residence from must already have a tax agreement with Greece; the US income tax treaty with Greece qualifies, and means you won't be paying income taxes twice.

Cost of living is key for American retirees in Colombia , where you can live comfortably for approximately $2,000 a month. The city of Medellín, in particular, is especially popular with foreign nationals, due to such factors as year-round warm weather, excellent public transit, and an internationally recognized healthcare system.

In 2022, Colombia updated its TP—7 pensionado visa, in place since 2017, with a new M-11 pensionado visa . According to new rules, the visa is now valid for up to three years and requires the purchase of private medical insurance (private Columbian plans start at about $50 per month ) for the duration of your visa. Then, after five years of living within the country, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.

Requirements: Along with a clean bill of health and no criminal record, pensionado visa holders must earn at least three times Colombia's minimum wage (approximately $340 per month) in passive income, including investments. This equates to $1,020 per month, with the cost of the visa being around $325 . There's no tax treaty between Colombia and the US, meaning US expats are at the risk of double taxation. However, a number of IRS tax credits, including the Foreign Tax Credit , which allows taxpayers to take any paid foreign taxes as a deduction from US taxes, can significantly assist with tax breaks.

Countries With Incentives for Retirees Portugal

Portugal is known for its Golden Visa , which uses tax perks to attract foreign nationals. Recently, the Portuguese government has tightened rules regarding the visa scheme, due to a magnifying housing crisis . Rather than investing in real estate, expats who transfer approximately $543,070 into one or more qualifying funds—including Pela Terra, a farmland fund that focuses on regenerative agriculture projects within Portugal, and Sharing Education , which supports the country’s international school system—or pour $271,537 towards supporting the arts or preserving national heritage, qualify for the visa. You must then maintain that investment for five years (at which time you can apply for citizenship) in order to keep your Golden Visa status.

Another great option for both retirees and semi-retirees is Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa . This popular residency program includes the option to become a non-habitual resident (and reap the aforementioned tax benefit), as well as the ability to actually work while there, whether it’s living life as a digital nomad or being employed at a Portuguese-run business. It even allows access to the country’s extensive healthcare system. The visa is valid for two years, and then can be renewed for three more. Five years in, you can apply for permanent citizenship.

Requirements: There are no age restrictions for the D7 visa, though you must demonstrate an annual passive income of at least $10,680 (plus $5,340 per adult, and $3,560 per dependent), which is equal to the country’s current minimum wage, to apply. To qualify for the Golden Visa, you can’t have paid taxes in Portugal over any of the last five years.

Countries With Incentives for Retirees Panama

The official currency of Panama , the balboa, is currently equivalent in value to the US dollar, making deciphering costs easy for Americans keen on retiring here. According to an estimated count from 2020, there are also an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 American expats currently living in Panama—no surprise, since the Panama Pensionado (or Panama Retirement) visa, started in 1987, is one of the best for attracting foreign nationals.

Why? It’s all about the discounts. Think of the Panama Pensionado as the ultimate coupon book. Qualifying applicants for this permanent-residency visa receive import-tax exemptions on household goods up to $10,000 and on a new car every other year, plus substantial discounts on everything from utility bills (25%) to dental exams (15%) and transportation services (up to 30%). The full discounts list, which includes savings on hotel stays, theater performances, and even airline tickets, is available here .

Requirements: Anyone 18 years of age or older can apply for the Panama Pensionado, as long as you have a proven lifetime pension or income of $1,000 per month (it’s an additional $250 per month for each dependent). If your monthly pension falls between $750 and $999 you can still qualify by purchasing local property worth at least $100,000. All applications must be submitted in Panama, and through a Panamanian lawyer.

Off Season Italy: How Artist Alessandro Florio Spends Winters in Taormina, Sicily

Maddalena Fossati

Off Season Italy: Springtime in Venice Is Unbeatable, According to Author Alberto Toso Fei

Noo Saro-Wiwa

Philippines

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) offers several distinct retirement options in an effort to attract foreign nationals. These range from a visa for retired armed forces officers to another for pensioners aged 35 and above who are in need of medical assistance. Each option has its own requirements, though the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is the country’s overall standard.

The SRRV’s many benefits include the option to import $7,000 worth of household items into the Philippines tax-free; the ability to work, study, and buy property; and access to PhiHealth, the country’s universal health care program. Discounts at PRA-accredited businesses, complimentary assistance in navigating other government agencies, and an exemption from taxes on pension and other foreign-earned annuities are also part of the draw.

