The Complete Country-By-Country Guide For German Travelers (2026)
Travel planning in 2026 is increasingly “digital-first”: more countries are using online pre-travel authorisations (ETAs/eTAs), eVisas, and passenger declarations, and airlines are stricter about checking documents before you board. This guide is designed for German passport holders who want a practical, country-by-country starting point—plus the few “big rule changes” that tend to trip people up.
Two important notes before we begin.
One, entry rules can change fast. Always confirm the final requirements right before you travel using official sources (Germany’s Federal Foreign Office travel safety resources are a strong default).
Two, “visa-free” rarely means “requirement-free.” Border officers can still ask for onward/return proof, accommodation details, travel insurance, or evidence of funds—especially in countries that get a lot of long-stay visitors.
The 2026 Big Picture For Germans
Your German passport is still one of the world’s strongest—use that advantage wisely
Germany routinely ranks among the top passports for visa-free/visa-on-arrival access, based on data that tracks entry rules worldwide.
That means many trips are easy—but it also means you’re more likely to run into “simple” digital authorisations (ETA/eTA/ESTA/NZeTA) rather than full embassy visas.
The UK is the #1 “surprise paperwork” destination for Europeans
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now a core requirement for visa-exempt visitors (including EU/EEA/Swiss citizens). GOV.UK guidance makes this explicit for EU/EEA/Swiss travellers.
The UK Home Office also states that from 25 February 2026 eligible travellers who need an ETA but don’t have one won’t be able to board.
So, if the UK is on your 2026 calendar—even for a short city break—treat the ETA like your boarding pass.
EU border systems: useful context if you travel with non-EU friends
ETIAS (the EU travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU nationals) is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026; the EU says no action is required from travellers yet and the EU will communicate specifics.
Germans won’t need ETIAS to travel around the EU, but this matters if your travel companions are from countries that will need it.
Comparison table: common digital authorisations Germans may need in 2026
| Destination | What Germans typically need for short visits | Typical validity | Key “gotcha” | Official starting point |
| United Kingdom | UK ETA (for most visa-exempt visitors) | 2 years or until passport expires | Without an ETA, you may be denied boarding from 25 Feb 2026 | UK Home Office factsheet / GOV.UK |
| United States | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program travel) | Typically 2 years (or until passport expires) | Must have ESTA approval before boarding | U.S. Dept of State / CBP |
| Canada | eTA (if flying or transiting by air) | Typically up to 5 years (linked to passport) | eTA is mainly for air arrivals; rules differ by arrival method | Government of Canada |
| New Zealand | NZeTA (for visa waiver travellers) | 2 years (travellers) | You can only stay up to certain limits even with NZeTA | Immigration New Zealand |
If you remember only one thing from this table: digital approvals are often checked by airlines before you fly—and you can lose the whole trip if you “sort it on arrival.”
How To Use The Country-by-Country section
For each country, you’ll see a compact, practical summary aimed at German travellers.
What it covers (quickly): entry style (visa-free vs. eVisa vs. “check”), common trip friction (onward proof, registration, permits), and one local tip that prevents hassles.
What it doesn’t do: replace official entry requirements. Use Germany’s official travel safety tools (including the Foreign Office’s “Sicher Reisen” resources) as your final check.
Country-by-country Guide For German travelers (2026)
Afghanistan
Travel is high-risk and entry rules can be complex; plan only with specialist support, robust insurance, and current official advisories.
Albania
Usually straightforward for EU visitors; carry passport/ID, keep accommodation registration details, and expect occasional police checks in tourist areas.
Algeria
Often requires a visa in advance; confirm with the nearest consulate and allow extra time for processing.
Andorra
No border formalities beyond Schengen transit; just ensure you meet Schengen conditions for your route.
Angola
Often eVisa/pre-approval or visa required; check requirements early and carry printed confirmations.
Antigua and Barbuda
Commonly visa-free for short stays; keep proof of onward travel and accommodation ready.
Argentina
Typically visa-free for tourism; keep passport validity comfortable and save digital copies of documents.
Armenia
Often eVisa or visa-on-arrival style access depending on current policy; Yerevan is easy, land borders can be stricter—arrive prepared.
Australia
Usually requires an online authorisation (ETA/eVisitor depending on eligibility); apply ahead and travel with the same passport used in the application.
Austria
Schengen travel; for German citizens this is “grab your ID and go,” but hotels still register guests.
Azerbaijan
Usually eVisa required; apply online in advance and double-check entry dates (they matter).
Bahamas
Typically visa-free; immigration often asks for onward proof and a local address.
Bahrain
Often eVisa or visa-on-arrival; keep your hotel booking and return ticket accessible.
Bangladesh
Often visa required or eVisa/visa-on-arrival depending on current rules; confirm before booking flights.
Barbados
Generally visa-free short stays; onward proof and funds checks can happen.
Belarus
Entry can be restricted and politically sensitive; confirm rules and advisories carefully before planning.
Belgium
Schengen; minimal border friction, but keep your ID/passport accessible on trains/air.
Belize
Often visa-free; expect onward proof questions and keep travel insurance details handy.
Benin
Typically eVisa required; apply early and print documents for backup.
Bhutan
Tourism is tightly managed; you generally need to book through approved channels with set fees and permits.
Bolivia
Often visa-free or visa-on-arrival/eVisa depending on current policy; altitude and Yellow Fever certificate rules can matter—verify for your itinerary.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Often visa-free; carry cash in smaller towns and keep hotel registration proof if asked.
Botswana
Typically visa-free short stays; driving is popular—international driving permit (IDP) can be useful.
Brazil
Generally visa-free for tourism; long distances mean domestic flights—plan buffers.
Brunei
Often visa-free; rules can be strict on conduct—respect local laws and customs.
Bulgaria
EU member; not all EU countries are in Schengen—check how this affects border checks on your specific route, especially by land.
Burkina Faso
Entry often requires a visa; security situation varies—confirm advisories and plan carefully.
Burundi
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; have exact documents printed and confirm health requirements.
Cambodia
Commonly eVisa/visa-on-arrival; watch entry date windows and keep USD cash for fees if needed.
Cameroon
Often visa required; health documentation (including Yellow Fever proof) is commonly checked.
Canada
If flying, Germans commonly need an eTA; Canada’s official eTA application is the baseline reference.
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Often simple entry with pre-registration or tourist tax systems; confirm island-to-island flight needs.
Central African Republic
High-risk travel; entry and safety planning should be specialist-led.
Chad
Often visa required and security conditions may be challenging; confirm advisories and logistics.
Chile
Typically visa-free; long country, big climate range—pack for extremes.
China
Often visa required unless covered by a specific transit/short-stay scheme; confirm the exact city/airport rules if transiting.
Colombia
Often visa-free short stays; immigration may ask for onward proof and address—have them ready.
Comoros
Often visa-on-arrival; bring cash and ensure passport validity is strong.
Congo (Republic of the Congo)
Often visa required; check invitation/hotel requirements.
Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Often visa required; security and health requirements can be significant—confirm current rules.
Costa Rica
Often visa-free for Germans for tourism; expect onward travel questions—keep proof ready (especially if staying close to maximum allowed stay).
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Commonly eVisa/visa required; Yellow Fever proof is often expected.
Croatia
EU member and Schengen; generally easy entry for Germans, but always carry ID for checks.
Cuba
Tourist card/eVisa-style rules are common; also expect health insurance requirements and keep policy proof.
Cyprus
EU member but not Schengen; entry is usually easy for EU citizens, but border checks can still feel more “formal.”
Czechia
Schengen travel; straightforward for Germans.
Denmark
Schengen; straightforward.
Djibouti
Often eVisa; confirm in advance and keep printed copies.
Dominica
Usually visa-free; small-island logistics mean limited flight options—book early.
Dominican Republic
Often visa-free/tourist card style; keep entry/exit documents and resort address handy.
Ecuador
Often visa-free; Galápagos has extra controls and fees—plan documentation and budgets.
Egypt
Often eVisa or visa-on-arrival; apply early if you want smoother airport entry and keep hotel details ready.
El Salvador
Often visa-free; onward proof may be requested.
Equatorial Guinea
Typically visa required; confirm through official channels.
Eritrea
Often visa required and permits for travel outside the capital may apply.
Estonia
Schengen; easy entry.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Typically visa-free; great for self-drive—check border hours if coming by land.
Ethiopia
Often eVisa; be prepared for changes in airport procedures.
Fiji
Usually visa-free short stays; onward proof can be requested.
Finland
Schengen; easy entry.
France
Schengen; easy entry.
Gabon
Often eVisa; print documents and confirm onward/return proof.
Gambia
Often visa-free or visa-on-arrival depending on current policy; confirm before travel.
Georgia
Often visa-free generous stays; excellent for longer remote-work style trips—still keep proof of funds.
Germany
Home base—if you’re re-entering from outside Schengen, make sure your passport is valid and you have documentation for any goods you’re bringing back.
Ghana
Often visa required; Yellow Fever proof is commonly checked.
Greece
Schengen; easy entry.
Grenada
Usually visa-free; keep onward proof ready.
Guatemala
Often visa-free; regional onward travel questions are common.
Guinea
Often visa required; health documentation frequently requested.
Guinea-Bissau
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; confirm cash/fee requirements.
Guyana
Often visa-free; infrastructure varies—plan transport carefully.
Haiti
Rules can change; also consider safety and infrastructure issues—confirm advisories close to travel dates.
