Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU/EEA countries can enter Germany without a visa for stays up to 90 days—more than sufficient for a 2–3 week treatment programme. Citizens of countries requiring a Schengen visa should apply at least 4–6 weeks before their planned travel date. Klinik St. Georg provides appointment confirmation and treatment plan documentation to support visa applications.
Entry requirements by country
| Country | Visa needed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA citizens | No | Free movement. National ID card or passport sufficient. No time limit on stay. EHIC/GHIC provides limited emergency coverage but does not cover planned treatment. |
| United States | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Valid passport required (valid 3+ months beyond planned departure). |
| United Kingdom | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days (post-Brexit rules). Valid UK passport required. |
| Canada | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days. Valid Canadian passport required. |
| Australia | No | Visa-free for up to 90 days. Valid Australian passport required. |
| UAE | No | UAE passport holders may enter visa-free for up to 90 days. |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | Schengen visa (Type C) required. Apply at the German Embassy or Consulate. Processing time: 10–15 business days. |
| Qatar / Kuwait / Bahrain / Oman | Varies | Check current requirements with the German Embassy in your country. Some Gulf states have visa-waiver arrangements. |
| Other countries | Likely yes | Most non-EU/EEA countries require a Schengen visa. Check with the nearest German Embassy or Consulate. |
Schengen visa for medical treatment
If you need a visa, you will apply for a Schengen Type C visa (short-stay visa for up to 90 days). For medical treatment stays, some embassies issue a medical treatment-specific Type C visa.
Required documents
Documents for your visa application
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Appointment confirmation letter from Klinik St. Georg (we provide this)
- Treatment plan letter from the hospital specifying dates and nature of treatment (we provide this)
- Travel health insurance covering the Schengen Area with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter, or employer letter)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or hospital letter confirming inpatient stay)
- Flight itinerary or reservation (booking confirmation; ticket purchase can wait until visa is approved)
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
Processing times
Standard processing time is 10–15 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. We recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date. Some embassies allow appointments to be booked online; others use external visa application centres (such as VFS Global or TLS Contact).
How the hospital helps
Documentation we provide for your visa application
- Appointment confirmation — official letter on hospital letterhead confirming your treatment dates
- Treatment plan summary — letter describing the nature and expected duration of your medical treatment
- Accommodation confirmation — confirmation that you will be an inpatient at the hospital during your treatment
- Invitation letter — if required by your embassy, a formal invitation letter from the hospital
These documents are provided at no additional cost once your treatment programme is confirmed.
For EU and EEA citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state, you have the right to receive medical treatment in Germany. However, there are important distinctions regarding coverage.
EHIC / GHIC coverage
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides coverage for medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay. However, this typically applies to unplanned or emergency care, not to planned treatment programmes. If you travel to Germany specifically for Lyme treatment, EHIC/GHIC is unlikely to cover the costs.
Cross-border healthcare directive
The EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive allows EU citizens to seek planned healthcare in another EU member state and potentially receive reimbursement from their home country's health system. However, reimbursement is typically limited to the cost that would have been covered in your home country, and pre-authorisation may be required. Contact your national health insurance provider for specific guidance.
Travel insurance
While travel insurance is not a substitute for medical treatment coverage, it provides important protection during your trip.
What to look for in travel insurance
- Emergency medical coverage — for unexpected health issues unrelated to your Lyme treatment (minimum €30,000 coverage recommended)
- Trip cancellation — protection if you need to cancel or postpone your trip due to health changes
- Luggage and personal items — particularly important for long-haul travellers
- Repatriation coverage — covers medical evacuation or repatriation if needed
- Pre-existing conditions — check whether your Lyme disease is considered a pre-existing condition that may affect coverage
Note: travel insurance is different from the health insurance required for a Schengen visa application. For visa purposes, you need specific Schengen travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.
Practical travel tips
Before you travel
- Confirm your passport validity (minimum 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area)
- Check if your passport has at least 2 blank pages
- Make digital copies of all travel documents and store them separately from originals
- Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Check your mobile phone plan for international roaming or consider a European SIM card
- Bring all current medications in original packaging in your carry-on luggage
- Carry a medication list with generic drug names (not just brand names)