United States Diplomatic Mission to Germany

Green Card
The results of the selection process for the 2012 Diversity Visa (DV-2012) program have been voided.

ESTA Fee
Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to pay operational and travel promotion fees starting 08 September, 2010.

• Read our full press release (pdf, 81kb)
• ESTA Fee FAQs
• CBP news release

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees to Increase June 4
On May 20, 2010, the Department of State published an interim final rule in the Federal Register to increase nonimmigrant visa application processing fees, also called the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and Border Crossing Card (BCC) fees. The interim final rule also establishes a tiered structure with separate fees for different nonimmigrant visa categories. The new fees are scheduled to go into effect on June 4, 2010.

• Read full press release
• Read the Tiered Visa Fee FAQs

Greece added as VWP country
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Like VWP travelers from other countries, Greek citizens will be required to apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the Web-based system. Greek citizens will be able to visit the United States without visas beginning on April 05, 2010 with a valid electronic passport (e-passport) and an ESTA authorization.  Please read the DHS Press Release for more information.

DS-160 Implementation
As of March 1, all applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas in Germany will be required to complete and submit the electronic application form DS-160. Information regarding this new development can be found below in both English and German.

• in English | as Brochure (pdf)
• in German | as Brochure (pdf)
• DS-160 FAQs

Update to HIV Policy
As of January 4, 2010, HIV infection will no longer be an ineligibility when foreign citizens apply for a visa to travel to the United States. Additionally, HIV testing will no longer be required for medical examinations for visa purposes. Further, applicants who are HIV-positive will no longer require waiver processing by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Review the travel.state.gov HIV Questions & Answers to learn more.

Security Measures:
Changes to the security screening procedures for entrance to our Embassy/Consulates; to include:

• Absolute ban on all electronic items (includes cell phones, PDAs, USB sticks, laptops, Gameboys/PSPs, etc.)
• No storage of electronic items on our premises

Entry Regulations and Forbidden Items. (pdf)

ESTA & Visa Waiver Program:
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 will 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. The online approval is based on the traveler’s passport number and is valid for up to two years unless the passport expires earlier.

Visa Waiver Program:
As of December 30, 2008, eight new countries have been added to the list of countries that can travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Kinderreisepässe:
Kinderreisepässe issued on or after October 26, 2006 are NOT valid for visa-free travel.