Hanover Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Visa requirements for Hanover depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay. As part of Germany and the Schengen Area, Hanover follows EU visa policies. Citizens of many countries can visit visa-free for short stays, while others must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can enter and stay indefinitely with a valid national ID card or passport
Freedom of movement applies. No visa or entry stamp required. Valid ID card is sufficient for EU/EEA citizens.
Citizens of certain non-EU countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure. Cannot work or study. Must have proof of sufficient funds (approximately €45-50 per day) and return ticket. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not per country.
From 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area
Cost: €7 (free for travelers under 18 or over 70)
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Implementation expected in 2025. Check official EU sources for exact launch date.
Citizens of countries not listed in visa-free categories must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
Processing time typically 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days in exceptional cases. Visa fee approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Countries requiring Schengen visa include China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and many others.
Arrival Process
The entry process into Hanover depends on whether you're arriving from within or outside the Schengen Area. Flights from other Schengen countries typically have no passport control, while arrivals from outside the Schengen zone go through immigration checks at Hannover Airport or at your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Germany follows EU customs regulations for goods brought into the country. Travelers arriving from outside the EU must observe duty-free allowances and declare items exceeding these limits. Those arriving from other EU countries have higher allowances for personal use. Understanding these rules helps avoid delays and potential fines at customs.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
- Counterfeit goods and pirated products - subject to confiscation and fines
- Weapons and ammunition without proper authorization - requires special permits
- Endangered species and products derived from them (CITES regulations) - includes ivory, certain animal skins, exotic birds
- Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - to prevent disease transmission (some exceptions for small quantities)
- Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - to prevent pest introduction
- Certain publications and media deemed harmful to minors or violating German law
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring in original packaging with prescription; carry only personal supply for trip duration
- Firearms and weapons - require special permits from German authorities; must be declared
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - may require export permits from country of origin
- Cash amounts over €10,000 - must be declared but not prohibited
- Alcohol and tobacco above duty-free limits - can be imported but duties and taxes must be paid
- Commercial goods - require commercial import documentation and payment of applicable duties
- Certain food products - restrictions on meat, dairy, and plant products from outside EU; check specific regulations
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - restrictions on use; must comply with German aviation regulations
Health Requirements
Germany maintains high health and safety standards. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers entering Hanover, though certain vaccinations are recommended. Health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to entry (countries in tropical Africa and South America). Proof of vaccination required.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu shot
- Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) - if planning outdoor activities in forested areas during warmer months
- COVID-19 - stay current with recommended vaccines and boosters
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and emergency repatriation is mandatory for Schengen visa applications and highly recommended for all travelers. EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Germany has excellent healthcare, but costs can be high for uninsured visitors. Ensure your policy covers the entire Schengen Area and duration of stay.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted for international travel). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip. Include contact information for the non-traveling parent(s). Birth certificates may be requested. For children with different surnames than accompanying adults, bring documentation proving relationship. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines.
Pets from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport. Pets from non-EU countries require: microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry), and health certificate issued by official veterinarian. Dogs, cats, and ferrets from certain countries require rabies antibody titration test at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before entry. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Some dog breeds are restricted or banned in Germany (varies by state). Contact German embassy for specific requirements based on your country of origin.
Tourist visas/visa-free stays allow maximum 90 days in 180-day period in Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) before the 90 days expire. Options include: work visa (requires job offer and approval), student visa (requires university admission), family reunification visa, freelance/self-employment visa, or job seeker visa. Apply at the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Hanover. Requirements vary by purpose and include proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. Processing can take several weeks to months. Cannot work on tourist visa/visa-free entry.
Business visitors on visa-free entry or business visas can attend meetings, conferences, and trade fairs but cannot engage in gainful employment or provide services for payment. Bring invitation letters from German business partners, conference registration, or trade fair documentation. For Hanover's major trade fairs (CeBIT, Hannover Messe, etc.), keep registration confirmation accessible. If paid work is involved, a work permit is required. Frequent business travelers should consider multiple-entry Schengen visas.
Students require a student visa (unless from visa-exempt countries for stays under 90 days). Apply with university admission letter, proof of financial means (approximately €11,208 per year via blocked account), health insurance, and accommodation proof. Researchers may qualify for special EU researcher visas with hosting agreement from German research institution. Student visas allow limited part-time work (120 full days or 240 half days per year). Register at local residents' office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 2 weeks of arrival.
Passengers transiting through Hannover Airport without leaving the international transit area generally don't need a visa if their onward flight is within 24 hours. However, citizens of certain countries require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for transit. Check if your nationality requires ATV. If leaving the airport or staying overnight, standard entry requirements apply. Ensure you have valid documents for your final destination.