Nuremberg Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), including contact information and travel details. This is not always checked but highly recommended to avoid complications. For divorced parents, custody documents may be requested. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. EU citizens can travel with national ID cards.

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) from EU countries need an EU pet passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel). Pets from non-EU countries require a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian, microchip, rabies vaccination, and in some cases a rabies antibody test. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned in Bavaria (including pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and others). Birds and exotic animals have additional requirements. Contact German customs or veterinary authorities for specific requirements.

Stays exceeding 90 days require a national visa (Category D) or residence permit, which must be applied for before arrival at a German embassy or consulate. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 2 weeks of arrival if staying over 3 months. Common long-stay purposes include work, study, family reunification, or retirement. Requirements vary by purpose and include proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. You cannot extend a tourist stay to a long-stay visa from within Germany in most cases.

Business visitors on visa-free or tourist visas can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in paid work or provide services. Activities like installing equipment, training staff, or consulting may require a work visa. Bring invitation letters from German business partners and documentation of your business purpose. Extended business stays or actual employment require appropriate work visas and permits.

Students enrolled in German educational institutions need a student visa (if from visa-required countries) or can enter visa-free and convert to a residence permit within 90 days (if from visa-exempt countries). Requirements include university admission letter, proof of financial means (approximately €11,208 per year in a blocked account), and health insurance. Researchers may qualify for special EU researcher permits. Apply well in advance as processing can take several months.

Travelers transiting through Nuremberg Airport without entering Germany (remaining in international transit area) generally don't need a visa if their next flight is within 24 hours. However, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for transit. Check if your nationality requires an ATV. If you need to collect baggage and re-check in, or if your connection is in a different terminal requiring you to pass through immigration, standard entry requirements apply.

If you hold dual citizenship including an EU/EEA country, use your EU passport to enter Germany for easier processing and extended stay rights. If one nationality is German, you must enter and exit Germany using your German passport. Using the passport with more favorable entry conditions is generally recommended, but be consistent throughout your journey.