Requirements: To apply for the SRRV, you must be 50 years of age or older, and have a proven pension of $800 per month (or a joint $1,000 per month for couples), along with $10,000 deposited in a Philippine bank account. If you’re 50 or older but don’t have a monthly pension, you can qualify by depositing $20,000 in a local bank account, instead.

Countries With Incentives for Retirees Granada Nicaragua

Along with its volcanoes, freshwater lakes, and rainforests brimming with wildlife, Nicaragua lures foreign retirees with a bevy of financial incentives. These include the ability for retirees to import up to $20,000 of household goods (such as furniture, clothing, etc.) and a car up to $25,000 in value, duty-free. Another motivator: All foreign income is tax-free.

The advantages of Nicaragua’s Pensionado Residency program , which is renewable after five years, don’t end there. Once you receive a residency card, which grants retiree status (it takes up to 6 months once you’ve submitted your application), you can open a local bank account, use credit to shop, and even get a local phone plan. For those looking to build a home, retirees can also purchase up to $50,000 of construction materials tax-free.

Requirements: Foreign nationals can retire in Nicaragua at the age of 45 as long as they have a permanent passive income of $650 per month (plus $150 per month for each dependent). You’re also required to spend at least 6 months (which can be non-consecutive) per year within the country to keep residency status.

Image may contain Nature Outdoors Sea Water Land Shoreline Coast Scenery Beach Landscape and Person

This central American country has been popular with US retirees for decades, and for good reason: The country’s green environs, its laid-back way of living, and a high quality of life that includes a well-developed and supportive expat community are all incentives that make relocating here entirely worth your while. The relative ease of establishing residency is a bonus as well.

Costa Rica’s pensionado visa grants temporary residency to approved applicants of any age who make a minimum income of $1,000 a month, either from a retirement fund or a permanent pension source. Once settled, most retiree couples can live well within the country for as little as $2,000 per month. This includes making a small monthly contribution (approximately 7 to 11% of your monthly pension) to Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social , which guarantees services to all of the country’s residents.

Requirements: Proof of a permanent monthly income of $1,000 is really all that’s required for retirees to obtain temporary residency in Costa Rica. Any foreign national can then apply for permanent citizenship after three years, as long as they’ve stayed in the country for four months (continuous or discontinuous) per year and renewed their visa after two years. After seven years, they can even apply for citizenship by naturalization and obtain a Costa Rican passport, without having to renounce previous nationalities. As a pensionado visa holder, temporary residents can also establish a business or work independently—just not as an employee.

Another option for retirees is the two-year inversionista visa , which requires a one-time investment of $200,000 in either an active business, real estate, stocks, or securities; or an investment of $100,000 in forest plantations. As with Colombia, there is currently no US–Costa Rica tax treaty, but the IRS tax credits will typically help expats get around any extraneous dues.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Germany legalizes cannabis for personal use

Adults can legally grow and consume limited amounts and join members’ clubs.

Germans celebrate cannabis legalization with 'smoke-ins' at famous sites

Social sharing.

Marijuana campaigners in Germany lit celebratory joints on Monday as the country liberalized rules on cannabis to allow possession of small amounts.

The German Cannabis Association, which campaigned for the new law, staged a "smoke-in" at Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate when the law took effect at midnight. Other public consumption events were scheduled throughout the country, including one in front of the Cologne cathedral and others in Hamburg, Regensburg and Dortmund.

The new law legalizes possession by adults of up to 25 grams of marijuana for recreational purposes and allows individuals to grow up to three plants on their own. That part of the legislation took effect Monday.

German residents age 18 and older will be allowed to join nonprofit "cannabis clubs" with a maximum 500 members each, starting July 1. Individuals will be allowed to buy up to 25 grams per day, or a maximum 50 grams per month — a figure limited to 30 grams for people under age 21. Membership in multiple clubs won't be allowed.

Cannabis enthusiasts smoke joints legally at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

The clubs' costs will be covered by membership fees, which are to be staggered according to how much marijuana members use.

The legislation also calls for an amnesty under which sentences for cannabis-related offences that will no longer be illegal are to be reviewed and in many cases reversed. Regional authorities worry that the judicial system will be overburdened by thousands of cases.

More than a bad trip: Experts warn about the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis
5 years of legal cannabis: fewer charges, many hospitalizations and more than a few questions

The law was pushed through by the current coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, which faced opposition from some of Germany's federal states and the centre-right Christian Democrats.

Christian Democratic leader Friedrich Merz has vowed that his party will reverse the legislation if it wins national elections expected in the fall of 2025.

People gather near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Leading garden stores surveyed by the dpa news agency indicated they would not be adding cannabis plants to their horticultural offerings, and the German Medical Association opposed the law, saying it could have "grave consequences" for the "developmental and life prospects of young people in our country."

Germany is not the first European country to relax laws on cannabis consumption. The use of small quantities has been decriminalized in countries that include Spain, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, while more than 20 European countries have some form of legislation allowing the medicinal use of cannabis.

Cannabis has been legal for 5 years, but some employers still test for it

With files from CBC News

What are you looking for?

Due to Russia‘s war of agression against Ukraine and the resulting high workload of the aliens authorities, we advise you to apply for the visa for your YMA stay in person before leaving for Germany.

Work and Travel in Germany with the Youth Mobility Visa

Preparing your application, submitting your application, what happens during processing, return of your passport, have a good trip information for visa holders, additional content, related content.

The Visa Section of the German Consulate General Toronto does not offer consultation by phone. Please contact us by email .

Although it is legally possible to apply for a visa for the intended YMA stay or for a residence permit at other missions abroad or directly in Germany at the Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde), it is advisable to inquire electronically about the prospects of appointments etc. at the respective office in good time before leaving for Europe due to the possible full capacity of individual offices and in order to avoid inconveniences.

The Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Germany offers a unique opportunity for young people (between the age of 18 and 35 inclusively at the time of application) to complement their post-secondary education, acquire hands-on work experience, and improve their knowledge of the other country’s language, culture and society.

Please note: Youth Mobility Visa: You can also submit your application for a youth mobility visa at any German Mission abroad or any Foreigners authority after arrival in Germany . However we strongly recommend that a visa is being issued in advance. Employment cannot be started before having the obligatory permit.

Please prepare your application as follows:

Please fill out and print the visa application forms and bring a copy of it to your appointment: Videx Online Application Form Youth Mobility Visa YMA Declaration Personal Liability Insurance Declaration 'Use of Mail Services' Social security obligation
Please compile the documents you need to submit with your application. If documents or supporting documents are missing, your application may be rejected. We have prepared a checklist for this type of visa: Youth Mobility
Please book an appointment with the German Consulate General in Toronto to submit your application in person, or apply by mail: Book an appointment with the Visa Section

Important information

Please do not send the Visa Section any documents unless requested to do so, particularly not before you have applied for a visa. We are not able to store such documents and will not know to which application they belong. Please always bring the complete documentation with you to your appointment.

In order to submit your application in person, please attend your appointment at the German Consulate General Toronto. Please hand in your complete documentation and pay the fee . The German Consulate General will ask you questions about your planned trip and take your fingerprints.

The German Consulate General in Toronto will review your application and make a decision on whether or not to grant you a visa. To this end, it will check whether your application meets the legal requirements. The German Consulate General will contact you as soon as it has made a decision on your application. We hope you will understand that we are not able to answer any questions on the status of your application during this processing period. After that, enquiries are only answered if they are made by email by the applicant, his/her legal representative or another person authorized in writing by the applicant.

As soon as the German Consulate General has reached a decision on your application, your passport will be mailed to you by using the Canada Xpresspost envelope provided by you. There are various reasons why your visa application may be rejected . The reasons will be stated in the letter notifying you that your application has been rejected. You are welcome to submit a new application at any time with complete, informative and verifiable documentation.

If all the information on your visa label is correct, you are free to travel. Please check the information on the label as soon as your passport is returned to you. You should let us know immediately if there are any mistakes. Your visa will state your full name and passport number and include your photo. It will also state the number of days you can stay and the period of validity, that is, the time by which you must have received your residence permit for Germany. Therefore, please do not forget to register at the residents registration office shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority. Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area.

Memorandum of Understanding YMA

Memorandum of Understanding YMA PDF / 25 KB / File does not meet accessibility standards

Supplement Memorandum of Understanding YMA

Supplement Memorandum of Understanding YMA PDF / 88 KB / File does not meet accessibility standards

FAQ Work & Travel with the Youth Mobility Agreement

Personal Liability Insurance

Personal liability insurance is part of Germany's general insurance system of risk financing and offers protection against third party insurance claims. It protects the policyholder against damage or…

Contact in consular matters

Germany at a glance, where do i submit my visa application, book an appointment with the consular section, overview of visa fees, travel health insurance requirements.

