Anyone from Afghanistan or Syria wishing to visit relatives in Germany requires a visa. A visitor’s visa allows for a limited stay in Germany. It may not exceed 90 days. The Schengen visa must be applied for at the relevant German diplomatic mission in the applicant’s country of residence. Adults must pay 90 euros for the application to be processed.
Many requirements to fulfil before travelling
To obtain a visitor’s visa, various requirements must be met. Firstly, applicants need a valid passport, a completed visa application form and recent biometric passport photographs. In addition, the purpose of the trip must be demonstrated, for example by means of a letter of invitation from a relative in Germany. The Federal Foreign Office recommends applying for the visa no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the planned trip. This can also be done online. Forms are available in Arabic, amongst other languages.
The stay must be financially covered
Proof of financial means to cover the stay is also required. This can be demonstrated through the applicant’s own financial resources or through a declaration of financial support from the person extending the invitation. Furthermore, valid travel health insurance covering the entire duration of the stay must be provided. It must cover costs of at least 30,000 euros.
Willingness to return
Another important aspect is the applicant’s willingness to return. This can be demonstrated by evidence such as employment, a place at university, family ties or other commitments in their home country.
No German embassy: visas in neighbouring countries
Germany does not have an embassy in Damascus. Consequently, since 1 June 2026, Syrians have only been able to submit visa applications at the visa centres of the German embassies in Amman and Beirut, and at the Consulate-General in Erbil. There is also no German diplomatic mission in Kabul. Afghans can only apply for Schengen visas at the German embassies in Islamabad, Dubai or Istanbul.
Further information is available at:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/visabestimmungen-allgemein
and https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/schengenvisa
specifically regarding Syria:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/fragenkatalog-node/38-wo-beantragen-syrer-606612
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