July 30, 2025, 8:15 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Is an ID card enough, or do I need a passport? And what about a visa? Can I get the entry permit at the airport, or do I need to apply for it beforehand? TRAVELBOOK provides an overview.
A traveler looks forward to his trip to Morocco, heads to the airport–and then the shock: He is not allowed to board. The reason: a missing passport, which is mandatory for entry into the country. This happened to a man who sued the tour operator in the district court of Hanover (Case No.: 410 C 3837/16)–without success. The plaintiff had confirmed during the online booking that he was aware of the entry requirements. Thus, the money paid was lost.
This example shows that it is crucial for tourists to know the required identification documents and entry permits. There are significant differences depending on the travel destination.
Overview
Traveling in Europe: Vacation with an ID Card
For stays in member states of the European Union (EU), an ID card is sufficient. These currently include 28 countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria, France, and Portugal. Although there are no border controls in the Schengen Area, it is still recommended to always carry an identification document.
Most European countries that are not EU members also accept the ID card as a travel document. According to the travel advisories of the Federal Foreign Office, these include Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Vatican City, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, and with restrictions, Moldova and Kosovo. In some cases, travelers must observe a maximum stay duration. Exceptions for entry with only an ID card are Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
Outside Europe, there are hardly any countries that allow entry with just an ID card. However, Turkey, which is mostly in Asia, is an exception–a 90-day stay is possible.
Countries Outside Europe–Mostly Only with a Passport
For vacations outside Europe, tourists must carry a passport in almost all countries. This usually needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip. However, German tourists generally do not need a visa. According to the Global Passport Power Rank 2023 by consulting firm Arton Capital, this currently applies to 176 countries worldwide. German travelers do not need a visa for 132 countries and can obtain a “Visa on Arrival” for 44 countries.
Most countries on the American continent do not require a visa from German travelers. This applies to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. For entry into the U.S. and Canada, tourists must obtain electronic travel authorizations before the trip (ESTA and eTa). Australia offers a similar electronic visa.
In Asia, German tourists can enter many countries with a passport without further bureaucracy. These include Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. In Africa, examples are Morocco, South Africa, and Namibia.
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Visa on Entry: Visa on Arrival
A visa is not just a visa. Many countries offer “Visa on Arrival,” which are issued directly upon entry at the airport or a land border. According to the Global Passport Power Rank 2023, there are currently 44 such countries.
The effort varies greatly depending on the destination country. In Egypt, for example, travelers can pay the visa fee at the airport, and the visa is affixed to the passport. Sometimes travelers do not have to pay anything, such as in the Philippines. The fee-free visa there is practically nothing more than a stamp in the passport. Other countries offering “Visa on Arrival” include Jordan, Nepal, Cambodia, and Kenya. Important: Not all border stations issue “Visa on Arrival.”
Real Visa Only Necessary in a Few Countries
According to the Global Passport Power Rank 2023, Germans need a visa for 22 countries worldwide–including Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, China, and Myanmar. In all these cases, travelers cannot simply board a plane and depart. For example, those wanting to go to India do not need to visit an embassy or a visa agency. The country offers an electronic visa, which is applied for and paid for online.