As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. During the peak travel season there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. Persons requiring a visa to enter Germany should therefore submit their requests in time.

As a rule, applicants must submit visa applications, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German mission responsible for their place of residence. In order to avoid time-consuming requests for additional information or documentation, applicants should contact the respective mission well in advance of their departure date to enquire about any special local requirements pertaining to visa formalities.

Letters of invitation for visitors and exhibitors from countries requiring a visa will be issued by the foreign representatives of Deutsche Messe.

For visitors, the issuance of an invitation letter is conditional on the purchase of a full-event-ticket for the corresponding trade fair.

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries (see download right column), please contact Deutsche Messe directly to find out how best to apply for a visa.

Please find the contact of your Deutsche Messe representative here.

Applicants from the following countries will receive their invitation letter directly from the responsible representative, not from Deutsche Messe.

Please provide your personal details in good time to your contact person at Deutsche Messe.

For visitors, the issuance of a visa is conditional on the purchase of a full-event-ticket for the corresponding trade fair.