How to Apply for a Visa to Watch Bundesliga Matches

Planning to watch Bundesliga matches or other football events in Germany? Follow this step-by-step guide on How to apply for a visa to watch Bundesliga matches, covering fees and documentation needed for a successful application. We also discuss Germany visa process for football fans and Bundesliga visa requirements and fees. As well as Visa application for attending football events in Germany.

Germany Visa Process for Football Fans

If you’re planning to visit Germany to watch Bundesliga matches, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is the Germany visa for football fans. Whether you want to see Borussia Dortmund take on their rivals or Bayern Munich at their home ground, Allianz Arena, you’ll need a visa if you’re not an EU/EEA citizen.

1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need

Germany is part of the Schengen Area so the best visa for football fans is a Schengen Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, perfect for short visits like attending Bundesliga matches or other football events. The Schengen Visa is a short-term visa and applies not only to football matches but to other tourist activities.

For football matches, the “tourism” category is what you’ll select when filling out the application. Make sure to mention in your cover letter that you’re attending a Bundesliga match as the main purpose of your trip. See the Germany visa process for football fans.

2. Apply Early

To avoid any delays, it’s best to start your Germany visa for football fans at least 3 months before your travel date. While the processing time for a Schengen Visa is 2-6 weeks, some embassies may have longer processing times due to high demand or local requirements.

Applying early gives you more time to gather all the required documents and prepare for your visa interview without having to rush. This is an essential part of Germany visa process for football fans.

3. Where to Apply

The Schengen Visa application is submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country. Depending on your location, the visa application may also be handled by external service providers like VFS Global. Check the official website of the German Embassy for the correct process for your country of residence.

Once you have your documents, you need to book an appointment with the embassy or visa application center. Remember, personal presence is required as biometric data (fingerprints and photo) is required for Schengen Visa applications. That is all to know about the Germany visa process for football fans.

Visa Application for Attending Football Events in Germany

Knowing the exact process of the visa application for football events in Germany is key to a hassle-free process. It may seem overwhelming at first but following the steps will help you avoid mistakes and delays.

1. Collect the Documents

For Schengen Visa to watch Bundesliga matches, you need the right documents. Make sure all documents are valid and in the correct format.

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Germany. It should also have 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Schengen Visa Application Form: You can download this form from the German Embassy’s website. Make sure all information is up to date.
Proof of Travel: Show your flight itinerary with entry and exit from Germany.
Accommodation: You need to show where you will be staying during your trip (hotel bookings or Airbnb confirmations).
Match Tickets: The most important document for football fans! Your match ticket (or proof of purchase) must be submitted to prove you are visiting for the Bundesliga match. See Visa application for attending football events in Germany.
Travel Health Insurance: You must have travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage. The insurance must be valid in all Schengen Area countries.
Proof of Financial Means: To show you can support yourself during your stay, you need to provide bank statements or pay slips from the last 3 months. The financial requirement is generally €45-60 per day for your stay.
Cover Letter: A short cover letter explaining why you are visiting Germany and attending a football match. This letter should include your travel dates, the match you will attend and a summary of your trip itinerary.

2. Apply

Now that you have all the documents, you can submit your application at the nearest German Embassy, Consulate or authorized visa center in your country. Many Embassies have online portals to start the application process and book an appointment. However, you will still need to submit hard copies of your documents in person.

When you submit your application, you will also need to pay the application fee which is non-refundable, regardless if the visa is granted or not. (More on fees later.) Read more on Visa application for attending football events in Germany.

3. Visa Interview

As part of the visa application for football events in Germany, a short interview is usually required. During the interview you may be asked about your travel plans, financial situation and the specific Bundesliga match you will attend. Be prepared to explain clearly and confidently why you are visiting Germany.

The visa officer may also ask how you will support yourself during your stay and if you have strong ties to your home country (e.g. employment, family) that you will return after your visit.

4. Wait

The processing time for a Schengen Visa is usually 15 days but during peak season (e.g. during major football events) it can take longer. So apply as early as possible. Some applicants may be asked to provide additional documents which can extend the processing time. Check your visa application status on the embassy’s website or contact the visa center. This is the end of the process of Visa application for attending football events in Germany.

Bundesliga Visa Requirements and Fees

Knowing the Bundesliga visa requirements and fees is key to a successful application. Embassies may have small variations but the core requirements are the same.

