FAQ

Usually not. Germany participates in the Visa Waiver Program, so German citizens can enter for tourism or short business visits of up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. A B-1/B-2 visa is only required for longer stays, paid work, or if you are not eligible for ESTA.

B-1 is the business visa for activities such as meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and conferences, without being employed in the U.S. B-2 is the visitor and tourist visa for holidays, family visits and medical treatment. U.S. consulates usually issue German travellers a combined B-1/B-2 visa.

Since 1 January 2026 the ESTA fee is 40.27 US dollars per person in total. It consists of a 4.00 USD processing fee and a 36.27 USD authorization fee. If the application is denied, only the 4.00 USD is charged.

No. An ESTA denial (“Travel Not Authorized”) only means you may not travel to the U.S. visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. In the vast majority of cases you can instead apply for a regular B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. Embassy.

The DS-160 is completed only online at the U.S. Department of State's official site ceac.state.gov/genniv. There is no app or offline PDF. Make sure you are on the .gov domain to avoid paid copycat sites.

U.S. visa interviews in Germany are conducted at the Consulate General Frankfurt, the U.S. Embassy Berlin and the Consulate General Munich. Immigrant visas are processed centrally only in Frankfurt. For a B-1/B-2 visitor visa you can usually choose any of the three locations.

Not necessarily. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass (~USD 80) covers entry to all US national parks and many other federal lands. It applies to the vehicle and up to four additional adults. Individual vehicle passes cost 20–35 USD depending on the park and are valid for 7 consecutive days.

Yes. Hawaii is a US state, so the same entry rules apply as for New York or Los Angeles. Travelers eligible under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA -- apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. The ESTA costs USD 21 (as of 2025) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

To experience all four main parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) with a full day each, you need at least four to five days. Families with young children who want to pace themselves comfortably are well served by six to seven days.

German citizens travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and do not need a traditional tourist visa, but must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ca. 21 USD, online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov) before their trip. The ESTA must be approved before booking flights or accommodation. See: [ESTA or Visa](/wissen/esta-oder-visum).

German citizens can enter the United States without a visa but need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA costs USD 21 and must be applied for online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before departure. Once approved, it is valid for 2 years.

No. An ESTA approval only allows you to travel to the U.S. border. The final admission decision is made by the CBP officer at the airport under the Immigration and Nationality Act – regardless of ESTA or a visa.

For tourist or business stays of up to 90 days, German citizens generally only need an ESTA authorization together with an electronic passport. A visa is required if you stay longer, work, study or do not hold an electronic passport. The final decision is made by the US authorities.

No. Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program for expedited entry and does not replace a visa. You still need a valid ESTA or a U.S. visa to enter the United States.

For typical business appointments (meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade shows) up to 90 days, an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program is usually enough from Germany. You need a B-1 visa if you stay longer, are not VWP-eligible, or want documented certainty. The permitted scope of activity is the same for both.

Since January 1, 2026, an ESTA costs about USD 40.27. The fee had previously risen from USD 21 to USD 40 on September 30, 2025; the 27 cents are an inflation-based adjustment per the Federal Register of November 19, 2025. The full fee applies only to approved applications.

No. A B-1 visa does not allow paid work or employment in the U.S. Permitted activities are business tasks such as consultations, contract negotiations and attending conferences and trade fairs. Anyone wanting to work or be paid in the U.S. needs a work visa.

Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes. In some cases an additional review runs that can take up to 72 hours. Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. Expediting is not possible.

No, there is no formal appeal procedure against an ESTA denial. You can use the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) to check for a mix-up, but that does not guarantee resolving an existing VWP ineligibility. The reliable route is the visa application.

The digital photo must be square, between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, JPEG under 240 KB, in color on a white or off-white background, and taken within the last 6 months. Glasses are not allowed. A printed photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).

First complete the DS-160, create a profile on ustraveldocs.com, pay the USD 185 application (MRV) fee, choose a passport delivery method and then book location, date and time online. Print the appointment confirmation and bring it with you.

For popular parks like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, lodges and campsites should be booked as early as possible — ideally 6–12 months in advance. Timed-entry tickets (e.g., for Arches) are often released just a few days ahead or allocated via lottery.

Oahu is the classic starting point: international airport, best hotel infrastructure, Waikiki beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head. Those seeking more nature and fewer crowds often prefer Maui as their first island. For two weeks, we recommend Oahu (4--5 nights) plus Maui or Big Island (5--6 nights).

Yes, strongly recommended. Day-of tickets at the gate are more expensive and may sell out on popular dates. Additionally, after purchasing tickets, you must separately book a Park Pass reservation for each visit day. Book both as early as possible — ideally three to six months before your trip.

For direct flights from Europe, JFK International is the main gateway. Newark (EWR) is also well connected (AirTrain + NJ Transit, ca. 18 USD). LaGuardia (LGA) has no direct rail link and is mainly used for domestic flights. From JFK to the city: AirTrain + Subway for ca. 9–11 USD, or taxi (flat rate ca. 70–75 USD plus tolls and tip).

For the LA-to-SF drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, plan at least 7 days – with little time for extended stops. A comfortable trip takes 10 to 14 days, allowing time for cities, Big Sur, Monterey, and a national park side trip.

Retrieve the I-94 for free at i94.cbp.dhs.gov using your name, date of birth and passport number. It shows your date of entry, class of admission and the “Admit Until” date – the last day you are authorized to stay. That date is binding, not your visa validity.

Around 15 to 20 percent on the pre-tax amount is customary in restaurants, bars and taxis. For housekeeping, porters and valet service, about USD 2 to 5 is appropriate. In the USA, tipping is considered expected rather than an optional bonus.

The U.S. application fee is USD 120 and is valid for five years. It is non-refundable, even if denied. The German Federal Police pre-check is free of charge according to the authority.

Permitted are business appointments, consultations and negotiations, contract talks, attending conferences, seminars and trade shows, taking orders for goods manufactured abroad, and independent research. Productive work for US pay is not allowed – that requires a work visa.

An approved ESTA is valid for two years and permits multiple entries during that period. If your passport expires sooner, the ESTA is only valid until the passport's expiry date. You may stay a maximum of 90 days per entry.

The MRV application fee in 2026 is US $185 and is non-refundable even if refused (source: travel.state.gov). On top of that, the new US $250 Visa Integrity Fee may apply at issuance, though its actual collection was not yet fully implemented as of mid-2026.

An approved ESTA is valid for two years from issue or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Within this period multiple entries of up to 90 days each are possible.

Since 1 January 2026 the ESTA fee is USD 40.27. If the application is denied, only the smaller processing portion (about USD 10.27) is charged; the larger authorization portion is not. Check current amounts on esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

The Application ID is a ten-character code starting with AA, generated after you choose a security question. You need it, together with your security answer, to resume an interrupted application. Without the ID you cannot reopen a started application.

According to official State Department data (as of May 18, 2026), the wait for the next B-1/B-2 interview was about 1.5 months in Frankfurt and under 0.5 month in Berlin and Munich. Wait times change weekly; check current figures on travel.state.gov.

The classic route: Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Arches/Moab → Canyonlands → Monument Valley → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas. This circuit works well in 10–14 days and covers a wide variety of landscapes.

The main season runs December through April, peaking in January and February. Humpback whales travel to warm Hawaiian waters to breed and nurse calves. The epicenter is the Maui Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Reputable tours departing from Maalaea Harbor (Maui) often include a sighting guarantee.

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass (from approx. USD 20/person/day) lets you book timed return windows for most attractions in the park — one at a time, with the next bookable after redeeming the current one. The Lightning Lane Single Pass is a separate per-attraction purchase for select headline rides (e.g., Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy) that are excluded from the Multi Pass and priced individually based on demand.

The NYC Subway runs 24/7 and covers all five boroughs. A single ride costs 2.90 USD (as of 2026). Pay contactlessly by tapping your credit card, debit card, or smartphone via OMNY at the yellow reader. After 12 rides in one week, further rides are free (weekly cap ca. 34.80 USD). MetroCards are still available but are being phased out.

No. Highway 1 through Big Sur is particularly prone to mudslides and rockfalls after winter rains, which can lead to road closures. Check the current status at dot.ca.gov (Caltrans) before your drive. Closures are less common in summer (July–October).

You may carry any amount of cash, but amounts over US$10,000 (in cash or monetary instruments, also combined across a travel group) must be reported on FinCEN Form 105. Reporting is free; failing to report is a criminal offense and can lead to seizure.

In the USA, displayed prices are usually net prices. Sales tax is only added at the register and varies by state and municipality. Five states – New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Delaware – levy no statewide sales tax.

Germans first create a TTP account with the U.S. authority and receive a PASSID. With this PASSID they appear in person for the Federal Police pre-check at an EasyPASS location. Only then follow CBP conditional approval and the enrollment interview.

