Germany visa requirements for Sierra Leoneans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Sierra Leoneans visiting Germany

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a German Visa.

  • A valid passport issued within 10years of the application period.
  • A fully completed and signed visa application form.
  • A minimum of two passport photos taken within the last 3 months.
  • Two blank passport pages for visa stamps.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Germany.
  • A detailed flight itinerary.
  • Proof of financial independence (e.g. bank statements or payslips), or proof of financial support (e.g. sponsor's declaration note or letter).
  • Proof of your purpose of travel(e.g. an employment contract, letter of admission or proof of academic qualifications).
  • Return flight ticket to Sierra Leone (Short-stay travelers).
  • Repatriation commitment note (Long-stay travelers).

Germany Visa for Sierra Leoneans

Facts about Germany

Visiting Germany is a vacation worth taking for every traveler. Asides from being one of the safest travel destinations in the world, the country is rich in history, culture, outdoor activities, and of course its cities. The country is home to the world’s leading trade fairs, the ITB Berlin. Also, the Oktoberfest which takes place in Munich between September and October is one of the main events which draws a lot of tourists to the country. The Oktoberfest draws as much as 6 million tourists to the country yearly. Tourists in the country also have the liberty of engaging in winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, and cross-country skiing in various regions in the country.
 
Germany is the ninth most visited country in the world. In 2012, over 30.4 million international tourists visited the country bringing over $38 billion in international tourism. The tourism industry is responsible for contributing 4.5% of the German GDP and provides 2 million jobs. The number of visitors is expected to increase significantly in the years to come.

Types of Germany Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90
Visitor Visa 15 days 1-5 years
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours

General Requirements for Germany Visa

  • A valid passport issued within 10years of the application period.
  • A fully completed and signed visa application form.
  • A minimum of two passport photos taken within the last 3 months.
  • Two blank passport pages for visa stamps.
  • A valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Germany.
  • A detailed flight itinerary.
  • Proof of financial independence (e.g. bank statements or payslips), or proof of financial support (e.g. sponsor's declaration note or letter).
  • Proof of your purpose of travel(e.g. an employment contract, letter of admission or proof of academic qualifications).
  • Return flight ticket to Sierra Leone (Short-stay travelers).
  • Repatriation commitment note (Long-stay travelers).
Germany Tourist visa Germany Visitor Visa Germany Transit visa

Germany Short-Stay Schengen Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The short-stay Schengen visa is issued to foreigners who intend to travel to any Schengen state for a short period. 
  • This visa is referred to as the Type-C Schengen visa.
  • Germany is a Schengen state and the rules for the Schengen visa apply to Germany visas.
  • Travelers on this visa go to Germany for reasons such as business trips, holiday or to visit relatives.
  • For the short-stay visa, the reasons or purposes for travelers' visits would be clearly stated on their visas. The purpose of your trip to Germany must be plausible and comprehensible.
  • Applicants' passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond their stay in Germany.
  • Passports that contain illegible data cannot be accepted and your passport must not be damaged.
  • The short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180 day period in Germany and your date of entry starts your 180- day period.
  • The Schengen visas can be issued for one, two or multiple entries. These entries depend on the visa holder’s reason for travel. 
  • If you will be leaving and re-entering the Schengen area during your visit, you will need to apply for a double or multiple-entry visa.   

Germany Long-stay Schengen Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to foreigners who want to stay in Germany for a period longer than 90 days.
  • This visa is referred to as the Type-D Schengen visa or the National visa.
  • This visa is issued to foreigners for purposes such as joining a spouse/family member, taking up a job, studying and conducting research.
  • To be issued this visa, your reasons must be clearly stated and will be duly indicated on your visa.
  • The national visa grants entry to Germany on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit.
  • It allows you to enter Germany as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency. 
  • You are expected to convert your visa into a residence permit within three months of arriving in Germany. 
  • Your visa can only be converted into the corresponding type of residence permit (a visa for work must be converted into a working residence permit).
  • As a foreign national, you are not permitted to work in Germany unless this was expressly stated when applying for a visa.
  • Applicants are required to submit a police report stating that they have no criminal record in Sierra Leone.

Germany Airport Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • An airport transit visa is issued to travelers who want to travel through Germany to another country.
  • You will need an airport transit visa if your final destination is a country outside the Schengen area.
  • The airport transit visa does not permit you to leave the airport. 
  • Applicants of this visa should be in possession of the visa of the destination country.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to take up permanent residence in Germany.
  • Holders of this visa should have a flight ticket to their destination country.

Germany Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Short-Stay Schengen Visa

60.00 (EUR)

Visitor Visa

Long-stay Schengen visa

99.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

Airport Transit Visa

60.00 (EUR)

Germany Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Sierra Leone

Location

Address

Freetown

German Embassy. 50 Raffles Place #12-00 Singapore Land Tower Singapore 048623 Robinson P.O. Box 1533, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

germembasy@sierratel.sl

(+232) (22) 23 13 50, (+232) (22) 23 13 61

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to extend a German visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend the validity of visas only in exceptional cases. The extension must be done at the foreigners’ office covering your area of residence. If your German visa extension is on the grounds of compelling personal reasons or late entry, it costs 30 euros but you do not have to pay fees if your visa extension is due to a natural disaster or for humanitarian reasons.

Can the invitee inquire about the status and outcome of the visa procedure?

In principle, information on the visa procedure is only given to those involved in the procedure, i.e the applicant himself. He can however empower another person.

Is the cost of living for foreigners expensive in Germany?

Germany is not expensive for foreigners as it is a budget-friendly country that helps travelers save money while they are there. Accommodation and food are quite cheap in Germany. The only thing to look out for is the fare for common high-speed trains as they can be very expensive.

How can travelers get around in Germany?

In Germany, people get around via public transportation as Germany has one of the best public transportations in the world. Another great way to get around Germany is by using bicycles and since Germans love to ride bicycles so it would not be awkward to ride one too.

Hello, is it possible for someone to travel on visitation to Germany from Sierra Leone??
Can i go to Germany with my children without a dna test?
T Woibah Suwo

2 years ago

Can i go to Germany with my children without a dna test?

How long will it take for me to have the visa?
How much will it cost me to travel to Germany to work and stay??
I need a working visa to Germany?