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Entry check

Enter country, date, length of stay and purpose. You see straight away which entry form you need, by when you have to apply and what is different for installation or service work.

What will you do there?

Checked for German passports; for other passports we show documented differences and flag what has not been checked. Destination missing? Then see the travel and safety advice of the German Federal Foreign Office (German). Some country details – such as special rules, tips and practical notes – are currently only available in German.

Business trip or work? The key difference

Almost all visa-free arrangements and electronic travel authorisations allow business travel in the narrow sense: meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, trade fairs and conferences. What they usually do not allow is productive work on site – and that often includes installation, assembly, commissioning or repairs. For such assignments you need a work visa or a permit, depending on the country.

The four entry forms

  • Visa-free: your passport is enough, often with a maximum stay (e.g. 30 or 90 days).
  • Electronic authorisation such as ESTA (USA), ETA (United Kingdom) or eTA (Canada): apply online, usually granted within minutes to days, for a fee.
  • E-visa: online application with documents, processing takes a few days.
  • Visa: application with an appointment at the embassy or a visa centre, often with an invitation letter.

In the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, a national ID card is enough. For business trips there, the A1 certificate (German) belongs in your luggage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a machine in the USA with ESTA?
Generally not. ESTA allows meetings, negotiations and trade fairs. Installing or servicing purchased machines is only possible in narrow exceptions, if the purchase contract provides for it. If in doubt, apply for a B1 visa.
How long must my passport be valid?
That depends on the country. Many require validity for the length of the stay, some three or six months beyond it. The entry check works out the date until which your passport should at least be valid.
Do I need a visa for China?
With a German passport, not for business trips of up to 30 days at the moment – the rule applies until 31 Dec 2026. For installation and work on site, you do.