VISAS TO THE United States

Visa Free Travel
As of January 12, 2009, all nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure require an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP.

Non-Immigrant Visa
Non-Immigrant Visas (NIV) are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the Unites States temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (an airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, study, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work.

For more information about the different non-immigrant visas please read about our NIV visa categories.

Non-immigrant Visas are processed at the following consulates:

• Berlin - All visa classes except K (fiancé/fiancée), E-1 (treaty trader), and E-2 (investor) visas.
• Frankfurt - All visa classes except A, G, and NATO Visas.
• Munich - All visa classes except K (fiancé/fiancée), E-1 (treaty trader), and E-2 (investor) visas.

Please read our Customer Service Statement as we are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged

Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas are required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card.

Immigrant Visas are processed at the following consulates:

• Frankfurt - currently processes all immigrant visa classes.

Security - How To Get Into The Consulates
If you fail to follow these security requirements you may face delays or cancellations to your visit.

Inform yourself of what you CANNOT bring into the consulate.

This includes:

• cell phones
• USB Sticks
• Portable game devices
• More restricted items.