Sep 15, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
Riddhi MevadaPlanning a trip to Germany from India? Whether it's the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, the castles of Bavaria, or a family visit to Frankfurt, an Indian citizen travelling for tourism needs a Germany Tourist Visa — officially the Schengen Type C short-stay visa — before departure. This guide walks through the documents, fees, timelines, and application steps you need for a smooth 2026 application.
The Germany Tourist Visa is a Schengen Type C visa that permits Indian citizens to visit Germany — and, by extension, the other 28 Schengen countries — for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending short-term events. It allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and does not permit employment. Indian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Germany, so the application must be completed before travel through VFS Global or the VIDEX online portal.
As of June 2026, India is not part of the upcoming ETIAS travel-authorization requirement, so a full Schengen visa application remains the correct route for Indian tourists.
| Applicant Category | Visa Fee (EUR) | Approx. INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | €90 | ~₹8,900 |
| Children (6–11 years) | €45 | ~₹4,450 |
| Children under 6 | Free | — |
*INR figures are approximate and fluctuate with the exchange rate; a separate VFS Global service charge also applies.
Standard processing takes around 2 to 4 weeks, but during peak season (June–August) and around the December holiday period, wait times at the Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru centres can extend to 20–25 working days. Volumaax recommends applying at least 6 weeks before travel — 8 weeks for summer trips — and avoiding applications within 2 weeks of departure.
| Factor | Germany | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (Adult) | €90 | €90 | €90 |
| Standard Processing Time | 2–4 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Airport Transit Visa (Indians) | Not required (since June 2026) | Case-by-case | Case-by-case |
| Approval Rate | 90%+ | Varies | Varies |
Since a Schengen visa issued by any member state grants access to all 29 countries, applicants should apply through the country that is their main destination or first point of entry — for most Indian travellers combining a German city break with the rest of Europe, that means applying via the German mission if Germany is where they spend the most nights.
Volumaax's visa consultants can review your documents, prepare your cover letter, and guide your Germany Tourist Visa application end-to-end.
Explore Germany Visa ServicesYes. Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen (Type C) short-stay visa before travelling to Germany. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Indian nationals.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11, payable in INR at the prevailing exchange rate, plus a separate VFS Global service charge.
Standard processing takes roughly 2 to 4 weeks, extending to 20–25 working days during peak summer travel season (June–August). Applying 6–8 weeks before departure is recommended.
A Germany Schengen tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and also permits travel to the other 28 Schengen countries during that time.
No. Since June 3, 2026, Indian nationals no longer need an airport transit visa to connect through German airports for up to 24 hours, provided they remain within the international transit area and do not enter the Schengen zone.
Related reads: UK Tourist Visa 2026 Guide · Canada Tourist Visa 2026 Guide · Germany Visa Services at Volumaax
