What's New

Important Information For Holders of Children's Passports and "Kinderausweise" when planning to visit the U.S.:

• CHILDREN’S PASSPORTS (Kinderreisepässe), issued before October 26, 2006 are valid for visa-free travel to the U.S.

• CHILDREN’S PASSPORTS (Kinderreisepaesse) issued on or after October 26, 2006 are not valid for visa-free travel, since they are not issued as electronic passports (e-passports) with an integrated electronic chip.
A visa is required.

Children can however apply for a regular electronic passport.

• CHILDREN’S AUSWEISE (Kinderausweise) are not valid for visa-free travel.
A visa is required.

As of October 26, 2006 all newly issued or extended passports must be electronic passports (e-passports) in order to be used for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program - VWP.

Please also note: German temporary passports are not valid for visa-free travel to the U.S. regardless when they were issued. A visa is required.


(Released on 2. October, 2006)