Do Germans need a USA visa or USA ESTA?

Not sure whether you need a visa or an ESTA to visit the U.S.? We’ll help you figure out which travel authorization applies to your trip, guide you through the process, and ensure you meet all U.S. entry requirements.

At iVisa, our goal is to make getting your travel documents as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Do Germans need a visa to enter the US?

No, German citizens do not need a traditional visa for short visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

However, travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip. This can be quickly processed online.

If your stay exceeds 90 days or your visit involves work or study, you must apply for a U.S. visa. Applications for long-term visas must be made at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy and often require an in-person interview.

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows eligible citizens from designated countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

What is an ESTA, and who needs it?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines whether travelers qualify to enter the U.S. under the VWP and evaluates whether they pose any security risks.

Even if you already hold a valid visa for another purpose, you can still travel on that visa. An ESTA is only needed for short stays related to tourism or business. Learn more about the US ESTA

How long is the ESTA valid?

The ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can enter the U.S. multiple times, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days per entry.

Paid work or employment are not allowed under the ESTA.

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Difficulty rating: 21/100

Applying for the ESTA from Germany is straightforward but requires attention to detail, especially for certain eligibility questions.

"If you’ve ever been denied an ESTA, reapplying within six months may trigger delays. It’s better to ensure your application is error-free the first time," advises Cynthia Oliwa.

The application involves 24 questions, including 4 key questions that could prevent submission, such as prior ESTA denials.

On average, the process takes just a few minutes to complete, and ESTAs are typically processed within 36 hours.

With our expert review, we help keep your rejection risk low, contributing to a 97% approval rate.

Required documents to apply for an ESTA with us

Before applying for the ESTA, make sure you have an electronic passport with a digital chip.

"Scan your passport bio-data page early to avoid last-minute scrambling during the application," recommends Cynthia.

How to apply for an ESTA with us

Applying for an ESTA using our website or mobile app is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Fill out your personal information and select your preferred processing time.
Step 2: Review your information and make your payment.
Step 3: Upload any additional required documents and submit your application.

After submitting, we’ll notify you via email once your ESTA is approved. Keeping both printed and digital copies of your ESTA during your travels is a good idea.