Top of page

IMAGES

Canada tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure
Canada Visa Application From Germany: Full Guide
Germany Visa Application Form Guide
7 Steps To Apply For Canadain Visit Visa
Canada Visa Application From Germany: Full Guide
How Can I Apply For Canada Tourist Visa

VIDEO

Canada visitors' visa 100%
Как попасть в Германию
Immigration to Canada from Germany: Full-Length Guide
Canada Visit Visa Ad
Applied & Approved #Family #CanadaTouristVisa via Help of #TravelTip!
Blue Card Visa Process For Germany

COMMENTS

Travel advice and advisories for Germany
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country. ... Canada and Germany are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This ...
Visa
The German Missions in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver DO NOT ACCEPT visa applications. Please find more information on where to submit your application instead. The German Consulate Toronto does not charge fees for visa appointments. Any visa fees due will be charged on the day of your appointment. Overview of visa fees.
Applying for a Germany Visa from Canada
To schedule a Germany visa appointment in Vancouver you need to: Go to the Swiss online visa appointment system website. Choose the country of your residence "Canada" and click the button "Next". Next, select the region "Vancouver, Swiss representation in Canada", which is the representation that handles applications for visas to ...
Short Stays
Schengen visas allow people to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days every six-month period for tourist, business and/or visitor purposes. The German Consulate General in Toronto is locally competent for processing your application if Germany is your main destination. The German Consulate General in Toronto only processes visa ...
Applying for a German Schengen Visa in Canada
Canadian citizens can travel to Germany without requiring a visa. However, if you are a non-Canadian citizen residing in Canada, and planning to visit Germany for tourism, business, or family reasons with a stay of up to 90 days, you may need to apply for a German Short-stay visa.
Frequently asked questions about Schengen visas (FAQ)
- a Schengen visa (text on the visa reads "valid for Schengen states"), - a residence permit of a member state or - a national visa of a member state. can also travel to Germany for up to 90 days in any period of 180 days. The Schengen visa should, however, have been issued by a mission of the country which is the main destination.
Entry requirements by country or territory
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and. a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United ...
Embassy of Canada to Germany, in Berlin
Travel and tourism; Business and industry; Benefits; Health; Taxes; ... Embassy of Canada to Germany, in Berlin. ... Get a visa to study, work or visit Canada. Voting abroad. Voting process for Canadians who live abroad. Office information Address. Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Germany International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Work and travel in Germany: International Experience Canada
To work in Germany through the Youth Mobility Visa, you must: be a Canadian citizen. be 18-35 years old (inclusive), and. have a valid Canadian passport. Other requirements may apply, check Germany's website for more details.
Canadians visiting Europe will soon need a permit
1:53 Canada announces visa-free travel expansion for 13 countries, new online application: Immigration minister The fee to apply for ETIAS is $10. The email you need for the day's top news stories ...
Guide to temporary entry into Germany under CETA
Under German law, Canadian short-term business visitors do not need a Schengen C visa to enter Germany. You are entitled to stay within any country of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Canadian companies can also send non-Canadian nationals locally hired in Canada for short-term business travel in Germany.
ETIAS Germany Canada
Yes, Canadians can travel to Germany. When travelling on a Canadian passport, passengers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Germany from 2025. The ETIAS will allow Canadians to visit Germany for tourism and business purposes. It will be valid for a total of 3 years (or until the Canadian passport it is registered to expires).
Transit
A transit visa might be required if you fly via Germany or Austria to get to your final destination. Navigation and service. ... Holders of a blue Canadian Travel Document do not need a visa for transit in Germany. ... or if you stayed in Canada without a visa AND you do hold a passport from the following countries: Afghanistan; Bangladesh;
Germany visa requirements for Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Germany in 2024. Canadian passport holders can stay in Germany for a short period of time (for 90 days). Please, read all the information below to make your trip easy and safe. Don't rely on information from only one source. Please,
How to Apply for Germany Schengen Visa from Canada in 5 Easy Steps
In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Germany visa at the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto, Canada, Germany visa appointment booking, processing time at the Germany visa application center, flight itinerary for a Germany visa, hotel bookings for a Germany visa, Schengen travel insurance for a Germany visa application, and ...
Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa
5. You travel to Canada (if you're approved) Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport). Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents.
How to apply for a visitor visa
To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor. To qualify, you must show that: you plan to stay for less than 6 months. you don't plan to enter the Canadian labour market. your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada.
Canada eTA Requirements for citizens of Germany
The Canada eTA for German nationals is a digital visa waiver that grants entry to the country. It allows citizens of Germany to apply online for authorization to visit Canada. Germany is one of more than 50 countries whose citizens can take advantage of this simplified method of obtaining travel authorization for Canada and avoid the longer process of applying for a traditional visa at an embassy.
Why IRCC may refuse your visitor visa application
Foreign nationals often come to Canada for leisure, to visit family and friends, or to conduct business. To visit Canada, residents of visa-required countries* must obtain a visitor visa. However, there are many reasons that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse an applicant's visitor visa application. Read more about business visitors to Canada
Long Stays
There is no obligation to apply for a German visa before leaving Canada. Only in cases where an employment is intended to begin directly after arrival in Germany (e.g. work, study, internship), we recommend that a visa (which includes the work permit) is being issued in advance. Employment cannot be started before having the obligatory permit.
Canada Extends Window For Ukrainians To Travel ...
Canada is giving Ukrainians who applied under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel (CUAET) measure and were approved before Feb. 4 this year four more months to arrive, extending the travel deadline to July 31. "These people will have until July 31, 2024 to arrive in Canada and apply for an inland study permit and an open work permit free of charge once approved," notes ...
6 Countries That Make Retiring Abroad (Relatively) Easy
Qualifying applicants for this permanent-residency visa receive import-tax exemptions on household goods up to $10,000 and on a new car every other year, plus substantial discounts on everything ...
COVID-19 Update
Until 30.09.2022, two vaccinations according to the EU-wide vaccination scheme are sufficient to enter Germany.The date of vaccination is irrelevant for Germany. From 1.10.2022, three vaccinations or two vaccinations and a negative PCR test or two vaccinations and a convalescent certificate are required, which must not be fresher than 28 days and not older than 90 days.
Germany legalizes cannabis for personal use
The new law legalizes possession by adults of up to 25 grams of marijuana for recreational purposes and allows individuals to grow up to three plants on their own. That part of the legislation ...
Canada Visa Online Service Streamlines Travel Procedures for German
Ottawa, Canada, 6th April 2024, In an era where seamless travel experiences are valued more than ever, navigating visa applications can often feel like a daunting task. However, with the advent of online visa services, the process has been revolutionized, offering convenience and efficiency to travelers worldwide.
Work and Travel in Germany with the Youth Mobility Visa
As soon as you arrive in Germany, you must contact the Foreigners authority in the same city that you indicated as your first housing in your application to request an extension of your Youth Mobility visa. Your fingerprints will be taken and an additional fee of 100,00 EUR will be charged by the Foreigners authority.

