Embassy of the United States

Delivery of the passports depends on the time we need to process the visa and the time required to have the envelope with the passport delivered.

It normally takes between 7-10 business days for you to receive your passport, but in some cases it can take longer depending on the processing involved in your case. Every visa case is unique and therefore processing times are also case dependent. (http://travel.state.gov/visa/a_zindex/a_zindex_4353.html)

Frankfurt: When you come to the Consulate for your appointment you must have a pre-paid envelope in your possession.  We ask you to bring a pre-paid, pre-addressed DHL Express Brief (Deutsche Post). Click here for details.

Berlin: Should you require a more expedited delivery with confirmation, you have the option of  bringing your own private pre-paid return courier envelope (ie: DHL, TNT, UPS) for return of your passport.  We cannot accept packages.

If you select DHL as your service provider you must not only purchase the return courier envelope but also purchase the DHL supplementary sticker “Zusatzmarke”.  Envelopes without the DHL “Zusatzmarke” cannot be processed in Berlin and will be refused.  DHL labels  purchased and printed at home also cannot be used. 

Use of a courier service will NOT speed up the processing time, but it will only expedite and confirm delivery. 

Private courier envelopes cannot be purchased in the U.S. Embassy/Consulates and the prepaid envelope must be brought in by the applicant at the time of the interview. Please note that we cannot help you with tracing the envelope. 

Notice: The U.S. Embassy/Consulates General cannot be held responsible for extra costs due to changing tickets or rebooking flights if delivery is delayed. We therefore strongly urge you not to purchase tickets until you have received your visa and passport in the mail.