To enter the USA, you need an entry permit (ESTA) or a visa suitable for your activity. With the visa / entry permit, you can present yourself to the border officials at Customer Border Protection (CBP) for entry. Entry is always decided by the border official and not by the validity of the visa/entry permit.
Rules of conduct and the use of appropriate vocabulary simplify the entry process. Use the recommendations for entering the USA.
ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program
The ESTA entry permit for the USA is suitable for private and limited business travel. The nationality of the traveler (38 countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and no travel to countries defined by the USA (Iraq, Iran, Syria or Sudan) are the most important criteria for approval. German citizens usually receive the electronic travel authorization within 72 hours. The ESTA is issued for 2 years. One stay per entry is possible for a maximum of 90 days. The application is made online via the US consulate website.
PLEASE NOTE for business travelers
There is no clear definition of when an ESTA is sufficient and when a visa is required. The current situation is mainly due to entry restrictions caused by Covid-19 and the political situation. The B1 visa covers a wider range of activities. We recommend applying for a B1 (business visa) possibly in combination with a B2 visa (tourist/visitor visa).
B-1 visa
The B-1 visa is a valid nonimmigrant visa that authorizes a temporary stay (up to 180 days per entry) in the United States and allows limited employment. The B1 is issued for 10 years.
With a B-1 visa, you are allowed to pursue certain business activities that are not defined as "work". These include, among others:
The DVKG will be happy to help you with the application. We will advise you on which visa category to apply for your travel purpose and support you in the application process (advice, application, making an appointment at the consulate, preparing for the appointment, completion).
B-2 visa
The B-2 visa allows the applicant to stay in the USA for private or tourist purposes. The B-2 visa is of interest for private trips lasting more than 90 days and for nationalities that are not eligible to apply for the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program).
Crew visa C1/D
The Crew Visa C1/D is for crew members of airplanes or cruise ships. All employees on an aircraft or ship count as crew and can apply for the C1/D visa USA.
J1 Visa - Student Exchange
The J1 visa is applied for by participants of organized student exchange programs administered and approved by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. This visa for the USA covers the high school year, as well as the exchange program for high school and secondary school students.
Visa F1 language course
The F1 visa is intended for anyone who wants to study or take part in a language course in the United States. In the case of a self-organized student exchange, the visa for the USA also covers one year of high school.
F1 student visa
The F1 student visa is for people who wish to study in the United States. This includes short or long-term courses of study. However, the completion of a high school year is not included in this visa.
E-1 visa
Work visa for traders
The E-1 visa, also known as the Treaty Trader visa or trade visa, is a sub-category of the e-visa and is a work visa. It allows executives of a company, such as managers, to stay in the United States to trade goods, technologies or services.
E-2 Visa
Work visa for investors
The E-2 visa, also known as the Treaty Investor Visa or Investor Visa, is a classic work visa. Any company that wants to invest or has invested substantial capital in the US economy can send employees to the USA via an E-2 visa, regardless of previous business activity in their home country.
L-1 visa
The L-1 visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who already run their own business in Germany. It is possible to establish a branch office, a new office or a subsidiary in the USA.
An L-1 visa is particularly suitable if the route to the USA via an e-visa is blocked because the relevant requirements, for example regarding existing trade or the required investment, are not or cannot be met.
The L-1 visa is also of particular interest to non-profit organizations that are generally unable to qualify for an e-visa.
