Doha, Qatar: The Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Munich has issued a set of guidelines for Qatari citizens travelling to Germany, outlining requirements related to visas, accommodation and driving licences.
The Consulate urged citizens to comply with German laws and regulations to ensure their safety and facilitate their travel procedures.
For travellers entering Germany for the first time with a visa issued by German authorities, the Consulate said Germany should be their main destination or the country where they will spend the longest period during their trip.
Travellers should also keep documents supporting their travel plans and present them to the relevant authorities upon request, whether at the point of entry or to other competent authorities.
For those entering Germany for the first time using a Schengen visa issued by another country, the Consulate said travellers should enter through, or transit via, the country that issued the visa before travelling to Germany.
They should also carry documents supporting their travel plans to the visa-issuing country, including hotel reservations and flight tickets.
The Consulate added that the country which issued the visa should be the traveller's main destination or the country in which they will spend the longest period during the trip, in accordance with Schengen rules.
Regarding the permitted period of stay, Qatari travellers were reminded to comply with the duration allowed under their Schengen tourist visa, which must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
Travellers should ensure that their stay and departure dates remain within the permitted period and do not exceed it.
The Consulate also highlighted requirements for Qatari citizens who intend to drive in Germany.
It said a Qatari driving licence is accepted in Germany for a period not exceeding six months, in accordance with the applicable German regulations.
However, motorists must carry the original physical driving licence while driving, as a digital image of the licence displayed through Qatar's Metrash application is not accepted.
The Consulate advised citizens planning to drive during their trip to obtain an International Driving Permit, valid for one year, before travelling.
It stressed the importance of complying with the laws and instructions in force in Germany, noting that adherence to regulations helps ensure citizens' safety and prevents any legal consequences that could affect their travel or stay.
