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Schengen Tourist Visa

04.08.2024 - Article

If you are planning a trip to Germany as a tourist and you have to apply for a Schengen Visa, detailed information on the documents you have to submit with your visa application can be found here.

Important information:

  • The German Embassy in Wellington is responsible for processing your application if Germany is your main destination.
  • A confirmed return ticket must be presented for the Schengen Visa application
  • Please make sure that your travel insurance covers you for Covid-19 and that your insurance covers all Schengen states


Where and How to apply?

Visa applications must be lodged with the German Embassy in Wellington. Honorary Consuls do not handle any visa applications. According to the Schengen regulations, you may apply up to 6 months before entry into Germany for your visa. However, due to generally short waiting times for an appointment as well as usual processing time of up to 15 days for complete applications, we recommend you apply within 3 months of intended travel to Germany.

You always have to apply for a Schengen Visa at the embassy of the member state that is your main destination in terms of length or purpose of stay. If no main destination can be determined, the visa has to be applied for at the embassy of the member state whose external border the applicant crosses first.

The German Embassy in Wellington is responsible for processing your application if Germany is your main destination

The Embassy requires that you book an appointment in order to apply for a visa,. Appointments have to be booked via our free online booking appointment system

You have to submit your application in person in Wellington.

Postal applications
Postal applications are only for applicants who have already had a Schengen Visa within the last 5 years for which fingerprints were successfully taken.

Please do not include any fees with your application.

Once your application is complete, you will be contacted by the Embassy via E-Mail with the current visa fee and our bank details for immediate bank transfer.


What do I need to fill out and provide?

Please have your complete application ready for your appointment and do not include staples, post it notes, paperclips and folders of any kind. The photograph(s) is/ are not allowed to be stapled, glued or blue tacked to the form.

Before submitting your application at the German Embassy in Wellington, please prepare the following documentation:

1. Please print our your completed visa application form

2. Required documentation according to the Schengen Tourist Visa requirements:

  • Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return; with at least two opposite empty pages) including re-entry visa to New Zealand, valid for at least 3 months after your scheduled return.
  • Application form & declarations duly signed
  • 1 copy of your passport’s data page
  • Valid travel health insurance for the whole duration of your stay in the Schengen Area. Only New Zealand or German/European insurance policies are acceptable. Travel insurances must cover all costs in connection to COVID-19. The policy document must show that ALL SCHENGEN MEMBER STATES are covered.
  • Personal covering letter with entire travel plan (itinerary)
  • Leave letter of your company (if employed)
  • No-objection certificate of school or university (if student)
  • Flight reservation, rail tickets, others
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen area
  • Proof of financial status:
    If employed: Payslips of the past three months / employment contract
    If self-employed: Certificate of Proprietorship or other proof of ownership (proof of landtitle, proof of income etc.)
  • Personal bank statement of the past three months with sufficient funds
  • 1 passport photo according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
  • Self-addressed and prepaid envelope (please ensure your envelope has a rural ticket if you live at a rural address)
  • Fees (payable by cash or credit card, NO EFTPOS!)

For applicants whose spouse or children are EU-citizens:

  • There is no fee for applicants whose spouse or children are EU-citizens
  • Please include copy of marriage certificate/birth certificate as well as spouse’s or child’s EU-passport

For minors:

  • If travelling unaccompanied by parent(s), consent letter signed by both parents & applicant
  • Form signed by both parents
  • Copy of the parent(s)’ passports data page and child’s birth certificate

Please note:

  • ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS HAVE TO BE IN ENGLISH OR GERMAN
  • Original documents need to be presented in the given order. Should you wish to keep any original, kindly provide a copy (A4 size). Please DO NOT staple any documents.
  • Please note that the German Embassy reserves the right to ask for additional documents. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted.
  • Submission of incomplete documentation may result in the rejection of your application.
  • The Embassy will accept applications 3 months before travel at the earliest.

3. Please read the data protection regulation

Please print out and sign the data protection signature sheet

4. Visa fees payable cash or credit card; NO EFTPOS!



What happens after your application?

Please do not contact the Embassy about the status of your visa application.

If all the information on your visa label is correct, you are free to travel. Please check the information on the label as soon as your passport is returned to you. You should let us know immediately if there are any mistakes so that we can issue you a new visa.

Your visa will state your full name and passport number and include your photo. It will also state the period of validity. This is the time period in which you can travel. In addition, it will state the maximum number of days you can stay in the Schengen area during the period of validity of your visa.

Please note that being granted a Schengen visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the Schengen area. The final decision on whether or not you will be allowed to enter the Schengen area will be made by the border police on your arrival. When you arrive, the border police may ask you to present additional documentation alongside your passport and valid visa with information on your financial means, the length and purpose of your stay, and your health insurance cover. You should therefore take a copy of your visa documents (including an invitation from Germany, hotel reservation and travel health insurance) with you on your trip.

Additional content

Complaints may be submitted via the complaints contact form

Feedback about the Schengen visa application process

Overview "Consular Services"
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