General Visa Information for Traveling to Munich, Germany

1. Do You Need a Visa?

Most non-EU/non-Schengen citizens require a Schengen Visa (Type C) to enter Germany for:

• Conferences, business meetings, or tourism (up to 90 days within 180 days).
  If your country has a visa-free agreement with the Schengen area (e.g., the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, etc.), you do not need a visa for short stays but must respect the 90-day limit.

2. Visa Types

• Schengen (Short-Stay) Visa – Type C: For tourism, business, or conference participation (max 90 days).
• National (Long-Stay) Visa – Type D: For study, employment, or stays over 90 days.

For most conference attendees, the Schengen short-stay visa is appropriate.

3. General Requirements

Applicants typically need to submit the following:

1. Visa Application Form – completed online (VIDEX) or through your local German Embassy website.
2. Valid Passport – issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay, with 2 blank pages.
3. Passport-size Photo – recent, biometric format.
4. Travel Purpose Documents –
• Conference invitation letter
• Proof of registration or participation confirmation
• Event itinerary or program (if available)
5. Travel Insurance – must cover at least €30,000 in medical emergencies and be valid for all Schengen countries.
6. Proof of Accommodation – hotel booking or invitation from host.
7. Travel Itinerary & Flight Booking – round-trip or onward travel reservation.
8. Proof of Financial Means – bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letter showing ability to cover travel expenses.
9. Visa Fee Payment Receipt – generally around €80–€90 (non-refundable).

4. Processing Time

• Average: 10–15 working days (depending on embassy workload).
• Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
• In some countries, applicants must submit via VFS Global or TLS Contact centers.

5. Visa Fees

• Adults: €90
• Children (6–12 years): €45
• Additional service charges may apply if using an external visa center.
• Fees are usually paid in local currency at the time of application.

6. Interview & Biometrics

• Most applicants must attend an in-person appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
• Be prepared to briefly explain your travel purpose and financial status.

7. Arrival in Munich

• You may enter through any Schengen entry point, not necessarily Munich directly.
• Carry copies of your invitation letter, accommodation proof, and return flight in case immigration asks.
• For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

8. Helpful Tips

• Submit all documents in English or German (include certified translations if needed).
• Book refundable flights and hotels until your visa is approved.
• Keep a copy of your visa and all supporting documents while traveling.
• Your visa cannot be extended easily for short-term visits—plan accordingly.