
Does a German citizen need a visa to enter US?
The ESTA permits German citizens to visit the US for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. From the date of its issue, the US ESTA is valid for 2 years (or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever occurs sooner) and grants travelers multiple entries to the United States.
What countries require visa for US citizens?
Popular Destinations Which Require Visas for US Citizens
- Australia. US citizens must acquire an electronic visa called an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before traveling to Australia.
- Brazil. Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. ...
- China. ...
- India. ...
- Indonesia. ...
- Kenya. ...
- Myanmar. ...
- Russia. ...
- Vietnam. ...
What are the requirements to be a German citizen?
To qualify for German citizenship by naturalisation, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have lived in Germany on a lawful residence permit for more than eight years.
- You are able to support yourself and your family financially without relying on unemployment benefit II, housing benefits or childcare allowance.
- You do not have a criminal record.
- You have passed the naturalisation test.
Do Americans need a visa to visit Germany?
The Schengen Agreement between the U.S. and 26 European countries states that U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to any of these countries, including Germany, without a visa. This applies to trips...

How much is visa from Germany to USA?
$160Visa Types and Application Fee AmountsVisa TypeDescriptionFee Amount (USD)BBusiness/Tourist$160C-1Transit$160DShip/Airline Crew$160ETreaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty$20514 more rows
How long does it take to get a visa from Germany to USA?
The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
Do European citizens need a visa for USA?
In most cases, applying for a USA visa is not required. British and Irish citizens, as well as most Europeans, can make use of an ESTA. Applying for an ESTA saves money, time and effort compared to a visa application for the USA.
How can I apply for US visa from Germany?
How to ApplyComplete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.Pay the visa application fee.Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need the following information in order to schedule your appointment: ... Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview.
Can a German citizen fly to the US?
German citizens do not need a visa to travel to the US for visits of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. ESTA authorization is granted to German nationals for 2 years or until the associated passport expires, whichever date is sooner.
How much does ESTA cost?
$21.00 USDFee for application is $21.00 USD. Valid payment methods include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal.
Which countries can go to USA without visa?
As of 2021, nationals of 40 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry into the United States under the VWP:Andorra.Australia.Austria.Belgium.Brunei.Chile.Croatia.Czech Republic.More items...
How much does an ESTA cost 2022?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved an increase in the ESTA fee from $ 14 to $ 21 in May 2022. Travelers from the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will have to pay this cost for the ESTA application.
Who needs ESTA for USA?
WHO SHOULD APPLY? You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country. You are currently not in possession of a visitor's visa. Your travel is for 90 days or less.
How long does ESTA approval take?
An ESTA application is processed instantly online and a majority of applications are approved within a minute of submission. However, there are cases where a decision on an application may be delayed by up to 72 hours. Once an ESTA application is approved, the user will be notified via their web browser or email.
How long does an ESTA take to come through?
within three daysAlthough there are no specific rules regarding how many days in advance you need to apply for ESTA, normally you will receive the results of your application within three days, or 72 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for it at least three days in advance.
Which countries can I travel with German residence permit?
There are countries that aren't part of the EU, but are a part of the Schengen zone: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland but are still part of the Schengen zone. So yep, you are free to travel to these countries without a visa, as long as you hold your German residence permit!
How long does it take for a US visa to be approved?
The entire visa application processing takes somewhere between two weeks and four months, depending on the type of visa. Please check what visa category you are going to need to have enough time left for the application process.
How long does it take to get a visitor visa to USA?
Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport.
How long does it take for a German to get US green card?
6 monthsIf you obtain the Green Card Lottery Germany, then you will have 6 months to arrive in the United States.
How long can a German citizen stay in the United States?
The ESTA allows citizens of Germany to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, transit, medical and short study purposes without a visa for up to 90 days per visit.
Where to Apply for a Germany Visa in US?
You can apply for a German visa in US, either in the German embassy in Washington, or any of the German consulates across the US.
How long does a visa interview last in Germany?
Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt so you can show it to the consular officer. In general the interview lasts around 10 minutes, during which the interviewer will ask you questions on your background and the purpose of your travel to Germany.
How long does it take to get a German visa?
