- NOWHERE on the website is it stated that your passport photo must be within the past 3 months. I answered truthfully when the clerk asked when mine were taken: last year, during another visit to Germany. Neither my face nor hairstyle has changed. Wish I'd just said I'd taken them that morning; they made me go to a nearby Walgreens, where getting new copies cost $15.
The security guard was horrendous. I wish I could attach a photo of her just to warn folks to avoid her, but no phones are allowed in the consulate. This woman yelled at me (and my mother on a previous visit), and she complained about me loudly and publicly to another client in the waiting area, claiming that I "didn't have respect" and that she "has a bigger [attitude]" than me. They discussed how military service was good for his character, implying I lacked moral substance simply because I didn't beg at her feet to be admitted to an administrative matter she has no hand in. This woman, who also yelled at my mother, mentioned her age multiple times (65 or 69, if I remember correctly); seniority seems to be so important to her, since she was very confident in condescending to me so aggressively, referencing age. (The aforementioned military serviceman was 40-something, he said.) I look younger than I am, but she is no more than 15 years my mother's senior; nothing warrants the kind of treatment my mother received. This degree of disdain and disrespect, this degree of dehumanizing public humiliation was inconceivable for someone we only interacted with for a sum of fewer than 10 minutes. (She's American, mind you, so national differences are not what's at play. I've lived in Germany previously, and this was entirely distinct from German "curtness." In any case, no one on the German-speaking staff I interacted with, either on the phone or at the office, treated me with anything other than cool professionalism.)
Note:
I was concerned after reading the many negative comments here, but I had zero problems during my visit. Everybody was in fact very nice and they even gave my kids some coloring books. Have your documents prepared and listen to the instructions. Be respectful and they will treat you the same.
My feelings in 3 words after visiting this place for a tourist visa: Disrespected, Humiliated and Angry.
The actual paperwork process is extremely smooth, if you bring all the necessary paperwork as listed on the website. (The listed counts can be unclear, but I brought 3 of each to be safe; the clerk took 2.) I received a "your passport is ready for pickup" email 2 days after my visit.
The Germans are notably strict. They show the most "respect" for the Northern Europeans. It goes down from there, with Southern Europeans next. Their treatment of the Americans is mixed depending on the color of your skin, in general. Exception: If you are from East Asia, tell them you're from Japan, you'll get a kick out of it.
- When you go in for your initial visit, make sure you have the printout of your appointment confirmation. This *is* included in the instructions, but it's easy to miss, especially if you have different expectations of an office in 2017, that already has a digital booking system.
- When you do go to pick up your passport, you're expected to have a paper receipt from your initial visit. There is no such instruction either on the website or the notification email.
I had a really good experience at the consulate. I came because of passport issues. The lady I talked to was really nice. The most important thing is to come prepared and in time!
My biggest grievance:
Over all the Europeans are much more racist than the Americans. At least in America, we know money talks and the government is "for the people.".
Our visas were accepted and granted however, we decided to cancel our trip. These guys are so disrespectful, ignorant and really should be deported back to Germany and bring in better people who can give us a better image about Germany. We canceled our trip because we really won’t pay any more penny for people who disrespect us. Utter ignorance. Save your time, money and dignity, go somewhere else in Europe.
(9 November 2017: Originally reviewed in July 2017. Just reposting, as the account I originally reviewed under expired! They ignored my emails and it took a Facebook message to finally be acknowledged, though I bet the guard's still working there.)
Absurd. An unnecessarily poor reflection of an otherwise very functional office. I left shaking in anger. That shouldn't be the case.
At the same time, many of us know private businesses give better service than government agencies. That's why Republican wants to privatize everything. Have manners and go places, but those Europeans will always find something wrong with you if you're colored, even if 100 time better than white. Recall Chris Rock's altruist Black uncle.
Consulate General Of Germany is a US Embassy based in Houston, Texas. Consulate General Of Germany is located at 1330 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, USA.
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