Honduras
Often visa-free; onward proof and address may be requested.
Hungary
Schengen; easy entry.
Iceland
Schengen; easy entry.
India
Usually eVisa or visa required; apply early and match your entry airport to your visa conditions.
Indonesia
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; Bali is smooth, but fees and declarations are common—complete required forms early.
Iran
Often visa required; additional restrictions can apply based on travel history—confirm carefully.
Iraq
Usually visa required; security situation varies widely—plan carefully.
Ireland
EU but not Schengen; Germans generally enter easily, but ID checks are normal.
Israel
Often visa-free short stays; security screening can be intensive—arrive early and answer questions calmly.
Italy
Schengen; easy entry.
Jamaica
Often visa-free; onward proof and accommodation details are commonly requested.
Japan
Usually visa-free for short tourism for German citizens; still expect tight rules around work and longer stays.
Jordan
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; if visiting Petra/Wadi Rum, check pass bundles and local fees.
Kazakhstan
Often visa-free; huge distances—plan domestic flights and keep registration rules in mind.
Kenya
Often eVisa/eTA-style online authorisation; apply in advance and keep printed proof.
Kiribati
Usually visa-free for short stays; limited connections make logistics the main challenge.
Kosovo
Often visa-free; carry cash and keep registration proof from hotels.
Kuwait
Often eVisa; confirm rules and keep sponsor/hotel info available.
Kyrgyzstan
Often visa-free; mountain travel means seasonal road conditions—plan accordingly.
Laos
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; bring passport photos and cash as a backup.
Latvia
Schengen; easy entry.
Lebanon
Rules can vary; confirm entry requirements and security advisories close to travel.
Lesotho
Often visa-free; high-altitude travel and road conditions matter.
Liberia
Often visa required; health documentation often checked.
Libya
Generally visa required and travel can be high-risk; specialist planning recommended.
Liechtenstein
Schengen via Switzerland/Austria; no separate border formalities.
Lithuania
Schengen; easy entry.
Luxembourg
Schengen; easy entry.
Madagascar
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; keep proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Malawi
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; confirm current policy and health requirements.
Malaysia
Usually visa-free short stays; keep onward proof and be mindful of strict laws.
Maldives
Typically visa-on-arrival for tourism; hotels are often booked in advance and expected.
Mali
Often visa required; security concerns are significant—confirm advisories.
Malta
Schengen; easy entry.
Marshall Islands
Often visa-free short stays; limited connectivity is the biggest constraint.
Mauritania
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; desert travel means additional planning.
Mauritius
Often visa-free; carry onward proof and enough funds evidence.
Mexico
Usually visa-free; immigration can be strict about trip purpose—keep accommodation and onward proof ready.
Micronesia
Often visa-free; island hopping requires careful scheduling.
Moldova
Often visa-free; be mindful of regional travel restrictions near disputed areas.
Monaco
Schengen via France; no border.
Mongolia
Often visa-free for short stays; distances and weather extremes matter.
Montenegro
Often visa-free; great for road trips—carry licence and insurance documents.
Morocco
Often visa-free; on arrival, have your first-night address handy.
Mozambique
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; confirm pre-registration and health requirements.
Myanmar
Entry often requires visas and conditions can change; confirm advisories.
Namibia
Often visa-free or eVisa depending on current policy; self-drive is popular—check road and insurance requirements.
Nauru
Usually requires a visa/permission; travel is highly specialised.
Nepal
Often visa-on-arrival; trekking requires permits and insurance that covers evacuation.
Netherlands
Schengen; easy entry.
New Zealand
NZeTA is the key pre-travel step for many visa waiver travellers; Immigration New Zealand is the best reference.
Nicaragua
Often visa-free; onward proof can be important—keep it ready.
Niger
Often visa required; security advisories are important.
Nigeria
Usually visa required; confirm documentation and allow processing time.
North Korea
Highly restricted travel; generally only possible via organised tours with strict conditions.
North Macedonia
Often visa-free; keep hotel registration confirmation.
Norway
Schengen; easy entry.
Oman
Often eVisa; check rules for entry through land borders if doing a Gulf road trip.
Pakistan
Often visa required or eVisa; confirm requirements and security advisories.
Palau
Usually visa-free short stays; eco fees and declarations are common.
Panama
Often visa-free; onward proof is common—have it accessible.
Papua New Guinea
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; confirm entry airport requirements.
Paraguay
Often visa-free; keep onward proof and travel plans ready.
Peru
Often visa-free; altitude in Cusco and the Andes can affect plans—build rest days.
Philippines
Often visa-free; onward proof can be strongly enforced by airlines.
Poland
Schengen; easy entry.
Portugal
Schengen; easy entry.
Qatar
Often visa-free/visa-on-arrival for EU travellers; confirm current rules and transit requirements.
