United States ESTA
Electronic System for Travel Authorization · For Germany citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a German citizen? You can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Apply online for $21, receive approval within minutes, and enjoy stays of up to 90 days. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries. If you need longer stays or are ineligible for ESTA, the B-2 tourist visa is your alternative.
US ESTA for German Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Germany citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
A valid German e-Passport with an electronic chip is required for ESTA eligibility
A valid email address to receive your ESTA confirmation and updates
A valid payment method to pay the $21 application fee
Basic details about your US travel plans
Questions about your background and eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program
Social media account identifiers used in the past 5 years
Recommended (Optional)
Online nonimmigrant visa application for those ineligible for ESTA
Evidence of funds for your trip and ties to Germany
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory online registration for German citizens traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).1 It is not a visa, but an automated system that determines your eligibility to travel to the US without one.2
As a German passport holder, you can visit the United States for tourism, business meetings, or transit for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa.4 ESTA simply pre-screens travelers before they board their flight.
ESTA Application Process
Apply only through the official CBP website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.1 Beware of unofficial websites that charge excessive fees.
1. Visit the Official ESTA Website
Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov and select “New Application.”1 You can apply for yourself or as part of a group.
2. Enter Your Information
Provide your passport details, personal information, and contact details. The form requires your German address, employer information, and emergency contact.1
3. Answer Eligibility Questions
Respond to questions about criminal history, previous visa denials, travel to certain countries, and health conditions.1 Answer truthfully. False information leads to denial.
4. Provide Travel Information
Enter your US address or point of contact. Flight details are optional at the application stage.1
5. Pay the Fee
Pay $21 via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee includes $4 for processing (charged to all applicants) and $17 for authorization (charged only if approved).
6. Receive Your Decision
Most applications receive instant approval.1 Some require up to 72 hours for additional review. You will receive confirmation via email.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA Application (current) | $21 |
| ESTA Application (from Sept 30, 2025) | $40 |
| B-2 Visa (if ESTA ineligible) | $185 |
The ESTA fee is non-refundable. If denied, you only pay the $4 processing fee.1 A fee increase to $40 takes effect September 30, 2025.
Who Cannot Use ESTA
ESTA is not available to everyone. You must apply for a B-2 visa instead if you:27
- Have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011
- Hold dual nationality with any of these countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Sudan)
- Have been arrested or convicted of certain crimes
- Have previously been denied a US visa
- Have overstayed a previous US visit
- Need to stay longer than 90 days
- Plan to study or work in the US
If any of these apply, see the B-2 visa section below.
What You Can Do With ESTA
ESTA allows you to visit the United States for:4
Tourism
- Sightseeing and vacation travel
- Visiting national parks and attractions
- Attending events, concerts, or sports
Visiting People
- Staying with family or friends
- Attending weddings or family events
Business Activities
- Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars
- Negotiating contracts (but not signing employment contracts)
- Consulting with business associates
Transit
- Passing through the US to another country
Medical Treatment
- Receiving medical treatment at US facilities
What You Cannot Do
ESTA does not permit:4
- Any form of paid or unpaid employment
- Enrolling in a course of study
- Working as foreign press or media
- Staying longer than 90 days per visit
- Extending your stay while in the US
At the US Border
ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.2 At the airport, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will:
- Verify your identity and ESTA status
- Ask about your trip purpose and length of stay
- Inquire about your accommodation and return travel
- Collect biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
Be prepared to answer questions clearly and honestly. Officers may ask to see:
- Return flight confirmation
- Hotel reservations or host contact details
- Evidence of funds for your stay
Your I-94 record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) confirms your legal entry and authorized stay period.
B-2 Visa Alternative
If you are ineligible for ESTA or need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa.4
When to Apply for B-2:
- ESTA denied or you are ineligible for VWP
- Need to stay more than 90 days (B-2 allows up to 6 months)
- Want the option to extend your stay while in the US
- Have complex circumstances requiring explanation
B-2 Application Process:
- Complete the DS-160 online application at ceac.state.gov4
- Pay the $185 MRV fee5
- Schedule an interview at the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich
- Attend the in-person interview with supporting documents
- Receive your visa (if approved) within 3-5 working days
B-2 Approval Rate: German citizens have a B-2 visa approval rate of approximately 90% based on FY2024 data, with a refusal rate of 10.02%.6
If Your ESTA is Denied
ESTA denial means you cannot travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.2 Your options:
Apply for a B-2 Visa
This is the standard path after ESTA denial. The visa application allows you to:4
- Provide detailed documentation
- Explain circumstances in person
- Address specific concerns that caused the ESTA denial
Understand the Denial Reason
ESTA denials do not include detailed explanations, but common reasons include travel to designated countries, criminal history, or previous immigration issues. Address these in your visa application.
