German Passport Requirements

Machine-readable Passports

As of June 26, 2005 a machine-readable passport is required. Families seeking to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program will need to obtain an individual passport for each traveler, including infants.

Temporary machine-readable Passports

As of May 1, 2006 German temporary passports will no longer be valid for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Holders of German temporary or emergency passports who intend to travel to or through the United States must either obtain a valid, machine-readable regular German passport for Visa Waiver Program travel or apply for a U.S. visa to travel to the United States.

Biometric Passport Requirements

By October 26, 2005 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required to produce passports with digital photographs. Valid passports issued or extended by VWP countries before October 26, 2005, that do not contain a digital photograph will still be accepted for travel under the auspices of the VWP, provided that the passports are machine-readable.

Children’s Passports
Children's passports (Kinderreisepässe) issued before October 26, 2006 are valid for visa-free travel to the U.S. Children’s passports (Kinderreisepässe) issued or extended 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.
Kinderausweise require a visa.

Summary of guidelines for visa waiver travelers (pdf)