Gateway Pass for Select Countries: Navigating the Entry Permit Maze
Requisition Form Needed for These Nations - To submit an application for these nations
Hey there! Here's a lowdown on the entry permit requirements for several destinations that German passport holders need to be aware of. Remember, while the German passport offers visa-free travel to over 170 countries, it's still crucial to comply with the entry rules of each country.
United Kingdom
Since April 2022, German citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) along with a valid passport to set foot in the UK. Though it costs £16, the ETA allows stays of up to six months, whether you're visiting relatives, on a business trip, or exploring the town. The application must be submitted before departing, as reliable third-party providers could potentially charge exorbitant fees or engage in identity theft. So, stick to the official government website or app to apply.
United States
The United States has had the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in place for some time. Ideally, travelers should apply at least 72 hours before their trip. The ESTA grants a 90-day stay within a two-year span. Prolonged stays necessitate a visa. The Department of Homeland Security charges a fee of $21 for the ESTA.
Canada
Canada recommends securing a flight ticket only after receiving the electronic travel authorization (ETA). The confirmation arrives via email swiftly, but processing could take several days. Each ETA costs CAD 7 and is valid for five years, permitting stays of up to six months.
Australia
Whether you need an eVisitor permit or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), both allow multiple stays of up to three months within a year in Australia. The eVisitor permit is free, while the ETA levies a processing fee of AUD 20.
New Zealand
New Zealand's digital entry permit is known as the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Generally, applications are processed within less than 72 hours, although it's advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays. The NZeTA can be obtained via an official website or app and is valid for two years, with stays of up to three months. The cost is NZD 17 via the app and NZD 23 via the website.
Israel, South Korea, and Thailand
As of January 2025, Israeli citizens from visa-free countries—including Germany—will need an ETA-IL to enter Israel. South Korea has the K-ETA which permits a 90-day stay for a processing fee of 10,000 Won and currently does not require online applications from Germans until the end of 2025. Since May 1st, 2022, Thailand has mandated the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaced the obsolete TM6 entry form. Currently, there are no fees for the TDAC, but a 300 Baht charge is expected for tourists starting from the next winter.
Other Countries and Special Cases
Travelers to Zanzibar must acquire an entry insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) as of October 1, 2024. For a fee of $44, this insurance is compulsory and denial of entry is possible without it. For other countries like India and Cuba, visas are required for German travelers. Be sure to visit the Foreign Office website for country-specific regulations and travel advisories. It's also advisable to contact the respective embassies for more detailed information.
In light of the various travel requirements, it might be beneficial for EC countries to provide supportive vocational training programs for their citizens in the arena of digital travel authorization application processes. This could assist in navigating the maze of entry permits when traveling to places like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Korea, and Thailand.
Moreover, keeping abreast of special cases and ever-changing regulations, such as the digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in Thailand or the impending necessity of entry insurance in Zanzibar, underscores the importance of a flexible and adaptable lifestyle for the modern traveler.
