Do German citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

German citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business trips to the United States under 90 days. However, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure, which costs $21 USD and is valid for 2 years. ESTA approval is typically granted within minutes but should be applied for at least 72 hours before travel.

Can German passport holders work anywhere in the EU without restrictions?

Yes, as an EU citizen, German passport holders have complete freedom of movement within all 27 EU member states. This includes the unrestricted right to live, work, study, and retire in any EU country without needing work permits or visas. This right also extends to EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland under bilateral agreements.

Is military service mandatory for German citizens?

No, mandatory military service (conscription) in Germany was suspended in 2011. The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) now operates as a volunteer professional military. However, men aged 18-60 are still required to register with authorities and could theoretically be called up only in a state of defense emergency, which has never occurred since suspension.

Which countries require German passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

German passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 16 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Russia, India, China (limited visa-free transit only), and several African nations require e-visas or online visa applications before travel.

Can Germans travel to Russia visa-free in 2025?

No, German citizens require a visa to enter Russia. Due to geopolitical tensions and EU sanctions following the Ukraine conflict, obtaining Russian visas has become more complex and time-consuming. Germans must apply for an e-visa (for certain regions) or traditional visa through the Russian embassy or consulate, with processing times varying significantly and approval not guaranteed.

Do I need a visa for transit through countries like China or India with a German passport?

For China, Germans can transit visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days) in certain cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou if continuing to a third country. For regular entry, a visa is required, though China recently expanded visa-free access. For India, German passport holders need an e-visa even for short visits; there is no visa-free transit option. Always verify current transit rules before booking.

How long does it take to renew a German passport and what documents are needed?

German passport renewal typically takes 3-4 weeks when applied for within Germany, or 6-8 weeks when processed through embassies abroad. Required documents include: valid ID card or expired passport, biometric photo (not older than 12 months), completed application form, and payment (approximately €60 for adults, €37.50 for minors). Express service (2-3 working days) is available for an additional €32 fee.

Can German passport holders enter the UK visa-free after Brexit?

Yes, German citizens can still enter the UK visa-free for tourism and short business trips up to 6 months, despite Brexit. However, starting January 2025, Germans must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to the UK, similar to the US ESTA system. The ETA costs £10, is valid for 2 years, and must be obtained online before departure. The right to live and work freely in the UK ended with Brexit.

What are the most difficult countries for Germans to get visas for?

The most challenging countries for German passport holders include North Korea (requires government-approved tour operator), Turkmenistan (highly restrictive tourism policy), Saudi Arabia (requires sponsorship or approved tour), Libya and Yemen (security concerns, limited consular services), and Eritrea (restrictive entry policies). Russia and China have also become more complex due to geopolitical tensions and increased documentation requirements. Afghanistan and Syria are effectively inaccessible due to active conflicts and travel bans.

Germany Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

The Germany passport ranks 4th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide. Consistently ranking among the top three most powerful passports since 2014, with first place from 2014-2017 and again in 2024, it provides German citizens exceptional global mobility and travel freedom. The passport's high ranking reflects Germany's strong diplomatic relations and makes it one of the most valuable travel documents for international business, tourism, and educational opportunities.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

188

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Germany passport

145

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for German Citizens

Popular destinations where Germany passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to days	FR
Singapore	Up to days	SG
Thailand	Up to days	TH
Japan	Up to days	JP
United States	Up to days	US

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Germany passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

145 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

27 countries

🔐 ETA Required

16 countries

💻 E-Visa

22 countries

❌ Visa Required

16 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Germany's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Germany Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

German Federal Foreign Office - Passport Information

🔗

German Federal Foreign Office - Travel and Security

🔗

Germany.info - Passports and ID Cards

🔗

German Embassy/Consulates - Passport Services

🔗

Bürgeramt - Passport Application (German Citizens)

Compare Germany Passport with Other Passports

See how Germany's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Germany (You are here)	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, German passport holders can access 188 countries and territories visa-free or with visa on arrival. Germany ranks 4th globally on the Henley Passport Index. This includes 157 visa-free destinations, 27 visa-on-arrival countries, and several electronic travel authorization options for countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Germany's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Germany Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

Germany's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Germany Passport with Other Passports

See how Germany's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Germany (You are here)	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Germany passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for German Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Germany's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Germany Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Germany Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can German passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do German citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Can German passport holders work anywhere in the EU without restrictions?

Is military service mandatory for German citizens?

Which countries require German passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Germans travel to Russia visa-free in 2025?

Do I need a visa for transit through countries like China or India with a German passport?

How long does it take to renew a German passport and what documents are needed?

Can German passport holders enter the UK visa-free after Brexit?

What are the most difficult countries for Germans to get visas for?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Germany passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for German Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Germany's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Germany Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Germany Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can German passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do German citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Can German passport holders work anywhere in the EU without restrictions?

Is military service mandatory for German citizens?

Which countries require German passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Germans travel to Russia visa-free in 2025?

Do I need a visa for transit through countries like China or India with a German passport?

How long does it take to renew a German passport and what documents are needed?

Can German passport holders enter the UK visa-free after Brexit?

What are the most difficult countries for Germans to get visas for?

Explore More Passport Rankings