1. Visa Requirements

To apply for a visa to watch Bundesliga matches you need to meet the criteria set by the German authorities. The Bundesliga visa requirements are:

Match Tickets: You need to provide proof that you have purchased a ticket for the match you will be attending. This document helps to confirm the purpose of your visit.
Sufficient Funds: Germany requires visa applicants to show they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. As mentioned earlier €45-60 per day is the general requirement.
Travel Insurance: Your travel insurance must cover emergency medical expenses in Germany and the Schengen Area. €30,000 is the minimum coverage and it must cover the entire duration of your stay.
Accommodation: Providing details of where you will be staying during your visit is essential. Even if you are staying with a friend or relative a formal invitation or proof of residence is required.
Return Travel: Your return flight details are required to ensure you do not overstay your visa.

2. Visa Fees

The Bundesliga visa requirements and fees are simple. The standard short-term Schengen Visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee. Some countries have agreements with the Schengen Area that reduce the visa fee for certain categories (students, researchers etc.). See the Bundesliga visa requirements and fees.

Remember visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied. Make sure all your documents are correct when submitting your application as incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejections.

How to Get a Visa to Watch Bundesliga Matches

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

First step to get a visa to watch Bundesliga matches is to choose the right visa. If you are attending a short term event like a football match the right visa is the Schengen Visa. Germany is part of the Schengen Area so with this visa you can travel not only in Germany but also to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days.

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa for tourism, business or family visits so it’s perfect for football fans who want to watch a Bundesliga match and maybe explore more of Germany or nearby countries. The Schengen Visa comes in different categories but for Bundesliga matches the “Tourist Visa” is the most relevant.

Schengen Visa Features:

Stay up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Valid for travel to 26 Schengen countries.
Proof of purpose like your match ticket to a Bundesliga game.

Step 2: Timing of the Visa Application

Once you have chosen the right visa type, timing is key. Schengen Visa application should be submitted at least 3 months before your travel date. This gives you enough time for processing and no last minute surprises. Schengen Visa processing time can take up to 15 business days but in peak travel season it can take longer.

If you are attending a big Bundesliga match, like the Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, start the application process even earlier. Big matches attract many international fans which can lead to longer waiting times for visa processing.

Step 3: Book an Appointment at the Embassy or Visa Center

After you have all your documents, the next step is to book an appointment with the German Embassy or a designated visa application center, like VFS Global, in your country. Appointments are mandatory and book up fast so book as early as possible especially during football season when many fans are applying to travel for Bundesliga matches.

During your appointment you will submit your documents, pay the visa fee and provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph). Make sure to bring all the necessary documents with you otherwise you will have to reschedule your appointment.

Step 4: Submit the Documents

One of the most important part of how to apply for a visa to watch Bundesliga matches is having the right documents. Submitting incomplete or wrong documents can delay your visa or even reject your application.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

As part of how to apply for a visa to watch Bundesliga matches you will need to pay the visa fee at the time of application. For most applicants the fee for Schengen Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children 6-12. Children under 6 are usually exempt from visa fee.

Visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected so make sure to double check your application and documents before submitting.

Step 6: Attend the Interview

After you have submitted your application, the next step is to attend a short interview at the embassy or consulate. During the interview you may be asked about your purpose of visit to Germany, your intended stay and your plans to watch a Bundesliga match.

Be prepared to explain how you will support yourself financially, where you will be staying and when you will return to your home country. Be honest and provide clear answers. Having all your documents with you especially your match ticket will help to reinforce the purpose of your trip and show your intention to watch the football match.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

After the interview, your application will be processed. Schengen Visas take 15 business days to process but can take longer during peak season or if additional documents are required.

Keep an eye on your application. Some embassies have online tracking where you can check your status but if not, you can ask at the visa center where you submitted your application.

Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport and you can enter Germany and the other Schengen countries. If your visa is denied, you’ll get an explanation and you can appeal or reapply.

Step 8: Get Ready for Your Trip

Once your visa is approved, it’s time to get ready for Germany! Make sure to:

Confirm your travel plans: Check all flight, accommodation and match ticket details.
Review your visa conditions: Check the entry and exit dates on your visa and make sure you stay within the allowed period.
Pack your documents: In addition to your passport and visa, keep copies of your accommodation details, match tickets and travel insurance handy in case you are asked for them at immigration.

Conclusion

In summary, applying for a visa to watch Bundesliga matches is easy if you follow the steps and stay organized. Plan early, gather your documents, know the Bundesliga visa requirements and fees and you’ll be watching the best football in the world in no time.

Remember, preparation is the key to a smooth application process. Start your application early, have all your documents ready and be informed of any updates on visa requirements. Soon you’ll be in the stands cheering and enjoying the live Bundesliga match!

How to Apply for a Visa to Watch Bundesliga Matches in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide