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United States Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

German citizens travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program using an ESTA, applied for online in advance for USD 21, usually approved within minutes to 72 hours.

Guide last updated October 14, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • An e-Passport (with an embedded electronic chip) valid for the duration of the stay
  • A completed ESTA application at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, the only official site
  • Passport details, travel plans, and answers to standard eligibility/background questions
  • Payment of the USD 21 ESTA fee by credit or debit card
  • No separate photo is required for ESTA; biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are collected on arrival at US Customs and Border Protection
  • Travel health insurance is strongly recommended, since US medical costs are very high and German statutory insurance generally does not cover treatment in the US

Visa types

  • ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): for tourism or business stays up to 90 days, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first, allows multiple entries within that period
  • B1/B2 visa (sticker visa): required if ineligible for ESTA (e.g., past immigration violations, certain prior travel to restricted countries) or for stays over 90 days; applied for at the US Embassy/Consulate with an interview
  • Work, study, or exchange visas (H, L, F, J categories, etc.): separate full visa applications required in advance, each with distinct eligibility and sponsorship requirements

How to apply online

  • Step 1: Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov (verify the .gov domain to avoid third-party scam sites charging extra fees)
  • Step 2: Enter passport and personal details, travel plans, and answer eligibility questions
  • Step 3: Pay the USD 21 fee by card
  • Step 4: Most applications are approved within minutes, but official guidance recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel in case of delays or a request for more information
  • Step 5: Approval is linked electronically to your passport; print the confirmation for your records, though it is not required for boarding since airlines verify ESTA status electronically

Fees & processing time

  • ESTA fee: USD 21, paid directly on the official government site
  • No VFS/BLS service fee applies to ESTA, since it is a direct US government product
  • Beware of unofficial third-party websites that charge significantly more for the same service — only esta.cbp.dhs.gov is official
  • Standard processing: usually within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours before travel as recommended by CBP
  • A full B1/B2 visa, if required instead, costs USD 185 and can take several weeks for an interview appointment, depending on the consulate's current wait times

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply for ESTA as soon as a US trip is booked, well before the 72-hour minimum, to leave time to resolve any issues
  • If you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since 2011, or hold dual nationality with these countries, you are generally ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa instead
  • Keep your ESTA details consistent with your passport exactly as issued; renewing your passport requires a new ESTA application
  • US Customs and Border Protection officers make the final admission decision at the border regardless of ESTA approval, so carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds
  • For longer stays, work, or study, start the relevant visa process months in advance, since consular interview wait times can be lengthy depending on the US post

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.