ETIAS Germany: Travel Authorization to Visit Germany

As Europe’s largest economy and a leading destination for business travel and cultural tourism, Germany welcomes tens of millions of international visitors each year. Starting with the launch of ETIAS in the fourth quarter of 2026, nationals of visa-exempt countries—Americans, British, Canadians, Australians, and about 60 other nationalities—will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before any stay in Germany. This authorization is valid throughout the Schengen Area: a single ETIAS is sufficient to visit Germany and other European countries during the same trip.

Key Information About ETIAS for Germany

Who needs to obtain an ETIAS to visit Germany?

ETIAS is mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter Germany. This includes citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, and some 60 other countries. European Union citizens do not need ETIAS—they enjoy freedom of movement. Check the full list of nationalities covered by ETIAS to verify your status.

If you are currently able to enter Germany without a visa, you will need an ETIAS once the system is launched. Citizens of countries subject to the Schengen visa requirement must continue to apply for a standard visa at a German consulate. To understand the difference, visit our page on the difference between ETIAS and the Schengen visa.

The border authority in Germany: the Bundespolizei

In Germany, control of the external borders of the Schengen Area is carried out by the Bundespolizei (German Federal Police), formerly known as the Bundesgrenzschutz (Federal Border Guard). Established in 1951 and renamed the Bundespolizei in 2005, this force is responsible for border controls at airports, railways, and land crossings. It operates primarily at international airports, major train stations, and border crossing points with non-Schengen countries.

When entering Germany, Bundespolizei officers will check your passport and verify the validity of your ETIAS authorization, which is stored electronically in European systems. No paper documents are required—the ETIAS is linked to your passport and can be accessed directly by the officers.

Major entry airports in Germany

Germany has a dense airport network with around 40 airports, a dozen of which handle significant international traffic. In 2024, German airports handled 199.5 million passengers, an increase of 7.7% compared to 2023. For international travelers subject to ETIAS, the main entry points are:

For long-haul flights from North America, Asia, or the Middle East, Frankfurt (FRA) is the main gateway—it is one of the world’s best-connected airports, with direct flights from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, Dubai, and hundreds of other destinations. Munich (MUC) is an excellent alternative for travelers heading to southern Germany, Austria, and Central European countries.

Special feature: Schengen internal border controls

Germany has reintroduced internal Schengen border controls since September 2024, particularly at its land borders with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. These controls, carried out by the Bundespolizei, are intended to combat irregular immigration and threats to internal security. For travelers with a valid ETIAS and a valid passport, these checks have no particular consequences—they simply need to be prepared to present their documents at land border crossings.

Layover in Frankfurt or Munich: Do I need an ETIAS?

Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest transit hubs, and Munich is a major intercontinental hub. Millions of travelers from North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa stop over there each year before continuing on to their final destination in Europe. The question of ETIAS for a stopover in Germany is therefore particularly relevant.

If your layover in Frankfurt or Munich involves passing through Schengen border controls —which is the case for the vast majority of international connections—you must have a valid ETIAS authorization. This applies in particular to travelers who collect their luggage, change terminals via the public area, or whose ticket is issued by two different airlines. However, if you remain in the international transit area without crossing the Schengen border, ETIAS is not required for the connection itself. Certain third-country nationals may also be subject to an airport transit visa, regardless of ETIAS.

If in doubt, we strongly recommend obtaining an ETIAS authorization before any trip that includes a stopover in Germany. Visit our page on transit in Europe and ETIAS for detailed information on the rules applicable to your itinerary.

The ETIAS for Germany is valid throughout the Schengen Area

An ETIAS obtained for travel to Germany is valid in all 30 countries of the Schengen Area. If your itinerary includes visits to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, a single authorization is sufficient. To learn more about all the formalities for traveling in Europe, check out our comprehensive guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About ETIAS for Germany