ESTA - Visa Waiver Program
This travel permission is issued to certain nationalities for private and business visits, you may also transit the USA with this authorization.
Please click here to apply for your visaTourist Visa B2
You can apply for this visa if you intend to travel to the USA as a tourist or to visit family or friends, this visa type is also issued for medical treatment.
Please click here to apply for your visaNews
Since July 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has been testing a new pilot program for expedited interview appointments for B-1 visas and B-2 visas. At participating U.S. consulates, applicants can pay an additional USD 750 to obtain an interview appointment within ten business days. The fee only expedites the appointment and does not accelerate visa processing or the final decision.
So far, Mexico has been announced as the first participating location. U.S. consulates in Germany are currently not part of the pilot program. Whether the paid expedited service will become available in Germany at a later date remains to be seen.
The pilot program is currently scheduled to run until the end of 2026. We will provide further updates as soon as new information for applicants in Germany becomes available.
The consular fee charged by the U.S. authorities has been increased to €178.39 (including payment processing fees).
United States introduce priority visa appointments for FIFA World Cup 2026 fans
The United States, in cooperation with FIFA, have introduced a new system for prioritised visa interview appointments for international fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2026. The programme, known as FIFA PASS, is expected to come into effect several months before the start of the tournament.
FIFA PASS is intended for spectators who have already purchased match tickets and require a visa to enter the United States. Participation is voluntary and provides faster access to consular interview appointments. However, all standard screening procedures remain in place, and participation does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
To participate, fans must confirm their consent through a FIFA account, submit a regular US visa application, and indicate during the interview scheduling process that they hold a valid tournament ticket. If the information matches, the applicant will be granted access to a prioritised appointment window.
The US Department of State has emphasised that FIFA PASS does not allow applicants to bypass existing visa or immigration requirements. Fans from countries subject to partial or full entry restrictions may apply, but each case will be assessed individually.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first tournament to feature 48 participating teams and will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
ESTA Fee Increase as of September 30, 2025
Starting September 30, 2025, the U.S. government will raise the ESTA fee from the current $21 to $40 – nearly doubling the cost. This change should be taken into account by both individual travelers and businesses when planning their budgets. Families and groups will be particularly affected, as the fee must be paid for each individual traveler, including minors.
Visa Integrity Fee – New Surcharge for Non-Immigrant Visas
In July 2025, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" introduced a new surcharge for U.S. visa applications: the so-called Visa Integrity Fee. This additional fee amounts to $250 and applies on top of existing costs for nearly all non-immigrant visa categories (including B-1, B-2, F, J, E, and L visas). The new requirement affects both individual travelers and corporate applicants.
Background and Purpose of the Fee
The U.S. government introduced the Visa Integrity Fee with the aim of strengthening the security and integrity of the visa system. The revenue generated will help fund enhanced screening procedures and expand the capacity of the relevant immigration authorities. At the same time, the fee responds to the growing administrative workload caused by increasing numbers of visa applications.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
For applicants, the new fee represents an additional financial burden. It becomes due at the time of visa issuance and is charged on top of existing consular and processing fees. A notable aspect is the proposed refund option: if all visa conditions are fully complied with during the stay, the $250 fee may be refunded after the visa expires. However, specific details regarding the refund process—such as deadlines, conditions, and application procedures—have not yet been finalized.
Criticism and Open Questions
Critics have pointed out a lack of transparency regarding how the funds will be used, as well as the absence of a clearly defined refund process. As of now, October 1, 2025—coinciding with the start of the new U.S. fiscal year—is being considered the likely start date for the Visa Integrity Fee requirement. However, no official date has been confirmed.
Our Service for You
We are closely monitoring all developments related to this new regulation and are available to assist you with any questions concerning the Visa Integrity Fee and the smooth preparation and processing of your U.S. visa applications.
The United States has partially or fully restricted entry for nationals of 19 countries.
The following nationals are affected: Afghanistan, Burundi, Burma, Chad, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen.
Entry Restrictions to the United States
The United States of America has partially or fully suspended entry for nationals of certain countries.
These regulations will take effect on June 9, 2025, and will remain in place until further notice.
Full Entry Suspension
A full entry suspension applies to both immigrants and nonimmigrants from the following 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Entry is fully suspended for nationals of these countries across all visa categories.
Partial Entry Suspension
Entry is partially suspended for nationals of the following 7 countries. The restrictions apply to specific visa categories:
- Burundi: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
- Cuba: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
- Laos: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended
- Sierra Leone: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
- Togo: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
- Turkmenistan: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
- Venezuela: B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, J – Entry suspended; visa validity may be reduced
Scope of Application
These restrictions apply only to foreign nationals who:
- are outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation and
- do not hold a valid U.S. visa on that date.
Exceptions
The following groups are exempt from the entry restrictions:
- Lawful Permanent Residents:
- Dual nationals: If traveling on the passport of a non-listed country
- Holders of specific visa categories: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6
Update: June 5, 2025 – 7:42 a.m.
Business Visa B1
You may apply for this visa if you intend to travel to the USA for business, for example for meetings, conferences, trade fairs and as a service engineer.
Please click here to apply for your visaTransit Visa C
You can apply for this visa if you intend to travel through the USA to another country.
Please click here to apply for your visaCrew Visa C1/D
You can apply for this visa type if you are a crew member of an airplane or a cruise ship. The crew members include all employees of the aircraft or on the cruise ship.
Please click here to apply for your visaExchange Visitor - J1
This visa type is for school exchange programs authorized through the ministry of foreign affairs and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), it is also valid for students in secondary school.
Please click here to apply for your visaLanguage Course - F1
This visa is offered to students for studies and language exchange programs including high school year courses.
Please click here to apply for your visaStudent Visa - F1
This visa is offered to students for studies.
Please click here to apply for your visa