The German passport allows you to enter over 160 countries worldwide for tourism purposes without a visa. You will need a passport especially if you want to enter countries outside the European Union (EU). If you have German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport.   

Children's passport

The passport can be issued to children from 0 years of age. If you are planning to travel to another EU country with your child, you should apply for a biometric passport instead of a children's passport. This is because some travel countries, such as the USA, do not recognize the children's passport or identity card for visa-free tourist entry.

Application

You must be present in person when applying for the passport so that your identity can be verified. If you want to apply for a passport for your child, the child must be present in person.

In case you cannot be present in person, only a temporary passport can be issued. The collection must then be done in person.

You can apply for the passport at the Citizens' Registration Office at your place of residence. If you have several residences, the Bürgeramt at your main residence is responsible.

It is also possible to apply to another passport authority if you can show an important reason. Due to the increased administrative burden of the non-competent passport authority - it must obtain authorization from the locally competent passport authority - a surcharge on the fee for your requested passport must be paid.

If you live abroad, the German representation abroad is responsible for applying for your passport. If you have lost your passport abroad due to loss or theft, apply for a new passport at the German representation abroad.

If the regular processing time is too long for you, you have the option of applying for your passport using the express procedure. If you need the travel document at very short notice and you cannot wait for the delivery of the passport in the express procedure, you will be issued a temporary passport.