Currently, German citizens can enter the UK without a visa. However, once the future relationship between Great Britain and the European Union (EU) is resolved, it is widely expected that Germans will need a UK eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before arriving in the country.

The UK eTA is a proposed visa waiver currently under development. It will be completely available online and will guarantee multiple short stays in the country for a number of years, for both business and tourism.

It is expected that this will be necessary for German citizens once freedom of movement between Great Britain and the EU ends.

Below, this section explains how Germans can prepare for travel to the UK once the eTA comes into force. It describes in detail the main UK visa waiver requirements that German citizens will need to meet and explains the process of completing the online eTA application form.

UK eTA Application Process for German Citizens

The UK eTA application process will be quick and easy to complete. It is expected that an applicant from Germany will need only 10-15 minutes to complete the necessary online forms.

Germans will need to apply for their eTA at least a few days before traveling to the UK. This is to allow sufficient time for any delays in processing and approval of an application.

The application form will ask applicants for the following basic information:

  • Their personal data: including full name and date of birth
  • Valid passport data: such as document number, expiry and issue date
  • Personal contact information: e.g. passenger’s phone number and address
  • An email address: to receive confirmations and updates on the application
  • Travel itinerary details: such as the traveler’s arrival date in the UK

Once the form is completed and fees are paid, British authorities will process the German visitor’s visa waiver. After an eTA is approved, it will be sent directly to the applicant’s email address provided during the application process.

UK Visa Waiver: Documents and Requirements for Germany

Germans applying for this new UK visa waiver will need a number of important documents ready in order to have their application successfully approved. When completing the form, the following will be needed:

  • A valid German passport
  • A working email address that you have access to
  • A completed UK eTA application form
  • A credit card, debit card, or PayPal account to pay the visa waiver fee

Occasionally, additional documentation may be required. This will be requested if UK border authorities need more information about the applicant. Should this happen, the candidate from Germany will be notified promptly via email with details on the reasons for the additional requests.

When Do Germans Need a UK Visa Waiver?

It is not yet confirmed when the UK visa waiver will be required for German citizens. However, it is widely expected that this will become mandatory starting in 2021.

The Brexit transition agreement formally expires on December 31, 2020. After that, it is very likely that travel arrangements to Great Britain will change. Unless an extension is agreed or a deal is reached, it is assumed that new immigration rules will be introduced.

The British government has expressed on several occasions its desire to end freedom of movement between the EU and the UK after the country has left the shared European legal framework. It has also proposed the eTA as an alternative system to be preferred for EEA tourism and business travelers.

Therefore, it is likely that the UK eTA will be launched in early 2021. Once the new system is active, it will become mandatory for German travelers making short visits to the UK.

Traveling to Great Britain from Germany

Once a UK eTA has been approved and sent to the German applicant, it will be valid for a number of years or until the passport associated with the eTA expires (whichever occurs first). The holder from Germany can then enter the UK on multiple occasions for short tourist or business trips.

When arriving in the UK, German travelers must enter the country with the same passport used to apply for the eTA. Otherwise, the visa waiver would not be valid. It is also recommended to carry a printed copy of the UK eTA approval email among travel documents for the duration of the trip to Great Britain as proof of authorization to visit.

It is very likely that, once launched, every single traveler in a family group will need their own eTA. This includes children and minors visiting the UK.

The eTA cannot be used to work or live in the UK long-term. Instead, Germans who wish to obtain employment in Great Britain will need to obtain another type of UK visa that best suits their needs.