Trade Fair Visa

When applying for your visa, simply refer to this information. In case the visa section responsible for issuing your visa should nonetheless request that an official invitation letter be presented, please send an e-mail to: visa@buchmesse.de

Additional information about visa procedures, requirements for the issue of visas, visa fees and application forms are available in different languages on the website of the Foreign Office, as well as the respective websites of the embassies and consulates. Frequently asked questions regarding visa matters are available here.

To ensure you obtain your visa before the trade fair starts, we recommend that you submit your visa application in due time. Applications can be made as early as three months before the time of entry.

An up-to-date list of all countries that do and do not require a visa is available from the German Foreign Office. Specific visa requirements for your country can be found on the website of the German Missions abroad(opens in a new window).

Exhibitors, trade visitors and journalists from countries requiring a visa must contact the respective German embassy or consulate general in good time to find out about the special local conditions.

During peak travel periods, very long waiting periods can occur before an application can be submitted to the German mission abroad. You should therefore arrange an application date in good time. Information on the appointment allocation system can also be found on the websites of the foreign missions. When making appointments, please make sure to provide complete and correct information to ensure admission on the agreed date. Information on the required documents can also be found on the website of your local embassy or consulate.

Please note the customs regulations for entry to Germany and the EU Special customs regulations apply to cash, cheques and securities.

In case the authorities responsible for issuing your visa still require the submission of an official letter of invitation, please send an e-mail to visa@buchmesse.de.

We are only able to issue invitation letters to accredited journalists. Please make sure you provide proof of your accreditation when you contact us, and we will process your request as soon as possible.

Please find up-to-date information on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health Germany(opens in a new window)  and on the website of the German Federal Government(opens in a new window).

There are exceptions to the quarantine obligation for participants from high-risk areas, which are described on www.auma.de/en/exhibit/legal-matters/entry-requirements(opens in a new window).