United States visa for German passport holders
No — German passport holders don't need a visa for the United States, but must get an ESTA online before travel.
- Status: ESTA needed
- Fee: $185 USD (B1/B2 visa); ESTA fee set by CBP — see esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Stay: up to 180 days
- Processing: ESTA: immediate; B visa: 2–12 months
Documents usually needed
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- DS-160 form
- Bank statements
- Employment/business ties
- Return ticket
- Travel history
- Interview at US embassy
ESTA ($21) for VWP countries (90 days). B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa ($185) for others — expect long wait times at US embassies.
Frequently asked questions
Do German citizens need a visa for the United States?
No — German passport holders don't need a visa for the United States, but must get an ESTA online before travel.
How much is a United States tourist visa for German passport holders?
$185 USD (B1/B2 visa); ESTA fee set by CBP — see esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Fees change, so confirm on the official site before paying.
How long can German citizens stay in the United States?
Usually up to 180 days per visit for tourism.
How long does a United States visa take?
Typically: ESTA: immediate; B visa: 2–12 months.
Sources
From the Passport Index community dataset, not yet checked against an official source. Confirm on the official site:
Entry rules change. Always confirm with the official government source before you travel.
More visa guides for German passport holders
United States visa for other passports