Do you need ETIAS for Germany?
Germany is one of Europe’s busiest destinations for tourism, business and connecting flights. A short visit will require an ETIAS once the system is mandatory, and changing planes raises a common question we answer below.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Germany at a glance for ETIAS
- Berlin, Munich and Hamburg city breaks
- Oktoberfest, Christmas markets and the Black Forest
- Frankfurt and Munich as major airport transit hubs
Is Germany part of ETIAS?
Yes. Germany is an EU country and a full member of the Schengen area, so it sits inside the ETIAS scheme. The same rules apply to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Germany?
Yes. UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for Germany once the system becomes mandatory. That covers weekend city breaks, Christmas market trips, football matches and business meetings, as long as each stay sits within 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do US, Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for Germany?
Yes. Americans, Canadians and Australians visiting Germany for tourism or business will need ETIAS once it is mandatory. Longer stays for work or study still require the appropriate German visa or residence permit.
Do I need ETIAS if I am only connecting through Frankfurt or Munich?
If you stay airside and do not pass through passport control, ETIAS is generally not required for a connecting flight. If your route means you enter Germany, for example to change to a domestic or onward Schengen flight that requires entry, you are expected to need ETIAS. When in doubt, plan to hold one.
How long can you stay in Germany on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. ETIAS itself is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires.
When should you apply for ETIAS for Germany?
Not yet. Applications are not open. When ETIAS launches, plan to apply a few days before you travel in case of extra checks.
Travelling to Germany? Read by nationality
Get the rules specific to your passport.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for Germany trips
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Related pages
Be ready for ETIAS before your next trip to Germany
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.