No. On ESTA or B-1 you may not receive a salary from a US source for your activity. The only thing allowed is for a US partner to reimburse expenses or pay an allowance for the short stay (e.g. travel, hotel). Your salary continues to be paid by your foreign employer.

You need a visa for stays over 90 days, for paid work, study or immigration, and if you are not ESTA-eligible – for example after a prior visa refusal or overstay, certain criminal offenses, dual nationality of certain countries, or travel since March 1, 2011 to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen (Cuba since January 12, 2021).

The visa validity (often up to 10 years for Germans) only states until when you may enter. How long you may actually stay is decided by CBP on each entry and recorded on Form I-94 – usually up to 6 months per visit for visitors.

The only official application website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov, run by the US border agency CBP. Check for the .gov ending. Third-party sites often charge significantly higher fees and are not official.

Data such as passport number, expiration date, name or date of birth cannot be edited afterward. You must apply for a new ESTA with correct details and pay the fee again. There is no waiting period; you can reapply immediately.

All answers must be in English using English characters; the only exception is names in your home script where the field allows it. Applications in another language are denied per the State Department. Replace German umlauts with ae, oe, ue and ß with ss.

Since October 1, 2025, the interview waiver is heavily restricted. For B-1/B-2 renewals it is possible only if, among other things, you apply within 12 months of the expiration of the prior full-validity visa, were at least 18 when it was issued and were never refused. First-time applicants must appear in person.

Yes. Death Valley holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on earth (54.4 °C / 130 °F). In summer (June–August), ground temperatures can reach 80 °C (176 °F). The National Park Service explicitly warns against hiking in summer months and recommends visiting between October and April.

Hawaii has one of the world's highest tourist drowning rates -- often due to underestimating ocean power. Particularly dangerous spots: North Shore Oahu (winter), Hookipa Beach Maui, Polihale Beach Kauai. Swim only at lifeguard-protected beaches, heed all warning signs, and ask locals or lifeguards about current conditions. In a rip current: swim parallel to shore to escape it -- do not fight it head-on.

The quietest periods are mid-January to mid-February (after New Year) and weekdays in May before the US Memorial Day weekend. The busiest periods are Christmas/New Year, Easter, US Spring Break (March–April), and the entire month of July.

In restaurants, 18–22 % of the bill (before tax) is the social norm – not tipping is considered very rude. At bars: 1–2 USD per drink. In taxis and rideshares: 15–20 %. Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping): 2–5 USD per service. Remember: sales tax (ca. 8.875 %) is added to your bill on top of the listed price.

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not legally required in California, but is recommended alongside your national license as an official translation. It is available from ADAC or ADFC for a small fee. Rental companies do not require an IDP, but it can be helpful if stopped by police.

All food, plant and animal products must be declared – even packaged ones. Many items such as fresh fruit, vegetables and numerous meat products are prohibited. Failing to declare agricultural products risks penalties (up to around US$1,000 for a first non-commercial offense). When in doubt, declare or leave it out.

Yes, travel health insurance with high or unlimited cover is strongly recommended for every USA trip, because German statutory health insurance does not apply there. A single hospital day can cost EUR 2,000 to 6,000, and a medical repatriation considerably more.

Yes. Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck, giving you expedited security screening for domestic and departing flights within or from the United States.

Carry in your hand luggage: an invitation letter from the US partner, a confirmation from your German employer, the trip agenda, evidence of ties to Germany (intent to return), business cards, and hotel and return-flight bookings. It's important that your verbal statements match the documents.

No. Visa Waiver Program travelers entering with ESTA are explicitly exempt from the Visa Integrity Fee. The fee only affects traditional visa applicants and, as of mid-2026, had not yet been implemented.

Most German nationals travel visa-free with ESTA. You need a B-1/B-2 for stays over 90 days, relevant criminal records, an ESTA denial or certain travel histories (e.g. visits to Iran, Iraq or Syria), among others. When in doubt, our free visa check helps.

'Authorization Pending' means your application is still under review – it is not a refusal. The decision usually arrives within 72 hours. Wait and check the status again instead of filing a second application.

For tourism you need a B-2 visa, for business a B-1 visa; a combined B-1/B-2 visa is often issued. The processing (MRV) fee is generally USD 185 in 2026. You apply using the DS-160 form and an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or a consulate.

Yes. You must list your social-media usernames from the past five years on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. In 2026 enhanced screening was extended to more visa categories. Omitting an account can be treated as material misrepresentation and lead to denial or a ban.

