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🇩🇪 Does a German need a visa for the United States 🇺🇸?
No visa, but an ETA. German passport holders do not need a visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Checked against Wikipedia's list of visa requirements for German citizens on 2026-10-04. Entry rules change: confirm with the embassy of the United States or its official government website before you travel.
What this means for your trip
An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.
It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.
Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.
United States at a glance
Capital: Washington D.C. · Currency: United States dollar (USD, $) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +1
Plugs and voltage
You need a travel adapter: the United States uses plug types A, B, Germany uses C, F. Mains voltage differs (the United States: 120 V; Germany: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.
More about entering the United States →
Your embassy in the United States
If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United States, contact the embassy of Germany:
- Embassy of Germany, Washington · germany.info
- Consulate General of Germany, Atlanta · Marquis Two Tower - Suite 901, 285 Peachtree Center Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303-1221. · atlanta.diplo.de
- Consulate General of Germany, Boston · Three Copley Place, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02116 · boston.diplo.de
- Consulate General of Germany, Chicago · 676 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3200, Chicago, IL 60611 · chicago.diplo.de
Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.
Easier destinations near the United States for German passport holders
- 🇲🇽 Mexico — Visa-free 180 days
- 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda — Visa-free 180 days
- 🇦🇷 Argentina — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇸 Bahamas — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇧 Barbados — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇿 Belize — Visa-free
- 🇧🇴 Bolivia — Visa-free 90 days
- 🇧🇷 Brazil — Visa-free 90 days
The other way round
🇺🇸 American passport holders visiting Germany: American passport holders can visit Germany without a visa for up to 90 days.
The German passport at a glance
All destinations for Germany passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United States →
Questions
Do German citizens need a visa for the United States?
German passport holders do not need a visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.
Does an American need a visa for Germany?
American passport holders can visit Germany without a visa for up to 90 days.