Application Procedures

What's New on Visa & Travel

2008
• Effective April 1, the exchange rate will change from USD 0.72 per Euro to USD 0.68 per Euro.  This will result in the following Euro rates for certain consular services:
Visa application (i.e. "MRV") fee:  €89.08 ($131 x 0.68) 

2007
• New Online Visa Appointment System (May 11, 2007)
• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) launched on February 20, 2007
• Important Notice for Greek Passport Holders (February 2, 2007)

2006
• New EU Security Regulations for Carry-on Baggage, October 26, 2006.
• Kinderreisepässe issued on or after October 26, 2006 NOT valid for visa-free travel
• Electronic Visa Application Form for U.S. Non-Immigrant Visas Required as of October 1, 2006
• New Security Measures for Travels to the U.S. | Prohibited Items
• Munich's Non-Immigrant Visa Section to Open July 5, 2006
• FAQ: Visa Waiver Program Travel – Machine-Readable and Biometric Passports, Extended Validity and Emergency and Temporary Passports (April 4, 2006) | pdf version
• As of May 1 German temporary/emergency passports will no longer be valid for travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). (March 21, 2006)
• Nearby U.S. Embassies to Help Issue Visas for French Citizens (February 2, 2006)
• Fact Sheet: Better Technology for Security and Hospitality (January 17, 2006)

2005
• The Visa Information Service is offering a new Credit Card payment service. In addition, the 0190 – Service number will change to 0900 on January 2, 2006. (December 21, 2005)
• Move of the Frankfurt Visa Section (October 2005)
• Changes to U.S. Visa Application Procedures Starting August 1, 2005
• DHS To Require Digital Photos in Passports for Visa Waiver Travelers by October 26, 2005 (June 15, 2005)
• U.S. Will Enforce Machine-Readable Passport Requirement June 26 (May 12, 2005)
• Complete Your U.S. Visa Application Form Online (April 6, 2005)
• TSA Adds Lighters to List of Items Prohibited Beyond Airport Checkpoints (February 28, 2005)
• Revision of Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (February 10, 2005)

2004
• New Entry Guidelines for Travelers to the United States (September 30, 2004)
• SEVIS Fee of $100 for most students and exchange visitors registered in SEVIS introduced (September 1, 2004)
• Machine-readable Passport or U.S. Visa Required Beginning October 26, 2004 (August 18, 2004)
• Deadline for Biometric Passport Requirements Extended by One Year (August 10, 2004)
• Biometric Exit Procedure Expanded to 11 U.S. Airports and Seaports (August 3, 2004)
• The Department of Homeland Security has implemented the "US-VISIT" program on January 5, 2004 (January 5, 2004)

2003
• New Biometric requirement for U.S. visas effective September 24, 2003 (September 23, 2003)
• Suspension of Transit without Visa Program (August 2, 2003)