As a foreign guest lecturer, a passport is absolutely necessary. If you are an EU citizen an identity card is sufficient. It's especially important if you intend to cross the border to visit Slubice (Poland), the town on the other side of the river "Oder". Please keep in mind that many courses at the Viadrina take place in Slubice at the Collegium Polonicum, which is a joint institution of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and the Viadrina.
Furthermore we recommend that you acquire a foreign health insurance to cover your stay in Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice (within the European Union you can, additionally, obtain the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC).
German Visa Regulations
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Germany.
Exceptions are also made for citizens of certain countries, such as Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, providing they do not stay in Germany for more than 90 days and/or do not intend to work in Germany.
Furthermore, citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, the USA and a few other countries may apply for a visa after they have arrived in Germany.
Work Permit
Those who intend to stay and/or work for more than 90 days in Germany need a visa. For further information and in order to obtain a visa, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt) or the German Embassy in your home country. Please be aware that the process of obtaining a visa might take several weeks or even months, so please be informed about the necessary documents and regulations and contact the embassy well in advance to the beginning of your journey.