Romania
EU member; not always identical to Schengen procedures on every route—confirm your border crossing expectations if travelling by land.
Rwanda
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; East Africa tourist visas can sometimes cover multiple countries—check if that fits your itinerary.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Usually visa-free; keep onward proof.
Saint Lucia
Typically visa-free short stays; island logistics dominate planning.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Often visa-free; confirm onward travel proof.
Samoa
Often visa-on-arrival; keep accommodation and onward proof.
San Marino
No border controls beyond Italy.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Often eVisa/authorisation; confirm before travel.
Saudi Arabia
Commonly eVisa for tourism; rules and local laws are strict—respect dress codes and behaviour expectations.
Senegal
Often visa-free/visa-on-arrival depending on current rules; Yellow Fever proof may be requested.
Serbia
Often visa-free; keep registration proof from accommodation.
Seychelles
Often entry is managed via travel authorisation/health forms; confirm and complete online steps early.
Sierra Leone
Often visa required; health documentation can be important.
Singapore
Usually visa-free short stays; extremely strict on rules—don’t bring prohibited items.
Slovakia
Schengen; easy entry.
Slovenia
Schengen; easy entry.
Solomon Islands
Usually visa-free short stays; limited flights mean booking early matters most.
Somalia
High-risk travel; specialist support recommended.
South Africa
Often visa-free short stays; if travelling with minors, documentation rules can be strict—check early.
South Korea
Often visa-free or K-ETA style authorisation depending on current policy; confirm if an online travel authorisation is required.
Spain
Schengen; easy entry.
Sri Lanka
Often eVisa/ETA; apply in advance and keep confirmations.
Sudan
Often visa required; security situation can be severe—confirm advisories.
Suriname
Often eVisa/tourist card; confirm online procedures.
Sweden
Schengen; easy entry.
Switzerland
Schengen; easy entry.
Syria
High-risk travel and complex entry; specialist support required.
Taiwan
Often visa-free short stays; confirm any online arrival cards.
Tajikistan
Often eVisa; mountain travel requires planning and sometimes permits.
Tanzania
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; Zanzibar can have additional checks—keep documents handy.
Thailand
Often visa-free or eVisa options depending on length; immigration and airlines can be strict about onward proof.
Timor-Leste
Often visa-on-arrival; cash and passport photos can help.
Togo
Often eVisa/visa-on-arrival; confirm health requirements.
Tonga
Often visa-on-arrival; limited flights shape your schedule.
Trinidad and Tobago
Typically visa-free short stays; onward proof may be asked.
Tunisia
Often visa-free; keep accommodation details ready.
Turkey
Often visa-free for short stays for many Europeans; keep an eye on passport validity rules and carry proof of accommodation.
Turkmenistan
Often visa required and can be invitation-based; plan far in advance.
Uganda
Often eVisa; check Yellow Fever and health requirements carefully.
Ukraine
Entry rules and safety conditions can change quickly due to the ongoing situation; confirm advisories close to travel.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Commonly visa-on-arrival for EU travellers; Emirates-level rules are strict on behaviour—be mindful.
United Kingdom
Treat the UK ETA as mandatory trip prep; the Home Office confirms it’s required for eligible visitors and that from 25 Feb 2026 travellers without one may be unable to board.
United States
Germans typically use ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, and the U.S. government stresses ESTA approval is needed prior to boarding.
Uruguay
Generally visa-free short stays; very straightforward entry.
Uzbekistan
Often visa-free/eVisa depending on current rules; confirm entry points if crossing by land.
Vanuatu
Usually visa-free short stays; flight schedules are limited—plan buffers.
Vatican City
No border beyond Italy; access rules are practical (queues, security) rather than immigration.
Venezuela
Entry can be complex and safety conditions vary; confirm requirements and advisories.
Vietnam
Often eVisa or visa-free short stays depending on current agreements; apply early and match entry port to visa conditions.
Yemen
High-risk travel; specialist planning required.
Zambia
Often visa-on-arrival/eVisa; safari/overland itineraries may involve multiple borders—keep a document folder.
Zimbabwe
Often visa-on-arrival; confirm fee currency and keep accommodation details ready.
2026 “don’t-get-denied-boarding” checklist for German travelers
Airlines commonly enforce these items before you fly, even when a country is “visa-free.”
- Passport validity (aim for comfortably beyond your trip; many countries expect extra validity beyond your departure date).
- Onward/return proof (a real ticket or credible proof of exit; many carriers won’t let you board without it).
- Digital authorisations completed (UK ETA, ESTA, eTA, NZeTA, destination-specific declarations).
- Accommodation address for your first night (hotel confirmation, host address).
- Travel insurance proof where expected (some destinations actively ask).
- Printed backups of critical confirmations (your phone dying at passport control is more common than you think).