Language selection

Germany travel advice

On this page

Petty crime

Violent crime

Demonstrations

Mountain activities

Road safety

Useful links

Temporary border controls

Regular Canadian passport

Passport for official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

Other travel documents

Extension of stay

Registration

Other entry requirements

Yellow fever

Children and travel

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Routine vaccines

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

Safe food and water precautions

Insect bite prevention

Animal precautions

Person-to-person infections

Medical services and facilities

Keep in Mind...

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Identification

Illegal activities

Dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

Speed limits

Low-emission zones

Personal light electric vehicles

Flooding and landslides

Local services

Consular assistance

Risk Levels

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Learn About Your Destination

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Embassy Messages

Quick Facts

Embassies and Consulates

Destination Description

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Safety and Security

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Travel and Transportation

For additional travel information

Travel Advisory Levels

External Link

Language selection

Related link

Before you travel:

Short-term business visitor

Do I need a work permit or a visa as a short-term business visitor under CETA?

Business visitor for investment purposes

Do I qualify as a business visitor for investment purposes under CETA?

Do I need a work permit or visa?

Do I qualify as an investor under CETA as a business visitor for investment purposes under CETA?

Do I need a work permit or a visa?

What are the eligibility requirements for a visa for self-employment to start a business?

How do I apply for a visa for self-employment to start a business?

How much will it cost?

How long will it take?

Contractual services supplier

Do I need a work permit or a visa as a contractual service supplier under CETA?

Am I eligible for a CETA CSS Permit?

How do I apply for a CETA CSS Permit?

Independent professional

Do I qualify as an independent professional under CETA?

Do I need a work permit or a visa as an independent professional under CETA?

Am I eligible for a residence permit for self-employment as a freelancer?