Germany Visa RequirementsFor Afghanistan passport holders
Afghan citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Germany. The visa fee is €90 (approximately $98) and allows stays of up to 90 days across all 27 Schengen countries. With no German Embassy currently operating in Kabul, most Afghan applicants apply from their country of residence or through German diplomatic missions in neighboring countries.
Afghanistan passport holders require a visa to enter Germany.
There is no German Embassy in Kabul as of early 2026. Afghan citizens must apply at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate in their country of legal residence. Common locations include: German Embassy Islamabad (Pakistan), German Embassy Ankara or Istanbul (Turkey), German Embassy Abu Dhabi or Dubai (UAE), or German Embassy Tehran (Iran). Book an appointment through the German Embassy website or VFS Global in the country of residence. Required documents: completed Schengen application form, biometric passport photos, valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond return date and 2 blank pages, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed round-trip flights, proof of accommodation, bank statements (3 to 6 months), proof of employment or student status, leave approval or academic letter, and a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose of visit. Fee: €90 (~$98). Processing: 15 to 60 calendar days.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed Schengen visa application form
Passport with at least 3 months validity beyond return date and 2 blank pages
Two recent biometric passport photos
Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage
Confirmed round-trip flight bookings
Proof of accommodation for all nights of stay
Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
Proof of employment, student status, or financial support
Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the visit
Current Travel Situation
Afghanistan to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021 following the Taliban takeover and the subsequent evacuation. Afghan citizens seeking a German Schengen visa must apply at a German Embassy or Consulate in their current country of residence; for example in Istanbul, Dubai, Islamabad, Tehran, or wherever the applicant legally resides. Germany is home to one of the largest Afghan diaspora communities in Europe, and many Afghans with family ties seek visas for family visits, medical treatment, or educational purposes. Documentation requirements are thorough and proof of genuine purpose and intent to return is essential.
How to Get There
From Kabul (KBL), limited international connections are available: Turkish Airlines flies Kabul to Istanbul (IST), from where Germany is accessible; flydubai and other carriers connect to Dubai (DXB); Mahan Air to Tehran. From neighboring countries with Afghan diaspora, better-connected airports include Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), Istanbul (IST), and Dubai (DXB). Direct connections to Germany exist from Istanbul (to Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC) and Dubai (to multiple German cities). Germany's main international airports are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Dusseldorf (DUS), and Berlin Brandenburg (BER).
Money & Banking
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are ubiquitous and accept Visa and Mastercard. Germany is a relatively affordable Western European destination; budget €80 to €150 per day for accommodation, food, and transport. The public transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, trams) is excellent and affordable; the 49-euro Deutschlandticket allows unlimited regional travel across Germany for one month. Credit cards are accepted widely but Germany has a strong cash culture, so carry some euros.
Practical Tips
A Schengen visa from Germany allows free travel across all 27 Schengen countries. Germany has a large and established Afghan community, particularly in Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin, providing support networks for newcomers. The Afghan-German community has numerous cultural associations and mosques. Halal food is widely available in major German cities. Public libraries offer free German language resources. Emergency number: 112. Germany has some of the world's best engineering universities and is a destination for Afghan students seeking higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Afghan citizens need a visa for Germany?
Yes, Afghan citizens require a Schengen visa to enter Germany. The visa fee is €90 (approximately $98) and allows stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. There is no German Embassy in Kabul -- Afghan applicants must apply from their country of legal residence.
Where can Afghan citizens apply for a German visa?
Afghan citizens must apply at a German Embassy or Consulate in their country of legal residence. Common application locations include the German Embassy in Islamabad (Pakistan), Ankara or Istanbul (Turkey), Abu Dhabi or Dubai (UAE), and Tehran (Iran). Appointments can be booked through the German Embassy website or VFS Global in the relevant country.
Can I visit other European countries on a German Schengen visa?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued by Germany allows free travel across all 27 Schengen Area countries, including France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and others, for the duration of the visa validity and within the authorized stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.