INTRODUCTION:

Across the entire Schengen zone, Germany is the nation that lures visitors from all over the globe the most. Because it has everything from palaces to castles, from ancient savories to gallons of beer, from art galleries to fashion and shopping, and whatnot to entertain anyone. It has a never-ending trail of nightlife to indulge in and dive into its spectacular rich culture. One can definitely find his liking in Germany’s tourism. 

Dwelled between the Baltic and North Seas to the north, and the Alps to South Germany incorporates a history of more than 2 millennia. Due to this, the number of visitors keeps on increasing annually supporting around 4.2 million employment in Germany. If you are on a plan to do something different for your next adventurous trip then this is the best opportunity to grab one and travel to the place of everything, Germany! with your friends and family.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A VISA? 

The Visa application is a crucial process to enter any out of the station, so it needs to do with proper care and knowledge regarding the Visa permission based on your place of residence. As stated below; 

Citizen of Houston: Houston is the fourth-most populous US city and is not necessary to apply for Visa as it is a Visa-liberalised member of the Schengen zone. This is possible only if the visit is limited to 90 days, but for more than 90 days of a trip to Germany, you must have a Visa. 

Non-citizen of Houston: For Non-Houston citizens, it is mandatory to apply for Schengen Visa to visit Germany. Third-party national passport holders must have a visa to enter and stay in Germany for more than 90 days. And for up to 90 days the applicants only require a residence permit and not Visa.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISAS TO APPLY FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM HOUSTON

Applicants visit Germany for various purposes based on their reasons. These types are listed below considering the duration of their visit.

1. Short-stay: A Visa issued for short-stay purposes for the holiday, family meetups, and adventure trips in Germany. This Visa validity is for a short period of 90 days only.
2. Long-term: A Visa issued for long-term purposes of severe medical treatment, employment contract, and education completion to applicants visiting Germany for any of these reasons. It is generally for more than 90 days trip.
3. Visitor: A Visa for family gatherings, vacation, or reunion purposes to friends and family members to visit Germany
4. Business: A Visa for official meetings, and conference purposes to business magnets and professionals invited to Germany.
5. Study: A Visa for academic and career purposes to students willing to study in Germany.

GERMAN CONSULATE/EMBASSY INFORMATION IN HOUSTON:

Address: 1330 Post Oak Blvd Ste. 1850, Houston, TX 77056, United States.

Phone: +1 713-627-7770.

Email: info@houston.diplo.de

THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK FOR VISA APPLICATION TO GERMANY FROM HOUSTON

The general routine paperwork for a traveler visiting Germany from Houston is stated as follows;

1. Online Schengen Visa application form, completely filled out and signed.
2. A Travel document i.e. valid Passport with 02 empty pages, not issued more than 10 years ago and with 03 months validity after you arrived from Germany.
3. Two currently clicked Photographs according to the norms of the Schengen Visa.
4. The Flight Itinerary or Travel document proof.
5. The Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000€ in the entire Schengen zone.
6. Accommodation documents or Hotel Booking.
7. The Economy proof supporting your entire Germany trip from Houston with staying and return.

EXTRA DOCUMENTATION FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM HOUSTON

The paperwork is extended for travelers visiting Germany for other special purposes based on their occupational status are listed below;

1. For Employee:
   • Work agreement.
   • Present bank records from the last 06 months.
   • Employer leave letter.
   • Income Tax Returns – ITR.
2. For Self-employee:
   • Legal copy of Business.
   • Company bank data for the last 06 months.
   • Income Tax Returns – ITR.
3. For Retiree:
   • Pension statement records for the last 06 months.
4. For Students: 
   • Legal Identity proof.
   • NOC-No-Objection letter from the School/University/Institution.

THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM HOUSTON

1. STEP 1: Verify and choose the type of Visa you want to apply for on the basis of your visit.
2. STEP 2: Fill out the online application form for a Germany Visa on the official Consulate General of Houston website.
3.  STEP 3: Make sure to gather all the required paperwork as per the website with proper proof and legal validity.
4. STEP 4: Make an appointment at the official consulate website.
5. STEP 5: Attend the scheduled interview with all the documents along with the Visa application on time to avoid any on-the-spot errors.
6. STEP 6: Wait patiently till your application is processed and notified.
7. STEP 7: Receive your Visa.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR VISA INTERVIEW

It is important to make an appointment at the Consulate General of Houston to process your Visa application, as you cannot submit your application online. Applicants residing in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico are free to submit their Visa application at the Consulate General of Houston. You can schedule the Visa interview via the online-official website and attend the interview manually by visiting the consulate and reaching there on time with all your documents and application. In general, the Visa processing time is 15 days after your submission and can extend further in other cases.

 

VISA APPROVED/REJECTED

What to do in case your; 

Visa is approved: If your Visa is approved, it means, you have successfully met all the rules and regulations in your Visa application with no errors. And you will receive Visa with which you can travel to your desired country legally.

Visa is rejected: Your German Visa can be revoked if you fail to meet all the requirements for one. The reasons can be incomplete documentation, illegal activity, invalid proofs, etc. If your Visa is rejected, while you are still in Germany, then you will be given a deadline before which you must leave the nation. If it is annulled before your trip to Germany, then you must reapply with proper care to avoid such rejection.