ESTA

For German citizens, entry into the U.S. through the Visa Waver Program (ESTA) is quite simple. In addition to an approved ESTA application, you also need a valid German passport and a valid return ticket.

The Esta application can be made at the following link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The forms can also be displayed in German, to be sure that you understand and fill in everything correctly. The fee for the application is $21. It can be payed either by credit card or Paypal. Approval can be immediate, but it can also take a few hours or days. So don't get impatient if it takes a little while.

However, an approved application is no guarantee that you will actually be allowed to enter the USA. The decision is made by the immigration officer on site at the respective airport of entry. ESTA is only valid for tourists and for a maximum stay of 90 days.

In 2024 we had to upload a copy/scan of our passport for the ESTA application. To make the procedure easier, we had prepared this as a JPEG-file before we started filling out the application.

APIS

The abbreviation stands for Advance Passenger Information System. This allows additional relevant passenger data to be collected by the authorities prior to flight departure. APIS data can be submitted in various ways:
- When booking a flight
- When booking a flight with the airline via an online form.
- Filling out a paper form e.g. at the check-in at the airport
In addition, we always have a printed and fully completed APIS form in our files.

Immigration and customs

At the airport of entry, you are automatically directed to the hall where immigration to the USA takes place. Here you are usually guided to the right lines by friendly people. For some time now, there have been machines at some airports, that speed up and facilitate the immigration process. Here, too, you can register at the machines in German. To make sure you don't enter anything incorrectly, we would also recommend this. You will receive a printout at the machines, which you then take to the immigration officer. You then collect your suitcases and go through customs. Everyone has to go through this procedure, even if you have a connecting flight within the USA.

If you have a connecting flight, you again have to check in your luggage right after customs. Most of the time you also have to go through security again. Afterward you can head on to your new gate to continue your flight. For such a connecting flight in the USA we would recommend to plan at least 2 hours time.

MPC

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC does not require pre-approval. Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue. As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.

We have not yet used MPC ourselves, but have heard from several friends that it works very well. More information can be found at the following Link.