Do Not Reapply Immediately
Reapplying for ESTA without changed circumstances almost always results in another denial. Focus on the B-2 visa application instead.
ESTA vs B-2 Visa Comparison
| Feature | ESTA | B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $21 | $185 |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | Several weeks |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Can extend stay | No | Yes (in exceptional cases) |
| Multiple entries | Yes (2 years) | Yes (typically 10 years) |
| Interview required | No | Yes |
| Appeal if denied | No | Limited options |
For most German travelers, ESTA is the faster and more economical choice. The B-2 visa is necessary only for those ineligible for ESTA or requiring longer stays.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Travel to Designated Countries
Travelers who have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011, or hold dual nationality with these countries, are ineligible for ESTA.
How to avoid: If you have traveled to these countries for legitimate reasons (journalism, humanitarian work, government business), apply for a B-2 visa and explain the circumstances.
Criminal History
Certain criminal convictions, including crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, and multiple criminal convictions, disqualify applicants from the Visa Waiver Program.
How to avoid: Even expunged convictions under German law may affect ESTA eligibility. If you have any criminal record, consider applying for a B-2 visa where you can provide context.
Previous Visa Denial or Overstay
If you have previously been denied a US visa, overstayed a previous visit, or been deported from the United States, you are generally ineligible for ESTA.
How to avoid: Past immigration issues require a B-2 visa application. Be prepared to explain the circumstances and demonstrate changed behavior.
False Information on Application
Providing incorrect or misleading information on the ESTA application results in automatic denial and may affect future visa applications.
How to avoid: Double-check all information before submitting. Be truthful even about issues you think might cause problems. Dishonesty has more severe consequences.
Health-Related Inadmissibility
Certain communicable diseases of public health significance or lack of required vaccinations can result in ESTA denial.
How to avoid: These cases are rare for German travelers. If denied for health reasons, consult with an immigration attorney about waiver options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
No. German citizens can travel to the United States visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel. ESTA costs $21 and allows stays of up to 90 days.
How long does ESTA approval take for German citizens?
Most ESTA applications receive instant approval. However, some applications may take up to 72 hours if additional review is required. Always apply at least 72 hours before your departure.
How much does US ESTA cost for German citizens?
ESTA costs $21 USD total. This includes a $4 processing fee and a $17 authorization fee (if approved). If denied, you only pay the $4 processing fee. The fee increases to $40 from September 30, 2025.
How long is ESTA valid for German passport holders?
ESTA is valid for 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited trips to the US, with each stay limited to 90 days maximum.
Can I work in the US on ESTA?
No. ESTA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations), and certain medical treatments. Any paid or unpaid employment requires a work visa.
What is the difference between ESTA and B-2 visa?
ESTA is electronic travel authorization for VWP countries like Germany, costs $21, allows 90-day stays, and cannot be extended. The B-2 visa costs $185, requires an embassy interview, allows stays up to 6 months, and can potentially be extended.
What happens if my ESTA is denied?
If ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich. This involves completing the DS-160 form, paying $185, and attending an in-person interview.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days with ESTA?
No. ESTA stays cannot be extended. The 90-day limit is strictly enforced. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a B-2 visa before traveling, which allows stays up to 6 months.
What disqualifies German citizens from ESTA?
You cannot use ESTA if you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 2011, have certain criminal convictions, hold dual nationality with these countries, or have been denied a US visa previously.
Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA. Each person needs their own e-Passport, and a separate application with payment must be submitted for each individual.
Can I reapply if my ESTA is denied?
Yes, but reapplying without changed circumstances rarely succeeds. ESTA denials are typically based on eligibility criteria, so a B-2 visa application is usually the better path forward.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. ESTA authorizes you to board a US-bound carrier and travel to a US port of entry. The final decision on entry is made by Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport. They may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans.