Breaking News

Starting October 26, 2004, only machine-readable passports may be used to enter the US. From this point on, preliminary passports and the listing of children in the parents' passports is no longer sufficient (the interim regulations have expired). You children, however, may soon also obtain machine-readable children's passports. Travelers who cannot be issued a new passport before this date must apply for a visa (they are machine-readable).

ATTENTION, WARNING: Travelers without a machine-readable passport or a visa have to be prepared to be turned away at the border.

President Bush has, however, granted an extension to the deadline for the introduction of biometric passports (passports with a chip that stores fingerprints) as an admission requirement, the new deadline is October 26, 2005. By then the German government should be able to issue these passports.

Starting September 30, 2004, all travelers will be fingerprinted and digitally photographed, no matter whether they are entering the country with a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program.

Find further information and a list of airports on www.dhs.gov/us-visit.

Do you have any questions concerning application processes at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US consulates? Or do you need individual consultation? Our experts of our visa and consular service offer fast and comfortable advice via our hotline. Or use our free contact form on our website.