Germany has reaffirmed its visa-free travel policy for 2026, allowing citizens from 62 countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area to enter the country without a short-stay visa.

According to the latest list released by the German Federal Foreign Office, citizens of these designated nations can enter Germany for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

It is important to note that Bangladesh is not included in this list. Consequently, Bangladeshi citizens must continue to obtain the required visas for travel to Germany as per existing regulations.

Key Details of the Policy
Permitted Activities: Visa-free entry is valid for tourism, business meetings, and visiting family or friends.

Restriction: This benefit does not grant permission for employment or any form of professional work in Germany.

Duration: Eligible travelers may stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day window.

Eligible Nations
The list of 62 countries includes several of Germany’s key economic and diplomatic partners, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel.

The full list of eligible countries is as follows:

Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, Vatican City.

Middle East & Africa: Israel, Mauritius, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates.
Source: Gulf News