VISA INFORMATION
Visa regulations and application guidance for ILA Berlin 2026.
Visa information
Entering Germany for ILA Berlin 2026
Whether you need a visa to attend ILA depends on your nationality. The current visa regulations and a list of countries with visa requirements can be found on the official website of the German Federal Foreign Office.
Federal Foreign Office visa service
Decree by the Federal Foreign Office
As a rule, no letter of invitation required for trade fair visits
In July 2013, the Federal Foreign Office issued a decree stating that, as a rule, no letter of invitation from the fair organiser is required when applying for a visa to visit a trade fair in Germany.
All visa offices, German embassies and consulates have been informed of this decree.
Further information
Visa fees and fair representatives
If you need detailed information about fees or a formal letter of invitation, the following institutions are your official contact points.
01
Overview of visa fees
A current overview of visa fees is available from AUMA, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry.
02
If a letter of invitation is still requested
Should an embassy in your country exceptionally insist on a letter of invitation, please contact the official Messe Berlin representative in your country directly.
Apply in good time
Plan enough lead time
Visitors who require a visa to enter Germany should submit their application as early as possible.
A visa application can be submitted up to three months before the date of entry. Processing times vary by consulate and season, expect several weeks.
Entering Germany for ILA Berlin 2026
Whether you need a visa to attend ILA depends on your nationality. The current visa regulations and a list of countries with visa requirements can be found on the official website of the German Federal Foreign Office.
Federal Foreign Office visa service
As a rule, no letter of invitation required for trade fair visits
In July 2013, the Federal Foreign Office issued a decree stating that, as a rule, no letter of invitation from the fair organiser is required when applying for a visa to visit a trade fair in Germany.
All visa offices, German embassies and consulates have been informed of this decree.
Visa fees and fair representatives
If you need detailed information about fees or a formal letter of invitation, the following institutions are your official contact points.
Overview of visa fees
A current overview of visa fees is available from AUMA, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry.
If a letter of invitation is still requested
Should an embassy in your country exceptionally insist on a letter of invitation, please contact the official Messe Berlin representative in your country directly.
Plan enough lead time
Visitors who require a visa to enter Germany should submit their application as early as possible.
A visa application can be submitted up to three months before the date of entry. Processing times vary by consulate and season, expect several weeks.