United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Germany passport holders
German passport holders can visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 6 months. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel and costs GBP 10.
Great news! Germany passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA online through the UK Visas and Immigration website or the UK ETA app before travel. The fee is GBP 10 per person. Processing is usually instant or within a few hours. The ETA allows multiple entries and is valid for two years or until the passport expires. Carry a valid German passport at the UK border.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Germany to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The United Kingdom left the EU and Schengen Area following Brexit in 2020. German citizens no longer have automatic free movement rights in the UK, but the UK introduced a visa-free visitor arrangement for EU nationals including Germans. From January 2024 the UK ETA scheme was extended to European nationals; Germans must obtain an ETA before travel to the UK. The ETA is linked to the passport and costs GBP 10, valid for multiple entries over two years.
Practical Tips
Apply for the ETA in advance, ideally a few days before departure. The ETA is linked to your passport, so ensure the passport you use for the application is the one you bring to the UK. You may be questioned at the border about the purpose and length of your stay. Ensure your passport has sufficient validity for your planned stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit the United Kingdom?
No. German citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months (180 days) for tourism, visiting family, or business activities. There is no fee for entry. However, the UK left the Schengen Area with Brexit; German citizens now pass through UK Border Force passport control on arrival.
Do German citizens need a visa to visit the UK after Brexit?
No visa is required, but Germans must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The ETA costs GBP 10 and is valid for two years or multiple entries.
What changed for German citizens traveling to the UK after Brexit?
Since Brexit, German citizens are no longer EU citizens in the UK's immigration framework. Entry is now via the standard UK international arrivals queue (not the EU/EEA lane). However, Germany-UK relations remain strong with visa-free bilateral access. Work, study, or long-term residency in the UK now requires separate visas.
How do Germans apply for the UK ETA?
Apply online at the UK Visas and Immigration website or via the official UK ETA app. The fee is GBP 10. Processing is usually immediate to a few hours. The ETA is linked to your passport.
Does the UK use the euro?
No. The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). This is one of the practical changes from Brexit. GBP can be exchanged at airports, banks, or post offices. Cards are widely accepted; London and major UK cities are highly cashless.
How long can German passport holders stay in the UK?
German citizens can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit on the visa-free arrangement. The UK ETA does not grant the right to work or study.
Are direct trains available from Germany to London?
Yes. The Eurostar operates direct trains from Brussels (connecting from Cologne/Frankfurt via Thalys) to London St Pancras. A direct journey from Cologne to London takes approximately 5-6 hours total. There are also discussions about direct Amsterdam-London Eurostar routes. Lufthansa, British Airways, and easyJet offer extensive direct flights.
Is travel insurance required for Germans visiting the UK?
Travel insurance is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. The UK does not have automatic healthcare reciprocity for EU nationals post-Brexit, so EHIC may not be fully valid. Consider private travel insurance covering medical expenses.