Usually, a German visa application takes about 10 to 15 working days to be processed by the German embassy in the US, which is the only competent body to assess the applications. There may be delays depending on the number of applications, or in some cases depending on the specific situation of the applicant.
How many pages does a passport need to be valid?
A valid passport or Travel document – which has been issued within the previous 10 years. The passport must have 2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page. It also needs to be valid for at least three (3) months after your planned date to leave Germany (and Schengen).
Where can I get a German visa in Chicago?
Applying for a Germany Visa at Chicago Consulate. You can apply at the German Consulate in Chicago if you’re a permanent resident of any of the following states: Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, and South Dakota.
Where can I apply for German citizenship in Georgia?
You can apply at the German Consulate in Atlanta if you’re a permanent resident of any of the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.
Do US citizens need travel insurance to visit Germany?
Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for US citizens who don’t need a visa to visit Germany or any other country in the Schengen zone. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended to get one in case of visiting Europe. For more information about choosing the right travel health insurance, please read the article “ Travel Health Insurance for Germany ”
What is a Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
of Homeland Security) and enables eligible citizens or nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (for stays of up to 90 days) without first obtaining a visa.
How long can visitors with a German passport stay in the United States?
German visitors can stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days Per Entry. All visits are strictly limited to business or tourism, so you CANNOT seek paid work or employment.
Does the ESTA guarantee admission into the United States?
No. If your ESTA is approved, it only states that you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but does not guarantee that you are admissible to the United States. Upon arrival in the USA, you will be inspected by an immigration officer who will determine if you are admissible under the Visa Waiver Program and/or any other United States law.
What is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a traveler is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.
What are the documents required to apply?
Before applying for the US ESTA online with iVisa.com, you just will need:
How long does it take to apply for an ESTA?
The application form for an ESTA will take you less than 10 minutes. Next, we will let you know the status of the application by email.
What happens after I have applied?
Once the application is done, you just need to wait for us to send you an email to notify you about your eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.
Do I need a visa to go to Germany from US?
Some of the US residents, depending on their status in the US and the purpose of their entry in Germany, as well as some other factors, may be obliged to obtain a visa first before entering the country. These categories are as following:
How long is an ETIAS valid for?
ETIAS will cost 7 euros, and will be valid for three to ten years, or until the expiration of its holder’s passport. The procedures to obtain one will be very simple, and the application process is estimated to last around 10 to 20 minutes.
Who doesn't need a short stay visa?
Who Doesn’t Need a Short-Stay Germany Visa? Germany, as a member state of the Schengen Area, permits the nationals of 62 countries part of the visa-waiver program to enter its territory without the need to obtain a visa first. According to Germany short-stay entry rules, the residents of 62 countries are permitted to enter Germany visa-free ...
Which country has strict immigration laws?
The Federal Republic of Germany , one of world’s top destinations for tourism and education, known for its low unemployment rate and job shortage in specific fields, has established strict rules and immigration laws, some of which have been adopted in the Schengen policies, common for all Schengen member states, for those wishing to enter its territory.
Is the UK part of the European Union?
Since the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area, and starting March 29, 2019, it will not be part of the European Union either, citizens of the third-world countries residing in the UK for at least three months that plan on visiting Germany are required to get a German visa in order to be able to enter Germany.
Do I need a short stay visa to visit Germany?
If you are planning to go there for a short-stay, for tourism / visiting or business, then the chances that you do not need a Germany short-stay visa are higher.
Is a citizen of the EU a citizen of the EEA?
You are also a citizen of the EU/EEA/EFTA countries
How long is the Schengen withdrawal period?
Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
What happens if you violate local laws?
If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
What is the leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany?
Driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.
What are the most common sports that are injured in Germany?
The majority of the emergencies relate to the following sports: skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming.
How long can you drive in Germany without a driver's license?
Exercise caution while traveling on older roads in eastern Germany. If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license you can drive in Germany for up to six months without needing a German driver’s license. Traffic signs differ from those in the United States. Basic information about road signs in Germany is available here.
What is level 2 travel health notice?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the Germany due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country.
Why is Germany exercising more caution?
Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in Germany due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...
Do Us Citizens Need a Visa for Germany?
Citizens of the United States with a valid U.S. Tourist passport (blue passport) can travel to Germany and other countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply or obtain a Schengen visa.
