The Schengen Agreement regulates border controls between 24 European nations. It includes all the members of the European Union except the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus. The agreement also includes three countries that are not members of the European Union: Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
First-time passport applicants must apply in person at a facility approved to accept applications. This includes 17 regional passport agencies and many government offices, including post offices. Applicants must provide proof of citizenship and identification, such as a birth certificate and a U.S. driver's license.
People who plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days will need a visa. Those seeking employment in Germany can apply for a visa after arriving in the country if they are citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland or any European Union nation. To do so, they must register at the local Standesamt-Einwohnermeldeamt (registration office).
American citizens planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for reasons other than seeking employment should apply for a visa in person at one of the German consulates in the United States, located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
For more information regarding entry requirements for Germany, contact the German Embassy, 4645 Reservoir Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007.
