USA entry requirements for travellers from Germany
Visa requirement summary
German passport holders do not need a US visa for tourism or short business visits. Germany is a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member, so German nationals travel to the United States using ESTA — an electronic authorisation obtained online before travel.
Under the VWP, German citizens can stay for up to 90 days per visit without a visa.
ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
ESTA is not a visa. It is an electronic authorisation that VWP travellers must obtain before boarding a US-bound flight or arriving at a land or sea port of entry. You apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the only official site. Third-party services that charge more than the government fee are not official.
The fee is $40.27 per person (raised from $21 in September 2025). This breaks down as a $4.00 processing fee charged regardless of outcome, and a $36.27 authorisation fee charged only if approved. Payment is by credit or debit card.
Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period you can make multiple trips to the US without reapplying.
Apply at least 72 hours before travel, though earlier is better. Most applications are approved within minutes; a small number are processed over several days. An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission — CBP officers at the port of entry make the final decision.
How long you can stay
Up to 90 days per VWP visit. This cannot be extended. Frequent arrivals that suggest long-term residence without the correct visa may be questioned by CBP officers.
Passport requirements
Your passport must be biometric (chip-equipped). Germany has issued biometric passports since 2005 — all current German passports qualify. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay; Germany is covered by the US bilateral agreement that waives the standard six-month additional validity rule.
Proof of funds
No fixed minimum is required. Expect questions at the border about how you will fund your stay and where you are going. A return flight booking and accessible bank funds are practical preparation.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward flight booking is expected. Airlines check this at check-in and CBP may ask for it on arrival.
Applying for ESTA
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You’ll need your biometric passport, a payment card, and answers to background questions. Avoid third-party sites — they charge far more.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required for German citizens entering the United States.
Other entry requirements
ESTA and the VWP cover tourism, business meetings, and short visits only — not employment. Travellers with ties to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, or Venezuela (travel since 2011, or dual nationality) are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa.
FAQs
Do Germans need a visa for the USA?
No. Germany is a VWP country. Apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before you travel.
How much does ESTA cost?
$40.27 per person (as of September 2025).
How long can I stay?
90 days per visit. Not extendable.
Can I work in the USA on ESTA?
No. Employment requires a work visa.
I have dual German-Iranian nationality — can I use ESTA?
No. Dual nationals of Iran (and several other listed countries) are not eligible for ESTA regardless of which passport they travel on. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Berlin or Frankfurt.