This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Germany in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for German citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Germany is one of the UK's largest tourism markets, with 3.3 million visits and a record £2.1 billion spend in 2024. Whether you're a German citizen needing an ETA for a short visit or a non-EU national requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips to help you plan your UK journey.
The ties between Germany and Britain run remarkably deep—the House of Hanover ruled Britain for nearly 200 years (1714-1901), with Kings George I through IV and Queen Victoria all descended from German royalty. Indeed, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, whose influence transformed British culture from the Christmas tree tradition to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The British Royal Family was technically the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha until it was renamed Windsor in 1917. Today, over 300,000 German nationals live in the UK, and German remains one of the most commonly spoken foreign languages in Britain.
UK Visa from Germany: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Germany have changed significantly since Brexit. German citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, German citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Germany, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for German Citizens
German citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Germans must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements for German citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. German nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors.
What Do Germans Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return flights or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for German visitors, having your hotel booking and return flight details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do German Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
German citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all German citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Germans must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. German citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for German Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
ETA vs Visa: What's the Difference?
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from Germany 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa fees from Germany in 2026 start at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. German citizens only pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa). Fees have increased from 2024: the 6-month visitor visa rose from €138 to €152, and spouse visa fees increased from €2,218 to €2,323. All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Germany and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Germany
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Germany
UK Tourist Visa from Germany
German citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Germany (Indian, Pakistani, Chinese passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (Germans) or VFS Global (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from Germany" can mean different things depending on your nationality. German passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Germany must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Germany: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from Germany for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens residing in Germany pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of nationality—whether you're an Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Nigerian, or other non-EU passport holder living in Germany. The application must be made through VFS Global in Berlin, Düsseldorf, or Munich, and typically takes 3 weeks to process.
Indian and Pakistani nationals residing in Germany represent significant communities who frequently travel to the UK. Unlike German citizens, they must obtain a visa for any UK trip, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Your German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa for German Residents (Non-EU Passport Holders)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- German Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in Germany (Aufenthaltstitel)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from German employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Germany: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
Work Visa UK from Germany
German citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Germans can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35) and Health and Care Worker visa (€364).
Since Brexit, German citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed Germans to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, Germans benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Skilled Worker Visa from Germany
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for German nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Youth Mobility Scheme from Germany
German citizens aged 18-35 may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing a job offer or sponsor. Places are limited and allocated by ballot. The visa costs €382 plus IHS (discounted rate of £776/year).
Student Visa from Germany
German nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
Spouse Visa from Germany
German nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from Germany
The UK visa application from Germany process differs depending on whether you're a German citizen or a non-EU national residing in Germany.
For German Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: German citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Germany
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Germany are processed through VFS Global, which replaced TLS Contact as the official visa service provider in January 2025. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Germans): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich)
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Centres in Germany (VFS Global)
VFS Global operates three UK Visa Application Centres in Germany for non-EU nationals. Book your appointment through the VFS Global Germany website:
UK Visa Processing Time from Germany
Standard UK visa processing time from Germany is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
Germany-UK Tourism: Key Statistics 2024
Germany is one of the UK's most important tourism markets, with strong travel ties and high visitor satisfaction rates. According to VisitBritain data for 2024:
- Total Visits: 3.3 million German visits to the UK in 2024
- Tourism Spend: Record £2.1 billion total expenditure
- Holiday Visits: 1.7 million (record high, 59% of total spend)
- Average Spend: £626 per visitor
- Regional Spread: 68% of nights spent outside London (vs 60% average)
- Repeat Visitors: 62% have visited UK before (within 10 years)
- Satisfaction: 96% likely to recommend UK visit
- Flight Connections: 869 weekly departures from 19 German airports
- German citizens need an ETA (€19) – apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Germans can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics – no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Germany pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- VFS Global centres: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich (for non-EU nationals)
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
German citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, German citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
What are the UK entry requirements for German citizens?
German citizens need: (1) a valid passport (no minimum validity required, just valid for duration of stay), (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate genuine visitor intentions. At the border, you may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, funds, and return journey. Having hotel bookings and return flights accessible on your phone can speed up the process.
How much is a UK visa from Germany for non-EU citizens?
Non-EU citizens residing in Germany pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies to all non-EU passport holders including Indians, Pakistanis, Chinese, and Nigerians living in Germany. Longer-term visitor visas cost €569 (2 years), €1,017 (5 years), or €1,269 (10 years). Applications must be made through VFS Global in Berlin, Düsseldorf, or Munich.
How long can a German citizen stay in the UK?
German citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, Germans must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can German citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No, since Brexit, German citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Germans aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Germans can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Can German citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, German citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from Germany?
Standard UK visa processing from Germany takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by German citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). Germans use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes.