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Germany

Central Europe · Schengen area

Updated 10 days ago
Checked against official source
AI-generated
Avg. processing
15 days
Consular fee (from)
€45
Booking model
Outsourced center

Do US citizens need a visa? No — up to 90 days

US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism/business. ETIAS will apply once implemented (not yet active).

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Fees & exemptions

  • Adult standard
    €90
  • Child 6-11
    €45
  • Child under 6
    Free

Standard Schengen fee is €90 (adult), payable in USD equivalent; BLS charges an additional service fee on top of the consular fee.

Where to apply

BLS International visa application centre (except Atlanta jurisdiction, which applies directly at the Consulate General)

Appointment system

Appointments booked via BLS International (blsinternational.com/germany/usa); Atlanta jurisdiction applicants book directly with the Consulate via the RK Termin online system.

Required documents

  • Valid passport (3+ months beyond trip, 2 blank pages)
  • Online Schengen visa application form (VIDEX)
  • Declaration of Accuracy
  • Biometric photo
  • Travel medical insurance (min €30,000)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Round-trip itinerary
  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of legal US status if not a citizen

Editor tips

Do not use unofficial third-party agencies; only BLS International is the authorized partner in the US.

Country-specific quirks

Mail-in applications are possible under certain conditions via BLS or directly at the Atlanta consulate.

Who can apply where

Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Germany are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.

  • If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
  • Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
  • Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
  • Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Germany mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.

Where to submit if you apply from the US

Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United States hand in Germany visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Germany mission covering your country of residence.

  • Washington, DC
    Embassy of Germany - Consular Section

    2300 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

    Applicants in this jurisdiction may also use BLS International.

    Covers
    DCDEMDVAWV
    Official page
  • Atlanta
    Consulate General of Germany in Atlanta

    3455 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30326

    Applies directly at consulate, not via BLS.

    Covers
    ALGAMSNCSCTN
    Official page
  • Boston
    Consulate General of Germany in Boston

    3 Copley Place, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02116

    Covers
    CT (excl. Fairfield County)MEMANHRIVT
    Official page
  • Chicago
    Consulate General of Germany in Chicago

    676 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3200, Chicago, IL 60611

    Covers
    ILINIAKSKYMIMNMONENDOHSDWI
    Official page
  • Houston
    Consulate General of Germany in Houston

    1330 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1850, Houston, TX 77056

    Covers
    ARLANMOKTX
    Official page
  • Los Angeles
    Consulate General of Germany in Los Angeles

    6222 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90048

    Covers
    Southern CA countiesAZCONVUT
    Official page
  • Miami
    Consulate General of Germany in Miami

    100 N Biscayne Blvd, Suite 2200, Miami, FL 33132

    Covers
    FLPRUSVI
    Official page
  • New York
    Consulate General of Germany in New York

    871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017

    Covers
    NYNJPACT (Fairfield County)Bermuda
    Official page
  • San Francisco
    Consulate General of Germany in San Francisco

    1960 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

    Covers
    Northern CA countiesAKHIIDMTORWAWY
    Official page
Official resources
Official consulate siteApplication form / portal

Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.

Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Germany

Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Berlin and attach the confirmations to your application.

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