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April 13, 2012: New visa fees

For visa applications submitted on or after April 13, 2012 the U.S. Department of State has established a new visa application fee schedule:

The application fee for B-1/B-2 (visitor for business/pleasure), J (exchange visitor), F (student), M (non-academic student), I (foreign press media representative visa) and C-1/D (transit and crewmember) visas is $160 / € 128.

The application fee for all kind of petition-based temporary work visas (H, L, O, P, Q and R categories) is $190 / € 152

The application fee for K (fiancé) visas is $240 / € 192. The application fee for treaty trader (E-1), treaty investor (E-2), and Australian professional (E-3) visas is $270 / € 216.

Important notice: For visa fees that are increasing, receipts for payments made prior to the fee changes (prior to April 13, 2012) will be accepted for 90 days after the fee takes effect (until July 12, 2012).
In visa categories where the fees are declining, no refund will be available for those who paid prior to the effective date or the wrong amount after the effective date; however, these receipts are valid for the usual one year from the date of issuance and applicants can pay the difference between old and new fees at the Embassy/Consulate.

 
2012
April 13, 2012: New visa fees (http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html)
2011

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

2010

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

 

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.

 

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.

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.
2009

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

Read our Security Notice
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.
2008

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.


2006

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


Visitor Information

  • Forbidden Items and
    Entry Regulations     (pdf)

    • NO cell phones
    • NO USB Sticks
    • NO portable game devices
    • More restricted items (pdf)

    If you fail to follow these security requirements you may face delays or cancellations to your visit.

    Items cannot be deposited at the U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate

    no cell phones allowed inside

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