The Lowdown on Travel Permits: A Global Guide for Germans
Submit an application for the respective nations - Submissions Required for These Countries' Applications
Wanna jet set around the world without hitches? German passport holders might smash through the borders of over 170 countries sans a visa, but it's crucial to play by each nation's entry rules.
Some countries, like the UK and Thailand, require an entry permit before you check in your bags. This guide offers a heads up on where you'll need one and how to get it.
The U.K. and Its ETA Demands
Fact: If you're planning a trip to Blighty, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in your pocket alongside your valid passport, starting April 2023. This ETA grant allows stays for up to six months across various adventures, such as visiting family, conducting business, or sightseeing.
The good news? Apply for your ETA straight from the government's website or app, but beware dodgy third-party providers skimming the cream or dipping their toes into identity theft.
The US's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The United States has a proud history of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), essential for air or sea voyagers. Make sure to pop your application in at least 72 hours before tossing your swimsuit into your suitcase. Approved? Kick back for up to 90 days wanderings within a two-year period. Craving a prolonged stay? Opt for a visa.
Canada's Electronic Permit: eTA
Here's a heads up for our friends north of the border: snag your electronic travel authorization (eTA) before ticking 'book flight' off your to-do list. The eTA can typically shoot you an email confirmation within minutes, but be prepared for some waiting time. Once granted, enjoy stays of up to six months as often as you'd like for as long as your passport remains valid.
Australia's eVisitor and Visitor Permits
Exploring Australia's wonders? You'll require an eVisitor permit or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for entry. The eVisitor permit's a freebie, while an ETA will cost you AUD 20 for processing. Certified for three months stays multiple times throughout the year, you'll find all the details on the good ol' Department of Home Affairs website.
New Zealand: Say Hi to the NZeTA
New Zealand electronically welcomes us with the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), essential if you're arriving by air or sea for stays of up to six months. Applying for the NZeTA online is bite-sized and inexpensive (NZD 17 on the app, NZD 23 on the website). It's valid for two years, and do remember it expires when your passport does.
South Korea's K-ETA: Beat the Heat
South Korea has the K-ETA, allowing a 90-day stay for the processing fee of 10,000 Won (around €6). Unfortunately, it's currently on pause for residents of Deutschland until the end of 2025.
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Welcome to Paradise! But first, register for Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days before you touch down. Said adieu to the TM6 form, it's now piss-up and stampdown as far as entry requirements are concerned. No fees as of now, but 300 Baht could be charged from winter tourists in the future.
Israel's ETA-IL
Hitting the Holy Land? German passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. But, like many, certain conditions may tag along. Check out the ETA-IL system for more information and be ready to drop 25 shekels (around €5) for the application fee.
Zanzibar: Just A Hop, Skip & Insurance Away
Here's the deal: The lovely island of Zanzibar requires an entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), thanks to a change made back in October 2024. The cost? $44 a pop. Forget insurance, and you may find the gateway to this tropical paradise denied.
Comprehensive Countries Charting the Travel Maintenance Requirements of German Citizens:
| Country | Requirement | Duration | Application | Charge ||------------------- |------------------------------------- |------------------------- |------------------- |------------------- || United Kingdom | Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) | 6 months | Official website or app | £16 || United States | Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) | Up to 2 years or passport expiration | Official website | $21 || Canada | Electronic travel authorization (eTA) | Up to 5 years or passport expiration | Official website | CAD 7 || Australia | Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa | Multiple stays throughout a year | Department of Home Affairs website | AUD 20 (ETA) || New Zealand | New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | Up to 6 months | Official website or app | NZD 17 (app)
NZD 23( website) || South Korea | K-ETA suspended for German citizens until 31 Dec 2025 | 90 days | Official website or app | 10,000 Won || Thailand | Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | Varies by purpose | Official website | Free (expected 300 Baht for winter tourism) || Israel | ETA-IL | Up to 90 days multiple stays | Official website | 25 shekels || Zanzibar | Entry insurance | Up to one entry | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) | $44 |
- The European Commission recommends that Germans consider obtaining vocational training certificates as many EC countries require them for certain job positions.
- In some cases, obtaining a vocational training certificate can lead to a smoother transition when traveling and working within the EU.
- Delays in obtaining the necessary vocational training certificates might impact one's lifestyle, travel plans, and employment opportunities in the various EC countries.
- Germans planning long-term stays or work trips in EC countries should research the specific vocational training requirements for the desired profession and take the necessary steps to meet those prerequisites well in advance.
