USA Visa Applications
For short stays of up to 90 days in the USA.
Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
German citizens can get an ESTA for short stays in the USA. This is usually the first option for people in Germany, non-German citizens can apply for the B1 B2 visa for business / tourism visits. However, you should check precisely what visa type you need when travelling from Germany to the USA.
The B1/B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa from Germany to the USA that temporarily permits foreign citizens to visit the United States. B1 visas are for business reasons, whereas B2 visas are for tourism. If you travel from Germany to the USA, you might need to apply for a B1/B2 Visa.
If you are a citizen of a visa waiver nation, then you are eligible for an ESTA for short stays of up to 90 days.
German citizens that need a visa from Germany to the USA can apply for an ESTA visa waiver (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) to travel to the United States. The ESTA permits German nationals to visit the United States without a visa for vacation, business, medical, and short-term study reasons for up to 90 days each visit.
German citizens must apply for ESTA online. Applying for an ESTA at least 72 hours before departure is necessary prior to boarding an aircraft or ship bound for the United States. The ESTA application must be submitted with a valid, unexpired electronic passport. Before beginning their ESTA application, applicants may examine the comprehensive ESTA criteria as well as the ESTA Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
An accepted ESTA application does not provide German nationals with the same privileges as U.S. visa holders. A visa applicant for the United States must submit the Visa application form and attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. In addition, depending on the kind of visa, applicants may be required to provide further proof of the authenticity of their travel intentions and reasons for visiting the United States prior to entering the country.
A B1 visa is used to acquire temporary, non-immigrant entrance into the United States for business purposes. If you are involved in commercial or professional activities, a B1 visa is most suitable for you. Additionally, you may travel for the following reasons:
Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
The B2 visa is mostly used for tourism, making it one of the most prevalent U.S. visas.
This permit is valid for the following leisure activities:
The B1/B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits foreign citizens to temporarily visit the United States.
B1 visas are for commercial purposes, whereas B2 visas are for tourism. In some instances, the US embassy will grant a B1/B2 visa instead of a B1 visa. As a consequence, you will not need a second B2 visa. Numerous travelers visiting the United States are required to possess a B1 B2 Visa. It is crucial to keep in mind that an interview with the U.S. embassy may be necessary in the majority of circumstances (for example, if the applicant is applying for a U.S. visa for the first time).
There are only a few simple steps to take when first applying for a Visa from Germany to the USA.
All foreign visitors to the United States are required to provide a valid passport upon entry (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationalities may also need a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a visa before your departure.
In conjunction with your travel permission and on the day of your admission, you will be asked to submit additional questions, applications, and paperwork. You must satisfy the following prerequisites to enter the United States:
The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
Depending on your age or if you are renewing a previous U.S. visa, you may be entitled to apply for a visa without an interview. Applications for the ESTA visa waiver program do not require any in-person attendance.