Section 214(b) requires the consular officer to presume immigrant intent. You must rebut that presumption with strong ties to Germany – such as an employment contract, family, home ownership or lease and social roots. A 214(b) refusal cannot be appealed, but you may reapply with new evidence.

Monument Valley lies within the Navajo Nation and is managed by the Tribal Park Administration. The Scenic Drive (approx. 17 miles, unpaved) can be driven independently. However, hikes off the Scenic Drive and access to many viewpoints on the reservation require an officially licensed Navajo guide.

For Kauai: absolutely yes. The Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon reveal their true scale from the air -- no ground viewpoint compares. Cost: USD 220--350 per person for roughly 50--65 minutes. On the Big Island, a helicopter provides a view into active lava craters -- spectacular during eruptions. Book early and choose a reputable operator with current FAA certification.

Guests staying on Disney property and visiting only Disney parks can manage without a car — the internal transport system is excellent. However, anyone combining multiple resort destinations (Disney + Universal + SeaWorld), planning day trips, or staying off-site will find a rental car almost essential. Uber and Lyft are a good alternative for individual journeys.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are considered the optimal times to visit: pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and lower hotel prices than December. Those wanting to experience Christmas lights and ice skating should go in December – but expect cold weather and high prices. January and February are the cheapest months for budget-conscious travellers.

Late April to mid-June and September through October are ideal travel months: pleasant temperatures, fewer peak-season surcharges, and smaller crowds in the national parks. San Francisco is often foggy and cool in July/August – the Indian Summer in September/October is particularly beautiful there.

Yes. In secondary inspection, CBP officers may search electronic devices. A basic search is possible without suspicion; an advanced one (data extraction) requires reasonable suspicion and supervisor approval. Only data stored on the device is searched. As a non-citizen, refusing to unlock the device can lead to denial of entry.

The USA uses 120 volts and Type A and B sockets. You need a plug adapter. Devices labeled 100–240V (e.g. phone and laptop chargers) work with the adapter; devices designed only for 230 volts additionally require a voltage converter.

Membership is valid for five years. Renewal is usually done online via the TTP account; sometimes another interview is required. Germans must also renew the BPOL pre-check before the end of the third membership year.

In US restaurants an 18–20% tip on the bill is standard and effectively not optional. At a business meal the host pays. Taxis and rideshare, hotel staff, and coat check are also tipped – which differs markedly from Germany.

No. An ESTA only allows you to present yourself at a U.S. port of entry. The final decision on entry is made by the officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on arrival – they can refuse entry despite a valid ESTA.

Under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the law presumes visitor visa applicants intend to immigrate. You must rebut this with strong ties to Germany (job, family, property). If that is not convincing at the interview, the application is refused; you may reapply later.

The status 'Travel Not Authorized' means your ESTA was denied. You then cannot enter visa-free and must apply for an appropriate visa at a US consulate. A denial is not an entry ban, but it rules out the Visa Waiver Program for this trip.

For privacy and security reasons CBP does not disclose the specific reason for an ESTA denial. The U.S. Embassy can neither state the reason nor overturn the denial. Therefore review your details carefully and match your case to the typical causes.

You bring the printed confirmation page with the barcode and Application ID. The embassy retrieves your full application via the barcode, so you do not need to print the whole form. Without the confirmation page your case may not be processed.

A hold under Section 221(g) is not a final refusal. It means either that documents are missing (to be submitted within one year) or that an additional security/administrative review is underway. Duration varies from a few days to several weeks; do not book binding travel until the visa is issued.

Yes. A valid German driver's license is recognized in all US states. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended as a supplement but is rarely legally required in practice. Car rental companies generally accept a German license without issue.

Since there are no direct flights, costs include long-haul plus a domestic leg. Budget Economy round-trip fares (Frankfurt/Munich to Los Angeles to Honolulu) run approximately EUR 800--1,400 per person when booked 4--6 months out. During peak season (summer, Christmas) prices rise to EUR 1,400--2,200. Business-class combinations start around EUR 3,000--6,000 and up.

Epic Universe is a third theme park opened by Universal Orlando in 2025 — the most ambitious new park project in decades. It features five themed worlds: Nintendo World (Mario Kart, Donkey Kong Country), a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter (medieval Hogsmeade), How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, a Monsters Universe, and the Universal Hub. A separate Park-to-Park ticket is required.

It depends on your itinerary. The New York CityPASS (ca. 142 USD) saves up to 40 % on 5 selected highlights. The New York Pass is only worthwhile if you visit 4–5 paid attractions per day. Many top highlights are free (High Line, Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, parks) – do the maths carefully before buying.

