Processing Procedures
All applicants for C1/D-Visa (Crew Member) must submit their application and supporting documents IN PERSON in Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich.
All applicants must call the Visa Information Service at 0900 1-850055 (EUR 1.86/Min from a German landline - additional charges may apply from mobile phones) to schedule an appointment to appear for administrative processing, biometric collection and a personal interview with a consul.
• Live Service: 0900 1-850055 (EUR 1.86/Min from a German landline - additional charges may apply from mobile phones). 7am to 8pm, Monday - Friday
Walk-in applications without an appointment will no longer be accepted. This change allows us to better manage each day's workload and should create faster processing and a more efficient visit to the consulate.
We understand the specific needs of applicants in this group. In some cases, applicants have a short period to report to their US exchange program, school, aircraft or vessel. To ensure that everyone meets their deadline, a significant number of appointments are reserved specifically for J, F, M and C1/D visa applicants each day. We will carefully monitor the schedule to minimize appointments backlogs. However, since the number of applications we may receive is unknown, we encourage applicants to call for an appointment as early as possible.
How Long Will It Take?
All Visa applicants should anticipate spending several hours at the consulate or embassy. If, at the conclusion of the interview, the consul determines that you qualify for a visa, your passport and visa will be processed and returned via German Post. Please bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope with you to the interview for this purpose. Processing currently averages 10 working days plus mailing.
Security Notice for Visa Applicants
In order to ensure everyone's safety and to ensure that security screening does not delay visa interviews, electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, Laptops, etc.), may not be brought into the consulate or embassy. Backpacks, suitcases, attaché cases, and strollers are also not permitted. However, you may bring in your wallet or purse. Security personnel cannot store items for visa applicants and will confiscate all weapons. We therefore suggest that all such items be left at home, in a locked car, or with a friend or relative who remains outside the premises. Documents relevant to the visa application are the only items that we encourage applicants to bring with them. Your cooperation will help to ensure everyone's safety and will help us to ensure that we are able to interview you as quickly as possible.
Last updated: September 2007
| 
