--- title: United States visa for citizens of Germany description: "Citizens of Germany need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 7–21 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/germany lastModified: 2026-08-16 --- # United States visa for citizens of Germany Citizens of Germany need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* > Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book. Official application site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/de/de/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visa · Tourist/Business (up to 180 days) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Visa validity:** 1825 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 7–21 days - **Government fee:** $185 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months ## How to apply 1. **Complete DS-160 form online** — Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov and print the confirmation page. 2. **Pay the visa application fee** — Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) via the designated payment portal (bank transfer or credit card). 3. **Create profile and schedule appointment** — Register on ustraveldocs.com, log in, and schedule a visa interview and biometrics appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin or Consulate in Frankfurt. 4. **Attend biometrics appointment** — Visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photo taken. Arrive with passport and appointment confirmation. 5. **Attend visa interview** — Go to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate with all required documents; the consular officer will decide on your visa. 6. **Wait for visa processing** — Processing usually takes 7–21 days; you can track status online. 7. **Collect passport with visa** — Passport will be returned via courier or pickup point as selected during scheduling. 8. **Check visa and prepare for travel** — Verify all details (name, photo, validity) on the visa sticker. Bring DS-160 and I-94 on arrival. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)** (Identity): Must have at least two blank visa pages. - **DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)** (Identity): Complete online form DS-160 and print confirmation. - **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay the non-refundable MRV fee. - **Passport-style photograph (5x5 cm, white background)** (Identity): Taken within last 6 months. - **Appointment confirmation letter (for interview and biometrics)** (Supporting): Schedule through the U.S. Visa Information Service. - **Travel itinerary (flight and hotel bookings)** (Travel, optional): Not mandatory but recommended. - **Purpose of travel (e.g., invitation letter for business; travel plans for tourism)** (Supporting): Explain why you are visiting. - **Proof of employment or studies** (Employment): Employment letter, pay slips, or student ID. - **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): Show sufficient funds for the trip. - **Proof of ties to Germany (e.g., property deed, rental contract, family certificate)** (Supporting): Demonstrate intent to return after visit. - **Previous U.S. visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Include copies of previous visas or entry stamps. - **Form I-94 (for re-entry, if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Not needed for first-time applicants. - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Only if traveling with spouse. - **Criminal record certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested if you have a criminal history. ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Sufficient to cover trip expenses (no fixed amount) - Bank statements (last 3 months) - Pay slips - Tax returns - Sponsor letter If sponsored, provide sponsor's bank statements and a signed affidavit of support (I-134). ## Good to know - ESTA is NOT applicable for this visa; you must apply for a B1/B2 visa in person. - Do not book non-refundable travel until visa is issued. - All documents in German or English must be provided; translations may be required. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient ties to home country (risk of immigration)** — Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family in Germany. - **Incomplete or inaccurate DS-160 form** — Double-check all answers; do not omit any travel history. - **Criminal record or visa violations** — Disclose truthfully; consult an attorney if needed. - **Failed to demonstrate purpose of trip** — Prepare a clear itinerary and invitation if applicable. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Germany need a visa for the United States? Citizens of Germany need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visa · Tourist/Business (up to 180 days). ### How long can citizens of Germany stay in the United States? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Germany? Government fee: $185. ### How long does United States visa processing take? Typically 7–21 days. ### What documents do citizens of Germany need for the United States? Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode); Visa application fee receipt; Passport-style photograph (5x5 cm, white background); Appointment confirmation letter (for interview and biometrics); Purpose of travel (e.g., invitation letter for business; travel plans for tourism); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the United States? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/de/de/ ## Sources - [ustraveldocs.com](https://www.ustraveldocs.com/de/de/) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Germany passport holders](/visa/passport/germany)