Germany→United Kingdom
Germany to United Kingdom
Do I need a visa for United Kingdom?
German citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to the United Kingdom, but they must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The ETA is applied for online and is normally granted in minutes to hours. This permission does not permit paid work or study.
Which documents do I need?
You may enter on an ordinary passport, a temporary passport or a national identity card. A driving licence does not entitle its holder to cross a border and is not accepted for entry.
United Kingdom — are vaccinations mandatory?
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to the United Kingdom. The UK advises that routine vaccinations are up to date and lists measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), hepatitis A and hepatitis B among recommended vaccinations; these are recommendations, not entry conditions.
Can children travel without adult supervision?
If you are under 18 and travelling without both parents — unaccompanied, with one parent only, or with another adult — you must carry a parental consent letter and proof of your accommodation and contact details. Carry these documents when that situation applies.
Is insurance required?
Travel insurance is a condition of entry. Arrange travel health/medical insurance for the duration of your stay; official guidance also advises cover that would meet likely medical costs and return travel to Germany where relevant.
Where and how to obtain the required documents?
Apply for the ETA online via the official UK application portal linked on this page; there is no in‑person application at an embassy or consulate. Once the ETA is granted you hold an electronic authorisation and the official portal allows you to check its status.
For consular assistance while in the UK, the German embassy/consular mission in the United Kingdom can assist; its website is linked on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel with my national ID card or driving licence?
You may use any of these: an ordinary passport, a temporary passport, or a national identity card. A driving licence does not entitle its holder to cross the border and is not accepted as a travel document for entry.
Will I have to prove I can pay for my trip or show a return ticket?
Border officers may ask you to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay and a return or onward ticket, so you should be prepared to present them if requested.
What documents are needed for children travelling to the UK?
If you are under 18 and travelling without both parents — unaccompanied, with only one parent, or with another adult — you must carry a parental consent letter and proof of where you will stay plus contact details. Carry those documents if this applies to you.
Where and how do I apply for the ETA?
Apply for the ETA online using the official UK application portal (the link is provided on this page). There is no in‑person application; do not go to an embassy or consulate to apply for the ETA.
How long is the ETA valid for?
Once granted, the ETA does not expire. You hold the electronic authorisation after a successful online application; the official portal lets you check the ETA’s status.
Can the airline refuse to let me board without an ETA?
Carriers are required to check that you have a valid ETA before travel and may refuse to carry you if you do not. Make sure your ETA is approved before you present yourself for boarding.
Who do I contact in the UK if I need consular help?
If you need consular assistance while in the UK, the German embassy or consulate in the UK can provide help; the contact details for the German mission in the UK are linked on this page.
Is there an official UK portal for applications and entry registration?
An official entry‑registration portal is linked on this page. Use the official portals shown on this page for applying for the ETA and for any official entry‑registration the government provides.
Will immigration check my return ticket and cash at the border?
The official guidance notes that for some travellers a confirmed, paid return journey and adequate funds are required and may be checked on arrival. Be ready to show your return ticket and evidence of funds if asked.
Does the ETA cost anything and how do I pay?
The UK guidance states that for visits an ETA is required for each trip and that the ETA application is fee‑based. The official page explains how to apply via the GOV.UK site or the ETA app and notes a charge for the application.
Where can I check the official rules regarding travel?
When was this last checked?
Our verification system recently confirmed these requirements on September 21, 2026. Entry rules may change without notice, so confirm them with an official source before traveling.
Before you travel
- 1Submit your visa or authorization application well in advance.
Apply in advance, as processing times may vary by country. Before you travel, prepare the required documents and check the other entry requirements.
Apply on the official site - 2Check the validity of your travel document.
Any one of these is accepted: passport, temporary passport, or ID card.
- 3Also prepare to present on-site.
Money for the Stay and Proof of Return Flight
- 4When a child travels without a parent, it is advisable to prepare.
Letter of Parental Consent and Proof of Accommodation and Contact Information
- Your embassy abroad
Nearest office: United Kingdom — information, announcements, contact details.
Open the embassy page - Read our travel tips
Local customs, seasons and rules — what they won't check at the border but on which your trip depends. Everything you need to know.
Open the guide
More about United Kingdom
Europe
- Capital
- London
- Currency
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Known for
- Royal Family, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace
- Food
- Fish and Chips, Roast Dinner, Full English Breakfast