Germany Tourist Visa

If you've ever wanted to wander through the fairytale-like castles of Bavaria, take in the breathtaking views along the Romantic Road, or soak up the lively atmosphere of Berlin, you'll need a German visitor visa to travel from Thailand to Germany.

Whether you're tasting traditional sausages at a local market, catching a live Bundesliga football match, or having a cold beer at Oktoberfest, Germany offers a mix of old-world charm and contemporary excitement that makes it one of the most popular destinations in the Schengen Area.

If you're planning a holiday in Germany and leaving from Thailand, you'll need to secure a Germany Tourist Visa beforehand. This is usually done via a Schengen Visa, which allows you to visit Germany and all other European countries in the Schengen Area. For activities other than tourism, like accompanying a fiancé(e) or spouse to settle, studying, or business trips, you'll need specific visas such as the German fiancé(e)/spouse visa, student visa, or business visa.

What are the Required Documents for a Germany Tourist Visa?

The first step when getting ready for your trip to Germany with a Tourist Visa is to collect all the right documents.

Approval for entry is at the discretion of a consular or border agent, so having all required documents ready is key, as it shows the German Embassy or Consulate that you are a responsible and credible traveler. This preparation reflects your seriousness about following Germany's laws and procedures, increasing the likelihood of your approval.

If you miss any documents, you might need to give more information leading to delays, or your visa application could be denied. By carefully following the document checklist, you will make your application smoother and help your visa application be approved as quickly as possible.

Here is what you need for a German Schengen Visa:

• Passport with 6 months validity remaining
• Completed Visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos (5 x 3 cm or 2 inches), white background
• Medical travel health insurance, minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR
• Proof of formal sponsorship from the German resident you're visiting (Declaration of Commitment “'Verpflichtungserklärung”)
• Bank book, bank statements, and payment slips to show you have enough funds
• Flight reservation and accommodation details
• Parental consent document if traveler is under 19
• One photocopy of all the documents listed above

What is the Application Process for a Germany Tourist Visa?

The embassy typically processes visa applications within 2 to 3 weeks, though it can be quicker if you’re lucky. If immigration officials decide an interview is necessary or if you go during peak travel seasons, expect a longer wait time.

The application process for a Schengen Visa to Germany typically looks like this:

• Reach Out to or Drop By Siam Legal

  Feel free to reach out or drop by our office for detailed information on visitor visa applications. We highly recommend coming in person for the most precise and up-to-date advice.

• Collect Necessary Items

  After our visa experts determine your eligibility and what you will need, you can start collecting the required forms, documents, records, and certificates. Should you face any financial issues, get in touch so we can figure out a plan together.

• Fill Out Visa Application

  Once you finish the application forms, go ahead and pay the visa application fee.

• Book Your Appointment

  Book your appointment at the German VFS office. You may have to wait some time based on their availability, so do this well ahead of your trip.

• Hand in Your Documents

  At your appointment, hand in every document that's required and follow the officer’s instructions. Then, just wait for approval.

What is the Visa Validity for a Germany Tourist Visa?

A visa for visiting Germany allows a stay of up to 90 days and is valid across all Schengen-member countries.

This includes the following countries: Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Is a Sponsorship and Invitation Letter Required for your Germany Tourist Visa?

Both a Sponsorship Letter and an Invitation Letter are important documents that might be needed when applying for a Schengen Visa. However, they serve different purposes and have different requirements.

What is a Sponsorship Letter?

A Sponsorship Letter is necessary when someone else will cover the costs of your trip. This formal declaration from your sponsor — whether a friend, family member, or employer — confirms their commitment to paying for your expenses during your stay in the Schengen Area, which includes accommodation, food, and transportation. The letter must include the following details:

• Sponsor’s full name
• Your name and passport details
• Sponsor’s address
• Reason for the sponsorship
• A statement of commitment to covering your expenses during your stay

What is an Invitation Letter?

An Invitation Letter is often required when you are invited to visit by someone in the Schengen Area. This letter is crucial for tourist or visitor visa applications, as it demonstrates that you have a host in the country. Unlike a Sponsorship Letter, an Invitation Letter does not make your host financially responsible for you. Instead, it serves as confirmation of the invitation and the host's awareness of your visit. The letter should include:

• The date
• The embassy’s address
• Your name and passport details
• The host’s full name
• The relationship between you and the host
• Intended travel dates

Proof of Relationship with the Host or Inviting Party

Additional documents and evidence are needed to prove your relationship with the host who is writing your invitation letter. Which evidence is needed depends on if you are related to your host or not.

• If the Applicant and Host are Related: The relationship must be proven through official documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book). You must present the original document and submit a photocopy. Additionally, a photocopy of the bio-data page of the host's passport and their travel history must be submitted.
• If the Applicant and Host are Not Related: In cases of a non-legal relationship (e.g., boyfriend/girlfriend), proof of correspondence must be submitted. A photocopy of the bio-data page of the host's passport and their travel history must also be provided.

Contact Siam Legal with your Schengen Visa

Siam Legal is ready to ensure you get a Schengen Visa for your trip to Germany in the swiftest and smoothest manner as possible. Our expert visa team will support you from the very beginning of the application stage up until you get your visa, doing our part to make sure you experience a stress-free and confident trip to Germany.

Our Professional fee: 21,925 THB (visa and government fees are excluded)

What Siam Legal Can Do for Your Schengen Visa Application

If you want to make sure you can get your Schengen Visa successfully and ensure your European trip goes smoothly, Siam Legal provides the services you need.

1. A full review of your personal, financial, and employment history to determine your eligibility.
2. Consultation with our European Immigration Specialist to answer all of your questions.
3. Comprehensive checklist of documents needed for your visa application.
4. Professional and precise preparation of your visa application to avoid errors that could lead to delays or rejection.
5. Submission of your visa application to proper government agencies to ensure timely approval.
6. Careful preparation of all correspondence to resolve any issues fast.

Frequently Asked Questions about Germany Tourist Visa

How long does the German Schengen Visa procedure take?

After submitting a Schengen Visa application, the Consulate takes up to 15 calendar days to make a decision. In some cases, this period may extend to 30 days or, in rare instances, up to 60 days.

How long before the start of the intended visit should I apply for a Schengen Visa?

You can apply for a Schengen Visa up to three months before your planned trip. It is recommended to submit your application at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit. Additionally, consider national holidays in both the Schengen State of your destination and the country where you are applying, as these may affect processing times.

My passport expires in two months' time. Can I apply for a visa?

Generally, you cannot apply for a Schengen Visa if your passport expires in two months. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned return from the Schengen Area. However, in justified emergency cases, the Consulate may make an exception to this rule.

What causes a Schengen Visa to be rejected?

If you fail to include all the necessary supporting documents, your visa application may be rejected. Missing items like employment letters, hotel reservations, or proof of financial means can make your application appear incomplete and lack authenticity.

How long is a Schengen Visa valid for?

A Schengen Visa allows you to stay in Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, but it is considered a “short-stay” visa, meant for travel purposes only — not for working or studying.

If you plan to go to Germany to search for a job or have already secured employment, you'll need to apply for a work visa. Similarly, if you've been accepted to a German university, you'll need to obtain a student visa.

Do I need to prove a purpose to travel to the Schengen Area?

Yes. When applying for a Schengen Visa, you must state and prove your purpose for traveling. The reason you choose will determine the additional documents you need to provide as evidence. You can select from the following 10 purposes:

• Airport transit
• Business
• Cultural
• Medical
• Official Visit
• Sports
• Study
• Tourism
• Visiting Family/Friends