🇩🇪Germany

🇺🇸United StatesDE-US

Germany to United States visa requirements

Q: How long does an ESTA last?

Two years from approval, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). Multiple visits up to 90 days each are allowed during the validity period.

Q: Can I work or study in the US on ESTA?

No. ESTA covers tourism, business meetings, conferences, transit, and limited short recreational courses not for credit. Paid work, study for credit, internships, or residence require the appropriate visa.

Q: How much does ESTA cost in 2026?

An approved FY 2026 ESTA totals USD 40.27. The USD 10.27 application/cost-recovery portion is charged whether approved or denied; if approved, an additional USD 30 is charged.

Q: Can I apply for Global Entry?

Yes — German citizens have access to Global Entry since 2015. Apply on the Trusted Traveler Programs portal; interview on arrival at a US airport.

Q: What about my Kinderreisepass?

The Kinderreisepass (children's passport) is no longer issued since 1 January 2024. Children need their own German e-Passport for ESTA travel; older children's passports without an e-passport chip are not VWP-compliant.

German ordinary passport holders do not need a visitor visa for short U.S. tourism or business trips. Germany is in the Visa Waiver Program, so travelers need an approved ESTA; the approved FY 2026 total is USD 40.27 and each stay is limited to 90 days. German ordinary passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) without obtaining a B-1/B-2 visitor visa for eligible tourism, business, or transit trips. They must have an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel. ESTA permits stays of up to 90 days per visit, with multiple entries during its usual 2-year validity or until the passport expires. The approved FY 2026 ESTA total is USD 40.27: USD 10.27 is charged whether the application is approved or denied, and approved applications are charged an additional USD 30. Apply only online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov and allow up to 72 hours even though many decisions arrive within minutes. Travelers must hold a biometric e-Passport; all German ordinary passports issued since November 2005 are biometric. ESTA authorizes travel to request admission, but a CBP officer makes the final entry decision at the port of entry.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Germany (PR)Living in Germany as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

ESTA under Visa Waiver Program

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per visit

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 40.27 if approved (USD 10.27 if denied)

consular fee only

Processing time

Usually minutes (allow 72 hours)

standard track

Validity

2 years or until passport expires

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport eligibility

You must hold a German biometric e-Passport (ePass / Reisepass mit Chip). All standard German passports issued since November 2005 qualify. Each traveler, including children and infants, needs an eligible passport; older Kinderreisepass documents without an e-passport chip are not ESTA-eligible.

· ePass required

/02

Apply on the official CBP site

Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov — never use third-party sites. Complete personal, travel, and eligibility questions (criminal history, communicable disease, prior visa refusals).

· esta.cbp.dhs.gov only

/03

Pay the fee

Pay through the official ESTA site. For FY 2026, the application/cost-recovery portion is USD 10.27 and is charged whether approved or denied; if approved, an additional USD 30 is charged for a USD 40.27 total.

· USD 40.27 if approved

/04

Wait for the decision

Most ESTAs approved within minutes. Some need up to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before flying.

· 72-hour buffer

/05

Travel and clear immigration

ESTA is electronically linked to your passport; a printout is optional. Present your passport at the U.S. port of entry. A CBP officer decides final admission and the authorized stay.

· CBP decides entry

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Germany -> United States · ESTA under Visa Waiver Program

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredGerman biometric e-Passport valid for the intended stay

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Required for all VWP travel

RequiredApproved ESTA

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Linked to passport, 2-year validity

RequiredReturn or onward ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Required for VWP travelers

RequiredAccommodation evidence

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel booking, host's address, or Airbnb confirmation

ConditionalFunds evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Bank statements or credit cards if asked

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