Germany is the world's No. 1 trade fair centre. Two thirds of all the world's leading trade fairs take place in Germany. This makes trade fairs in Germany particularly international. This internationality can only be guaranteed if exhibitors and visitors can enter Germany on time for the trade fair.

The smooth and timely issuing of visas is therefore of great importance to the German trade fair industry. On average, more than 100,000 visitors and over 20,000 exhibiting companies from countries requiring visas attend the 140 or so international trade fairs held in Germany every year.

Visas are required for almost all countries in Asia and Africa, with China, Turkey, India and Pakistan among the most important countries for the German economy and thus also the trade fair industry for which a visa is required. 

AUMA is in close dialogue with the Federal Foreign Office, the German embassies and consulates as well as the foreign representatives of the trade fair companies in order to optimise the visa issuing procedure specifically for trade fair participants. AUMA regularly conducts surveys with the foreign representatives of trade fair organisers to determine the extent to which there is a need for action in individual countries.

Since summer 2013, a letter of invitation from the trade fair organiser is no longer required to apply for a trade fair visa. Furthermore, exhibitors at trade fairs no longer have to pay a visa fee.

Further information on the visa procedure, the requirements for obtaining a visa, visa fees and application forms in various languages can be found on the page "Visa regulations" of the Federal Foreign Office available. The Federal Foreign Office also provides information in its Visa Handbook in the chapter "Visiting a trade fair" specifically on the subject of trade fair visas. In addition, many German embassies provide information sheets for business travellers who wish to attend trade fairs as visitors or exhibitors.

For selected countries, you will find links in the following list that lead directly to information on the documents required to apply for a trade fair visa: