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United Kingdom Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

German citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK, applied for online in advance for around GBP 10 and usually approved within minutes to a few days.

Guide last updated October 14, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the intended duration of stay (UK does not require extra validity months for EU passport holders beyond the trip itself)
  • A completed ETA application via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website, linked to your passport
  • A digital passport-style photo taken during the app process
  • Payment details for the GBP 10 ETA fee
  • No biometrics beyond the photo are collected for the ETA itself; standard passport control applies on arrival
  • Travel health insurance is recommended, since UK NHS treatment for visitors is not free except in limited emergency circumstances, and German EHIC/GKV coverage does not extend to the UK post-Brexit

Visa types

  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): required for visa-exempt nationals including Germans, valid for multiple visits over 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), each visit limited to up to 6 months
  • Standard Visitor visa: not needed by German citizens for tourism/business under 6 months, since the ETA replaces the old visa-free entry requirement
  • Work, study, or family visas: separate full visa categories applied for in advance through UK Visas and Immigration if staying longer or working/studying

How to apply online

  • Step 1: Download the UK ETA app or go to the official gov.uk ETA page and create an account
  • Step 2: Scan your passport, upload a digital photo, and answer background questions
  • Step 3: Pay the GBP 10 fee online by card
  • Step 4: Most applications are approved within minutes, though the UK government advises allowing up to 3 working days before travel
  • Step 5: The ETA is linked electronically to your passport — no physical document or sticker is issued, and you simply travel with the same passport used in the application

Fees & processing time

  • ETA fee: GBP 10 (around USD 13), paid online during application
  • No additional VFS/BLS service fee, since the ETA is a direct government digital product
  • Total cost estimate: GBP 10 per ETA, valid for multiple trips over its validity period
  • Standard processing: typically minutes to a few hours; official guidance allows up to 3 working days, so apply at least that far ahead of travel

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply for the ETA before booking non-refundable travel, in case of any unexpected delay or additional information request
  • Make sure the passport used for the ETA application is the same one you travel with, since the ETA is electronically linked to that specific document
  • Common issues include photo quality problems and mismatched personal details between the ETA and passport — double-check both before submitting
  • If staying more than 6 months, in employment, or studying, you will need a different visa category, not the ETA
  • Keep a record of your ETA approval and passport details, as border staff may occasionally ask for confirmation separate from the system check

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.