Germany Visa RequirementsFor Ukraine passport holders
Ukrainian citizens can travel to Germany without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization agreement in force since June 2017.
Great news! Ukraine passport holders can enter Germany without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Present your Ukrainian biometric passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and a return or onward ticket. If you have family or friends already registered in Germany, a formal invitation letter (Verpflichtungserklarung) can help demonstrate your ties. The 90-day limit is Schengen-wide.
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
Ukrainian Biometric Passport
Valid Ukrainian biometric passport for Schengen visa-free entry to Germany.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or address of host (family or friends) in Germany.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure booking from the Schengen Area within 90 days.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
EUR cash, bank card, or bank statement.
Host Invitation Letter (if staying with family) Recommended
Written invitation from German resident with their address and phone number. Required if staying with private hosts rather than a hotel.
Current Travel Situation
Ukraine to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons in Europe, with over one million Ukrainians having sought safety there since the 2022 Russian invasion. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg all have substantial Ukrainian communities. German authorities fully recognize Ukrainian biometric passports for visa-free entry. Germany has been one of Ukraine's most significant supporters, providing major financial and military assistance. For Ukrainians traveling as tourists or visitors, the standard 90-day Schengen visa-free rule applies.
How to Get There
Germany is exceptionally well connected by rail, road, and air within the Schengen Zone. Frankfurt is a major international hub for onward flights globally. The German rail network (Deutsche Bahn) connects to Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France.
Money & Banking
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted in most places, though Germany still has a stronger cash culture than some other EU countries. Carry some EUR cash for smaller transactions.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Kyiv to German cities are suspended. Most Ukrainians fly from Warsaw (WAW), Krakow (KRK), or Wroclaw (WRO) to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), or Dusseldorf (DUS). Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lufthansa all connect Polish airports to Germany. Long-distance buses (Flixbus) run from Krakow and Warsaw to Berlin and other German cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ukrainian citizens need a visa to visit Germany?
No. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport can visit Germany visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization in force since 2017.
How large is the Ukrainian community in Germany?
Germany hosts the largest Ukrainian population in Europe, with over one million Ukrainians having registered following the 2022 Russian invasion, in addition to the pre-existing Ukrainian diaspora. Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf all have large Ukrainian communities.
How do Ukrainians travel to Germany from Poland or Ukraine?
From Poland, FlixBus and Eurolines run frequent and affordable buses from Warsaw (WAW) and Krakow (KRK) to Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and other German cities. Flights from Warsaw to major German airports (BER, FRA, MUC) are operated by Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lufthansa. Overland travel through the Polish-German border is straightforward for those already in Poland.
What currency is used in Germany?
Germany uses the Euro (EUR). While cards are increasingly accepted, Germany has a stronger cash culture than many other EU countries. Carrying EUR cash for smaller transactions, taxis, and some restaurants is advisable.
What is the EU Temporary Protection status for Ukrainians in Germany?
Germany has implemented the EU Temporary Protection Directive, allowing displaced Ukrainians to live and work legally in Germany. Those registered under temporary protection have a separate residence status and rights distinct from standard visa-free tourist entry. The German immigration authority (BAMF) manages registrations.
Do visiting Ukrainians with family in Germany need any special documents?
No visa is required. However, carrying an invitation letter from the family member in Germany can help demonstrate purpose of visit and accommodation at the border if questioned. The letter should include the host's contact details, address, and confirmation of the visit.
Can a Ukrainian tourist use Germany as a transit point to other Schengen countries?
Yes. Germany is one of the best-connected transit points in Europe with extensive rail, road, and air connections to all neighboring Schengen countries. Frankfurt Airport is a major international hub.
Is Germany safe for Ukrainian travelers?
Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe. There is strong social solidarity with Ukraine. Ukrainian travelers and displaced persons have generally been well-received. Standard urban safety precautions apply in large cities.