A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are
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United States Application
US ESTA Visa Requirements for Germans
German citizens planning to travel to the United States of America are eligible to apply for a visa waiver through the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). US visa waiver requirements for Germans are straightforward and easy to comply with.
The ESTA is an electronic system for visitors traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Germany is on the list of countries that may apply for an ESTA. This means they can avoid the trouble of going to a diplomatic mission to submit a visa application.
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.
To obtain authorization under the visa-waiver program, German citizens must complete a simple online application form.
Requirements for the US ESTA for German Citizens’ Applications
Documents required for German citizens to apply for a US ESTA include:
- Valid passport
- Valid bank card to pay the processing fee
- Current email address
Upon approval, the ESTA travel authorization is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. This same passport must be presented when entering the country.
If the passport used for the application is lost, stolen, damaged, or rendered invalid, it is necessary to apply for a new US ESTA with the new German passport.
What is the Process of Applying for a US ESTA Visa Waiver from Germany?
Applying for a US ESTA visa waiver from Germany is a straightforward process. Applicants are required to complete the ESTA online application. This only takes a few minutes to fill in with the following information:
Personal details:
- Full name
- Country of citizenship
- Gender
- Date of birth
- City of birth
Contact information:
- Home Address
- Contact telephone number
Passport details:
- Passport number
- Passport issue/expiry date
- Issuing country of passport
As part of the application process, it is also necessary to answer security and health-related questions. The answers will be pre-screened by the US Department of Homeland Security in order to determine the traveler’s eligibility to enter the United States.
It should be noted that certain German citizens may not be granted an ESTA visa waiver, including those who have:
- Been arrested or have criminal records
- Certain serious communicable diseases
- Been refused admission or have been deported from the USA, or have previously overstayed their visa or authorization to be in the United States
- Traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with some exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes).
It is crucial that applicants ensure all the data on the form is correct. This is because an ESTA may be denied, or there may be a delay in processing, if there are any small errors in the information provided.
German US ESTA Application Advisory
German travelers who are successfully granted a United States ESTA will receive confirmation within a few business days (sometimes confirmation is received within an hour). A copy of the approved travel authorization will be sent to the email address provided during the application process.
German travelers entering the United States are not required to present a printed copy of their ESTA travel authorization to immigration officials. It might be useful, however, to print a copy, as sometimes airline staff might ask to see a printout.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to the United States of America from Germany?
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.
An ESTA authorization is valid for entry into the United States by air, land or sea.
An approved travel authorization is not a visa. Germans planning to move to the US to work or study should contact a United States embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Also, if a German national wishes to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, they are required to obtain a US visa instead of the ESTA.
German travelers already in possession of a valid US visa are not required to apply for travel authorization through the US ESTA.
Are German Nationals Required to Apply for a US ESTA?
Registration with the ESTA is required for all nationals or citizens of eligible countries, including Germany, who plan to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days, or who plan to transit through the US.
Failure to apply for the ESTA ahead of a trip to the US can result in a German citizen being prevented from boarding their flight or denied entry at the US border.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaESTA US Processing time
1 to 2 days
US government fee
21 usd
Our service fee
74 usd
TOTAL
95 usd
Optional services:
Embassy Registration
Service fee includes
Fast processing time
Expert application review
Online support 365 days a year
99% application success rateCovid Update for United States
Last update: 23/03/2023
Travelers may now enter the US with an approved US ESTA. It is quick and simple to register online for this visa waiver. REQUIREMENTS: Foreign nationals aged 18 and over must be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 15 days (14 + day of vaccination) before arrival and bring a certificate as proof, with certain exceptions. International passengers must also complete an online attestation form prior to their trip. Unvaccinated individuals without a recovery certificate may be required to self-quarantine. Travelers should check the COVID-19 measures in the US State(s) they plan to visit. Chinese nationals must also remember to register with EVUS. For more information, please check the US visa policy.
Country policy
United States Visa Policy
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