For two people and 14 days (excluding flights), budget around USD 4,000–7,000. The biggest items are rental car (USD 900–1,400), accommodation (USD 1,500–2,500), and food. The America the Beautiful Pass (USD 80) saves money on national park entries.

The free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app: you scan your passport in advance, take a selfie, answer the questions and get a QR code for an express lane. Up to 12 people can be added on one device. APC kiosks are being retired in favor of MPC. Frequent travelers also benefit from Global Entry.

As a tourist you may generally drive with your valid German license. Depending on the state, an International Driving Permit or a certified English translation is additionally required or recommended. Carry both documents; the minimum age for rental cars is usually 21.

Enrollment on Arrival lets you complete the final Global Entry interview directly on your next entry into the U.S. at the airport, without a separate appointment at an Enrollment Center. This is especially convenient for travelers from Germany.

For frequent travelers, yes: Global Entry speeds up entry via kiosk/app and includes TSA PreCheck in the US. In 2026 it costs USD 120 for five years and requires a background check and an interview. However, it does not replace an ESTA or visa – you still need those.

Yes, for short business visits such as meetings, conferences, trade shows or contract negotiations. However, your salary and the primary benefit of your work must remain abroad. Paid employment with a U.S. employer or productive work on the U.S. market is not allowed with ESTA – that requires a work visa.

Bring your valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, the appointment confirmation, the MRV payment receipt, and evidence of your travel purpose and ties to Germany (e.g. employer letter, family documents). There is no fixed mandatory list, but good preparation improves your chances.

Yes. Every person, including babies and children, needs their own ESTA and their own biometric e-passport. Via the group feature you can manage and pay for several applications together, but you must enter individual data for each person.

Expect several weeks for booking, the interview and any further review. The wait for an interview appointment varies; at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt it ranged from a few days to about two months in mid-2026. Do not book non-refundable flights before the visa is issued.

A submitted DS-160 has no formal expiration date, but the information must be current and accurate on the interview day. For material changes (passport, employer, marital status, trip purpose) officers expect a new DS-160. An unsubmitted draft remains retrievable for only 30 days.

After approval the passport stays at the consulate to have the visa affixed. You receive it back via the method you chose in advance: by UPS courier within Germany (currently about €27.50) or for personal pickup. You are notified by email and text and can track the shipment online.

ESTA applications are submitted exclusively online through the official US Department of Homeland Security website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). The fee is USD 21 (as of 2026). Apply at least 72 hours before departure — ideally before booking your flights. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

It depends on the island. On **Oahu** a car is optional: Waikiki is walkable, and TheBus (USD 3/ride) covers many attractions. On **Maui, Big Island, and Kauai** a rental car is practically essential -- sights are spread out and public transit is minimal. Book early; on smaller islands cars sell out fast during peak season.

German citizens can enter the USA visa-free but require a pre-approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA costs USD 21, is valid for 2 years, and must be obtained before booking flights and hotels. In certain circumstances (previous visa refusals, specific travel histories), a standard B-2 tourist visa is required. Use our visa check tool for your personal situation.

NYC is considerably safer today than in previous decades. Pickpocketing can occur in busy areas (Times Square, Subway) – keep valuables close to your body. At night, travel in busy subway carriages. The emergency number is 911; for non-urgent matters call 311. Most tourists experience New York as a very safe city.

Yes – Yosemite is about 3.5–4 hours from San Francisco and works well as a side trip before or after your SF stay. Important: from April through October, a Timed Entry Permit is required, bookable at recreation.gov.

Common ones: purpose of the trip, length of stay, accommodation and whether you have a return ticket. Answer honestly, clearly and briefly and keep evidence ready (return flight, hotel, invitation if any). On ESTA you must not state paid work as your purpose – the Visa Waiver Program only allows tourism and business meetings.

The nationwide emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 911. For mental health crises and suicide prevention there is the additional number 988.

You use either the free Global Entry Mobile App (selfie for facial recognition, electronic receipt) or a kiosk. Both bypass the regular lines and lead straight to the CBP officer. The app is available at more than 80 U.S. airports.

The ESTA fee in 2026 is USD 40.27 and is valid for two years. A B-1/B-2 visa costs USD 185 MRV fee (expected to rise to USD 205 on 30 May 2026) plus a USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee – around USD 435 in total. Check current amounts before traveling on travel.state.gov.