Einreiseverfahren

Elektronisches Visum (eVisa): ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) required for Visa Waiver Program countries. Others need a B1/B2 visa.

Maximale Aufenthaltsdauer: Up to 90 days (VWP) or as determined at entry

Beantragung: ESTA: apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov (USD 21). Visa: schedule interview at US embassy.

⚠ ESTA valid for 2 years. Apply at least 72 hours before travel.

Offizielle Website →

Gültigkeit: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Leere Seiten: At least 1 blank page recommended.

⚠ Six-month rule applies for some nationalities (Six-Month Club). Check if your country is exempt.

Online-Formular: ESTA or DS-160 visa application. CBP One app for some travelers.

Erforderliche Dokumente: Valid passport, ESTA approval or visa, return/onward ticket.

⚠ Customs declaration form may be completed electronically.

Meldegrenze: Must declare USD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency.

Wie deklarieren: Complete customs declaration form or digital form at arrival.

⚠ Applies to cash, traveler's checks, and monetary instruments. Penalties for non-declaration can be severe.

Tabak: 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (non-Cuban)

Alkohol: 1 liter

Parfüm: Reasonable quantity for personal use

Sonstige Waren: USD 800 for returning US residents; USD 100 for visitors (gifts)

⚠ Cuban cigars prohibited. State laws may further restrict alcohol.

Verbotene Gegenstände: Illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, counterfeit goods, obscene materials, endangered species products (CITES).

⚠ Drug penalties vary by country but are universally severe for trafficking.

Grundregel: Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter in English stating the medication name, dosage, and medical necessity.

Empfehlungen: Keep medications in carry-on luggage. Carry a copy of prescriptions. Bring only the amount needed for your trip.

Pflicht: No mandatory vaccinations for entry.

Empfohlen: Routine vaccinations (measles, tetanus, COVID-19) should be up to date.

Ablauf: Arrival → Immigration (passport control) → Baggage claim → Customs (green/red channel) → Exit.

Biometrie: Fingerprints (10-print scan) and photo taken for most foreign visitors. Global Entry kiosks for pre-approved travelers.

Geschätzte Wartezeit: 30-90 min at major airports. APC/MPC kiosks available for ESTA and some visa holders.

⚠ CBP officers may ask about purpose of visit, accommodation, and return plans.

• Answer immigration questions briefly and honestly. Do not joke about security.

• Have hotel address and return flight details ready.

• Declare all food items on customs form to avoid fines.

• Global Entry members: use designated kiosks for faster processing.