Germany entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Germany for tourism, business, or visiting family. The application process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the German embassy or consulate in Vietnam | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Germany. Apply at the German embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application no later than 6 months before your trip and at least 15 days before departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — not just Germany. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border control | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. Immigration officers at German airports check this — have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or invitation letter for the entire stay | Show confirmed hotel reservations for every night of your stay, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Germany. Immigration may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash to cover your stay | Carry bank statements showing sufficient funds — roughly €45 per day of your stay. German immigration rarely asks, but have the documents accessible in case they do. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Appointment slots at the German embassy and consulate are limited. During peak travel seasons, you may need to wait 2–3 weeks just for an appointment. Book as soon as you decide your travel dates.
Schengen visa rules apply
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. With a German visa, you can visit 26 other European countries without additional visas. But you must enter Germany first or spend the most days there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and any supporting letters.
2
Submit your application
Apply at the German Embassy in Hanoi or the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Book an appointment online; walk-ins are not accepted.
3
Attend the visa interview
Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The officer will ask about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Vietnam. Answer honestly and clearly.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15–30 calendar days. During peak season (summer, holidays) it can take longer. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
You'll receive an email or SMS when your passport is ready. Collect it in person or have it couriered. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and spelling.
Download Germany Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 90 days
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (based on history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (e.g., work, study)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days; requires specific purpose (e.g., employment, study).
work visa
EU Blue Card (Germany)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€140 (~$152 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Germany. Requires a university degree and minimum salary threshold. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
German Student Visa
Up to 2 years (renewable based on studies)
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a German university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds (€11,208/year in blocked account). Allows part-time work.
Apply investor visa
German Self-Employment Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs and freelancers. Requires a viable business plan and proof of economic interest in Germany. Must show sufficient funds.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children under 12. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on applicant's travel history. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$544 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Germany
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need an airport transit visa for Germany unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen state, EU/EEA country, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or certain other countries
Transit hubsFrankfurt Airport (FRA) · Munich Airport (MUC) · Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Health & vaccines for Germany
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially southern Germany; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Berlin
Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Frankfurt
Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt am Main
Kleyerstraße 86, 60326 Frankfurt am Main
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa-related issues; bring all original documents.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalBerlin
LanguageGerman
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water quality. Safe to drink everywhere.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Germany
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Germany — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 15 to 30 calendar days. During busy periods (summer, Christmas, Tet) it can stretch to 6 weeks. Apply at least 8 weeks before your planned departure.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at the German Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. There is no fully online visa for Vietnamese passport holders.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 2,100,000 VND) and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in cash or by bank transfer when you submit your application.
For stays over 90 days (e.g., study, work, family reunion), you need a national visa (D visa). Apply at the German embassy. The process is different and takes longer — start at least 3 months in advance.
Yes. A German Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. But you must enter Germany first or spend the most time there.
You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Vietnam, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger evidence.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. A screenshot on your phone is usually fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.