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.

Before the trip: Download the app. Create persons for entry. Up to 12 people can be registered for entry. The app is self-explanatory. It describes exactly what you need to do. The answer to the question which terminal your plane is arriving at can be found on the airport's website. If everything has been entered and answered correctly, a page will appear asking whether you have arrived at the respective airport in the USA. Once you have completed this page, you can close the app and forget about it until you arrive.
After arriving in the USA: Once you arrive, you confirm in the app that you have reached the airport. You then need to take a recent photo of each registered traveler. Finally, you submit everything. A page will appear on your smartphone asking you to go to one of the MPC lanes. Now you have 4 hours to do so. A timer will run at the top of your device.

In our own experience and the experience of our friends, the app works without any problems. There are not always MPC lines available, in which case you still have to wait in the regular long queues. If the MPC lines are open, entry is much quicker. Everything you need to know about entering the country with MPC can be found here..