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Attention: Travel Authorization System ESTA takes effect January 12, 2009

Please note that starting January 12, 2009, all nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who are traveling to the US for tourist or business purposes have to register with the ESTA system prior to boarding an airplane or ship. The new regulations do not apply to traveling US citizens.

 

To apply for an entry permit for the US under the Visa Waiver Program, travelers have to log in to the web-based ESTA system and fill out an online application with their personal and other data, which will be used to determine their eligibility for visa-free travel. The requested information is the same required for form I-94.

 

Visa application fee has been raised again

The fee for applying for a visa at a German US consulate has been raised again. As of December 1, 2008, it is €107.42 instead of €98,25. Already since October 1 applicants had to pay an additional €9.17 for a visa. All applicants who, by accident, paid the old fee after December 1, have to pay the remaining €9.17 during their interview with the consulate. US visa applicants must have an online payment confirmation as secure documentation of the paid fee. This confirmation has to be presented at the consulate during the interview. The online payment confirmation service is offered by Roskos & Meier OHG.

 

Duty-free allowance increase for souvenirs

As of December 1, travelers may bring home higher quantities of duty-free goods from non-EC countries – and therefore also from the US. The quantity of duty-free goods for all persons traveling by ship or plane was raised from €175 to €430.

Persons traveling by other means of transportation (e.g. car or train) may bring goods worth €300. For travelers under the age of 15 the duty-free allowance is €175, regardless of the means of transportation.

Find more information here.