Germany will continue to grant visa-free access to citizens of 62 countries outside the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area for short visits in 2026, according to the German Federal Foreign Office.
Under the policy, eligible travellers can enter Germany without a visa for tourism, business meetings or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the visa exemption does not permit visitors to take up employment during their stay.
The list includes several of Germany’s major diplomatic and economic partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Israel.
In addition, citizens of a smaller group of visa-exempt countries may be allowed to apply for certain residence permits after arriving in Germany, subject to the country’s immigration regulations.
Countries eligible for visa-free travel to Germany in 2026
The countries whose citizens can travel to Germany without a visa for short stays are:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
Travellers from these countries must comply with the 90-day limit within a rolling 180-day period. Those planning to work or stay longer must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit before or after arrival, depending on their nationality and eligibility.
