Germany
United States
United States visa for German citizens
Entry requirement
German citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 8 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at usembassy.de
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in Germany
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- Consulate General of the United States in Leipzig
Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Straße 4, 04107 Leipzig
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- Consulate General of the United States in Frankfurt am Main
Gießener Straße 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main
- Consulate General of the United States in Düsseldorf
Willi-Becker-Allee 10, 40227 Düsseldorf
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US visas issued to citizens of Germany
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 25,183 | 21,836 |
| Student (F, M) | 6,213 | 5,933 |
| Exchange (J) | 14,710 | 13,341 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 12,610 | 12,883 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 6,934 | 5,278 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 3,502 | 3,066 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 277 | 145 |
| Total | 69,429 | 62,482 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 10.0% | 12.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 62,482 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Germany, the 26th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 35%, exchange visitor visas 21% and work and treaty visas 21%. That is 10% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (69,429).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Germany received 18,612, 18% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 12.2% for citizens of Germany in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 10.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Germany anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Germany.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Germany
United StatesGermany Visa-free, 90 days Germany visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Germany to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long German citizens can stay in the United States
German citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How German citizens apply
German citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for German citizens
Mexico admits German citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to Germany
US citizens do not need a visa for Germany: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
Frequently asked questions
Do German citizens need a visa for the United States?
German citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
How long can German citizens stay in the United States?
German citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for Germany?
US citizens do not need a visa for Germany: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
Can German citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; German citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.