Visa

From 11 January 2011 citizens of Taiwan can travel without a visa to the Schengen area for tourist and business purposes for up to 90 days within every 6 months. Please note that visa free travel is only possible with Taiwanese passports that include an ID number.

As of 5 April 2010 only passports that have been issued (not extended) during the past ten years can be endorsed with a visa. If your passport was issued longer than 10 years ago, please apply for a new passport at your Embassy.

Appointment booking system

Please read all information on this website carefully before applying for an appointment.

The Embassy operates an appointment booking system. It is a 24-hour, fully automated service operated in conjunction with Cablecom Productions of London. Appointments can be made on 09065 540 740 (Cablecom charges calls at £1.02 per minute if calling from a BT landline. Other operators may charge more.)

From 26 April 2010 it is also possible to book your visa appointment online. To make an appointment online please click here

All persons wishing to apply for visas to visit Germany MUST apply in person (except application by post - see below) and MUST make an appointment in advance. Applicants must not attend the Embassy without first making an appointment, as admission will not be possible. This also applies to applicants using the online application form. Do NOT book a flight before booking an appointment. ONLY applications from residents in the UK can be accepted.

Spouses of EU and German nationals can also apply by post (please see information below).

Diplomatic passport holders in the UK may lodge their applications without prior appointment. They can file their applications from Monday-Friday between 8.15am-10.30am. Applications can also be filed by an appointed person (e.g. driver). Please expect waiting times!

Holders of Official or Service passports do need to make an appointment.

Please try to apply as early as possible, especially during the summer months and before public holidays. You may apply for a visa up to 12 weeks before you start your trip.

For all other visa requests please call the Visa Department on 0207 824 1465 from Monday-Thursday between 13:30 – 15:30.

In cases of extreme urgency ONLY, please send your emergency request by fax to 020 7824 1448. Please mention your telephone number clearly on your fax, so that we can phone you back. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Please understand that requests that do not mention a contact telephone number will not be processed.

Documents required for spouses of EU nationals:

• EU-national's passport + copy
• applicant's passport + copy
• marriage certificate + copy
• address in Germany
• visa application form with one passport picture

Application by post

Important message: Due to the high number of applications, processing times for applications by post can be a bit longer than normal. Please apply for your visa as soon as you can, and allow plenty of processing time before your planned date of travel. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

You may apply by post:

1. If you are a spouse of an EU or German national or
2. If you have had a Schengen visa from the German Embassy in London issued within the past 12 months or
3. If you have had at least 2 used Schengen visa from any Schengen Embassy issued within the past 24 months or
4. If you have had a one-year or multiple-year Schengen visa within the last 24 months and have used it.

Please note that the main destination of your travel needs to be Germany in order to apply with the German Embassy!!!

Important information: If you use your visa to travel mainly to another Schengen State, or if you cancel hotel bookings after you received your visa from us your next visa might be refused!

In addition to the required documents please add a self-addressed "Special Delivery" envelope and the visa fee in postal orders. (There is no visa fee for spouses of EU or German nationals.) Please be aware that application by post can take 8 to 15 working days. Please note that applicants can always be asked for an interview if required.

Visa Collection
Mon - Fri  09.00 - 10.30
Mon - Thurs  14.00 -14.30

If you wish to have your documents returned to you by post please bring a self addressed "Special Delivery" envelope with you.
Please check immediately upon collection/receipt that your visa has been issued correctly.
The Embassy does not assume any liability for the loss of documents submitted or returned by post.

Address:

German Embassy, Visa Section

23 Belgrave Square

London SW1X 8PZ