By Jeff Wysaski
American citizens are required to present a passport to gain entry and exit from Germany. It is important to remember that many countries require passports to be valid beyond the dates of expected travel. Although the basic entry requirements for visiting Germany are fairly lax, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the passport expiration requirements before leaving home.
Passport Expiration Requirements
The U.S. Department of State suggests that all passengers visiting Germany carry a passport that is valid for a minimum of three months beyond the expected travel dates. For example, if you are visiting Germany through the end of August, then your passport should not expire until the end of November. However, country requirements for passport expiration can change at any time. To ensure hassle-free travel, contact your local German embassy for the most current expiration requirements.
German Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens visiting Germany for less than 90 days are not required to carry a visa, regardless of whether your travel is due to business or pleasure. In contrast, all travelers staying beyond 90 days must acquire a visa. If you are not planning to leave the borders of Germany during your stay, a national visa will suffice. However, if you will travel to other European countries during the period of your visa, you may need to obtain a hybrid visa or Schengen visa.
Germany and the Schengen Agreement
Germany is one of several European countries that abides by the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen Agreement eliminates internal borders between one Schengen country to another. This makes visitation to these partnering countries fairly easy. There are 24 European countries that belong to the Schengen Agreement, including all of Germany's neighbors: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
About the Author:
Based in Los Angeles, Jeff Wysaski has been a professional writer since 2005. He has written for such varied online publications as AOL Travel, Autotropolis, RadioShack and Manolith. Wysaski earned a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from the University of North Texas in 2004.