Who can apply for a Germany Visa from within the US?
All non-US citizens who do need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, who have legal residence status in the United States (e.g. Green Card holders; F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.), with three (3) months validity after returning from the Schengen area, are eligible to apply for a Germany Visa in the United States.
If unemployed and married to an EU citizen
A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date,
Requirements for children under the age of 18
Underage children must be accompanied by parents or an adult guardian at the application centre at the German Embassy Consulate General. Also, minors who are granted a German visa are not allowed to travel to Germany by themselves. They should be accompanied by an adult during their stay in Germany.
Germany Visa Appointment Requirements for US Residents
You can apply at the German Embassy in Washington if you’re a permanent resident of any of the following districts: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
FAQ about travelling to Germany from the United States
As a US citizen, you can stay 90 days in any 180-day period in Germany and within the Schengen area.
How long does it take to renew a passport in Germany?
Our travel experts can renew your passport in as little as eight hours in some cases and eliminate any doubt you have regarding your travel documents.
Can Americans travel to the EU without a visa?
So far, there has been no real change to immigration policy on either side. Americans can still travel to the EU without a visa, and citizens of those five countries are required to apply for a visa prior to entry in the US. The European Parliament has merely passed a non-binding vote which may or may not be implemented in the coming months.
Can Americans travel to Germany?
As it stands now, Germany, among other countries in the European Union, is accessible to all Americans for stays up to 90 days as part of the Schengen Agreement. Germany visa requirements allow US citizens to enter the country for tourism or business without a visa, provided their passports are valid for more than six months and are not otherwise damaged.
How to apply for Immigration to Germany from the USA?
As a US citizen, if you are moving to Germany from the USA, you can go about applying for your residence permit in two ways:
How long do you have to stay in Germany to get a residence permit?
After the 90 days of your allowed stay in Germany, you are required to have an Electronic Residence Title or elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT). To be eligible for a residence permit, you must first have a valid passport.
What is a German settlement permit?
The settlement permit is the permanent German residence permit. It does not have a validity period, and it is highly sought after. Its equivalent could be the American Green Card. To be eligible for the settlement permit, you must meet the following requirements:
What documents are needed to cover expenses in Germany?
Bank statements, tax documents, or other financial proof of your ability to cover your expenses in Germany,
Why do people want to immigrate to Germany?
Its favourable economy, employment opportunities, better education system with few tuition expenses have made many people, especially Americans, want to immigrate to Germany from the US.
How long does it take to get a visa to Germany?
Since you are sending your application and documents from the US to Germany, it will take a minimum of three months for your request to be processed.
How to prove that you are a permanent resident of Germany?
To prove your financial eligibility for a German permanent residence, you must open a bank account in Germany. Then you can transfer funds from your American bank account to Germany to prove that you have enough funds to cover your stay. It would be best if you did this, regardless of whether you will be working in Germany or not.
Where to apply?
You will have to apply at the Germany visa application center, embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Usually the process for a Transit Visa lasts around five working days at most. Do not submit your application earlier than six months before your planned date of transiting through Germany.
How long do you have to be in Germany to get a transit visa?
To apply for a transit Germany visa you will need the following documents: Valid passport for at least three more months beyond the date of your transiting through Germany, and no older than ten years.
How long is a passport valid in Germany?
Valid passport for at least three more months beyond the date of your transiting through Germany, and no older than ten years. Is must have at least one blank page in order to be able to affix the visa sticker. It also must be undamaged. 1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
What time does Berlin airport open?
Berlin Airport (06:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. only) at Berlin-Tegel, for Air Berlin passengers only. Whether you need a transit visa to Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg or other, the airline you are traveling with still has to arrange the transit beforehand with the authorities responsible for cross-border security (the Federal Police).
How many airports are there in Germany?
The Federal State of Germany has around 300 active airports spread throughout its whole territory. However, not all of them can be used for transiting. In these five airports in Germany, you can stay at the International Transit Area without a visa: Frankfurt/Main airport (open 24 hours) Munich Airport (open 24 hours)
What documents are needed for a minor child?
If minor child: birth certificate, school letter and marriage certificate of parents (originals with one copy).
What ink is used for university letters?
If student: university letter. Original letter signed with blue ink.
