Visa service

As a general rule, a letter of invitation from the trade fair organiser is not required when applying for a trade fair or business visa.

When applying for a visa, exhibitors generally submit an Exhibitor Acceptance Form issued by the respective trade fair organiser. Whether fees are charged or a visa can be issued free of charge is determined exclusively by the competent German embassy or consulate in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Please note that visa requirements may vary depending on the country and the competent German diplomatic mission. The required documents and applicable deadlines are determined exclusively by the responsible German embassy or consulate. Early contact is recommended.

Letter of invitation

If a letter of invitation is required in individual cases, it can be requested via the Hamburg Messe visa service.

Letters of invitation are generally issued no earlier than approximately six months before the start of the event, as many diplomatic missions accept only current documents.

Further information on visa practices for trade fair participants is provided by
AUMA – The Association of the German Trade Fair Industry here.

Official and up-to-date information is available from the
German Federal Foreign Office.

Letters of invitation can be requested here: