Passport & Visa

Passport        

Per the entry requirements of the local government, you will need to travel with a passport that has at least 2 blank pages and it must be valid for at least three months past the date that you will arrive back in the U.S.

• We recommend you check the expiration date of your passport as soon as you register for your trip to make sure you have adequate time for processing in case you need to renew.

• Visit the State Department for details about the passport application and renewal process and current processing times. Current routine processing time is 6 to 8 weeks, excluding mailing time.

Visa     

U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa to travel to Germany for stays of up to 90 days.

NEW: Electronic Travel Authority for transiting the United Kingdom

Update as of January 20, 2025: In response to feedback on the rollout of the program, the government of the UK has removed the requirements for obtaining an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for transit passengers. If you are traveling through the United Kingdom en route to or from Germany, please review the website below and apply for the ETA if you are passing through border control in the United Kingdom.

Effective January 8, 2025, if you are not a British or Irish citizen and will be traveling through the UK en route to Germany (even if you do not exit customs/border control during transit), you will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA). U.S. and many other citizens can apply for a UK ETA using the British government’s approved app; the cost is £10 and turnaround time is generally within 3 business days. You will need a clear photo of your face as well as your passport picture page. Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. 

To learn more and to download the app to apply for your UK ETA, please visit this official website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta