I have travelled to many countries and have submitted visa applications many times. But German visa application was by far the worst experience. The visa counter lady is extremely extremely nasty and obnoxious. The treatment she meted out to visitors was just otherworldly rude. If this is how all the Germans are, then I might never work or live or even visit them in my life. She returned me three times after reviewing my documents and pointing out new objections every time. On the third attempt, she asked me to apply to the other consulate as my application does not fall under her area of jurisdiciton. WTF..are you telling me this in my third visit, when I had to take time off my job and travel all the way from South Bay to SF to get this treatment. These people are just plain rude, cold and unbelievably unhelpful! read more

Very efficient service, everyone is helpful, nice and accommodating. The processing is quick. The building is like a mansion converted to an office. The consular service is a parlor/small ballroom with an elegant chandelier and a big table in the middle to do your paperwork. read more

My husband applied for a visa and the experience (I of course was assisting him with paperwork and dropped him off at the consulate) was positive. He got the visa within a few days and successfully went to Europe! Can't say better things! read more

Super helpful and efficient in getting my last minute German visa. They were a bit fussy about the exact documents required, but were very nice about it. I faxed in the extra docs, and less than 24 hrs later was able to pick up my passport. read more

Cold, mean, rude, and impolite. Watch out for the employees as they are not there to help, they are there simply because they have to be. Tip: get in and get out. read more

I had a very good experience at the consulate. The woman at the gate was extremely kind and friendly. I applied for a student visa, and they saw me a half hour early. The woman at the window was very nice, conversational, and direct. She was pleased with how well I organized the application. I suggest being very meticulous with the application, make double copies of everything and make sure you have your whole intinerary planned, even if not yet purchased/finalized (eg lodging, flights). The easier it is for them, the easier it will be for you. Everyone there was very nice! read more

I was very pleased with my visit (app.) that I had on July 13th, 2017. I received my Wiedereinburgerungsurkunde that day. The staff was very professional and kind. It took over two years to get it back, but it was worth the time and effort. Not only that, I got to see San Fransisco for the first time. I never had any issues with getting any responses either by e-mail or by phone from the German Consulate in San Fransisco. It is also a beautiful building and well maintained. Thank you again for all your help. I am German again. read more

My Partner and I had occasion to require the services of the good people at the consulate some time back. They were not only professional in all aspects of their jobs, they were downright kind when they didn't necessarily need to be so. Major kudos to all at the Jackson Street Offices. read more

Me and my family had applied for German national visa. Firstly, there is a huge waiting time for national visa appointments. We got an appointment date which was after two months. Keep this in mind before planning. On the appointment day, the lady who took the documents and interview was very nice and helpful. As long as you have all the necessary documents there should not be any problem during the visa interview. We got back our passport in 6 days. Overall, very good experience. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because their website needs to be updated with more information. read more

Passport photos taken at Costco are acceptable despite being a 2"x2" size. If you have forgotten photo copies of key documents, there is a UPS store at 1819 Polk that's closest. read more

If you need to renew your passport you MUST: 1) Go to the embassy IN PERSON. You first need to make an appointment, and there's always at least a 2 months wait. It's so difficult to make these appointments! It's an online system that keeps asking you to verify you're not a robot, and they give you impossible codes. Finally, they block you if there enough codes you couldn't figure out to show you're not a robot. After you pass these hurdles and click enter, nothing happens! You get to a blank page, no confirmation, but the appointment time you chose is now shown as taken! 2) Bring 2 photos, which almost no place in the area makes. The place that the embassy refers you to in the South Bay charges $31 for 2 photos! 3) Bring birth certificate, marriage certificate, US passport, and some more documents may be necessary. Other countries require you to send old passport/2 regular passport pictures/application/check by mail. Not Germany! Of course, the website is so difficult to navigate, it'll take some time to find all the necessary information. It seems they're going out of their way to make the process as inconvenient as possible. Seems that they hire a guy who's all purpose is to design the process to make it as difficult as possible. read more

The lady responsible for german passport is very very kind and understanding. The security guards are also very nice. If you have all the materials, the process should be very fast. read more

For those needing a visa urgently, please pick up the phone and talk to a consular officer. And make a case for your urgency. It worked for me. Please don't mail me asking for the number. If you are too lazy to even find that, maybe you don't need to travel anywhere. read more

I have mixed feelings towards this embassy - sometimes the lady is friendly and sometimes she's rude and cold . But processing is fast and efficient. read more

All I can say is - wow. I lost my German passport a while ago, and it was with much trepidation that I finally mustered up the courage to go see ze Germans. Having dealt with so many brainless and abusive bureaucrats during my 20 years in the US (whether with the DMV or - the worst - USCIS), I was dreading this experience. After all, aren't the Germans (in)famous for being sticklers? Not at all. They were professional, polite, quite patient, and very helpful, despite my Americanized German and somewhat messy paperwork. I was pretty much floored when I was told my temporary passport would likely be ready the next business day (with the caveat and an apology in the event that it may take two business days). The whole process took less than an hour and was pretty much painless. They even offered to notify me when my documents were ready via phone and/or e-mail. I'd like to see that type of customer service at the USCIS! BTW, during my relatively short wait time, I noticed they were also quite helpful with non-German citizens applying for visas. I highly recommend the German Mission in SF for all of your German consular needs. read more

I know security is tough nowadays and all diplomatic posts are super secure these days. When you go thorough the gate and enter the Visa department you get friendly and efficient service. I got my ID when it was promised and got a nice reminder call to pick up the document. Dankeschön! read more

My review got a little long - go to end of review for advice on passport photos and appointments. A few years ago, I had a miserable experience here when renewing my kids' passports, so I can relate to the bad reviews, but this time I am on the side of the employees there. They were a little backed up and I was 20 minutes early for my appointment, so I had the chance to witness several people in front of me. Three out of three did not have the required copies, missing not just one, but several copies (yes, they also need a copy of your old passport!). The lady, with short blond hair, glasses and middle aged was very friendly about it and did the copies for them (at a charge), but reminded them that this was clearly noted on the website. One person had to leave and come back with something he forgot. Another two people showed up without an appointment. One was a tourist who had his passport stolen and they were very friendly trying to set him up with temporary exit papers. Another one tried to weasel his way in by having made an appointment for family matters and then asking if he couldn't just drop off his passport application since he was already there. They said no, by the way, so don't even go there! So, five of five people didn't have the correct stuff, they all took up extra time...I'd be frustrated, too! When I got to the window and my paperwork was 100% in order, the lady was literally giddy with excitement. It must happen extremely rarely. Keep this in mind when you go there, especially if you don't have everything in order. Some advice on passport photos: CVS (not Walgreens, theirs is different) has a new computer program that makes biometric passport photos out of your photo and you can select the country you need it for. It worked for me! Advice on appointments: I almost had to reschedule mine and all was booked out for 3 months in advance. By going on the website once every day, I noticed that appointments do become available sometimes (about 2 per week when I checked), usually 2-3 days before the day of the appointment. So, if you can't wait for a regular appointment, get all your paperwork in order and keep reloading that website and you may get lucky. If you changed your name when you married: the website said you only need your Namenserklaerung if your new name wasn't already noted in your passport. Mine was, but they still wanted it again, so bring it just in case as I did. Viel Glueck! read more

Passport Renewal: What an inconvience now to have to appear at the German Consulate in person to renew a German passport. For years it could be done via mail and it was fine and no problems. Why now to drive to San Frasncisco, having to take a day off work!!!! for an appointment that lasts only a few minutes: Turn in applicacation, old passport, pictures, pay a small ransom, then done. And again $20 to have it mail to rpevent another trip and day off. Not sure helpful a service. Klaus Hilbert, Morgan Hill. read more

I have been dealing with the German Consulate in San Francisco for approximately the past 25 years and it has always been a very pleasant experience. I obtained a new passport and ID card in December 2015. Scheduling was a breeze online, but I was not pressed for time and picked a date far beyond the earliest availability. On street parking nearby was available, but it probably depends on the time of day. I was there at 11:00 AM. The security staff was very courteous. The process of obtaining the passport and ID card was seamless, fast, very efficient, and extremely friendly. Mrs. Butler, who hails from Munich, is friendliness and helpfulness personified, but all the other staff members were just as nice. I have never had the slightest negative experience with the staff in 25 years, but many positive ones, as did many of my fellow expats. A number of reviews indicate that some people were extremely displeased with how they had been treated, and one cannot help but wonder why that was and whose fault it was. One assumption is that people who are unhappy are likely to complain more. Germans in general tend to be very matter of fact in the way they phrase things. This is often mistaken as unfriendliness by people from other cultures. They don't mean to be. You can usually beat them into submission with a friendly smile and a bit of charm. read more

I just called the German Consulate General in San Francisco because my German passport expired and I needed some information. Prior to the call I reviewed the required documentation needed for a passport renewal on the website and since the list is very long and many pieces are labor intensive to obtain, I wanted to make sure I understand which ones I really need. I just had four short questions on documents I was unsure of. The person who answered the phone was extremely rude. She interrupted me, proceeded to tell me that she has no time to answer my questions because a lot of calls are coming in, and that I just need to make an appointment and bring everything listed on the website. Then she hung up on me. Wow. I am German, and the Consulate is a representation of my home country in the SF/Bay Area. This is really embarrassing. read more

They are super friendly! Went there on Tuesday for short trip visa, received my passport on Friday!

I just wanted to give a shoutout to the German consulate in SF and how efficient, helpful and organized they are. I applied for a German visitor/business visa there and the person behind the counter was friendly, organized and helpful. I had over prepared for the visa interview, and the officer kindly sorted through the documents and took the relevant ones. All in all a very nice and helpful diplomatic mission :)! read more

I have been to the Consulate several times, many years ago regarding my grandmother's pension, and more recently regarding citizenship and passport matters. The staff was always quite knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. read more

Requested an Erbschein affidavit beginning of January. Have not heard anything to date. When you call, Receptionist states person is busy, call back or send email and that person you are trying to contact does not have a direct line or voicemail to leave message when they actually do, they just won't give it to you. Multiple emails sent and even a fax to inquire into status, when it will be done, etc. No response. No return phone call, no message on answering machine, no letter, no email response, nothing. Very poor customer service. read more

Would have given 5 stars except for the pace at which they handle the customers. Been there two times- once to submit my visa application and then to collect it - they handle an average of 4-5 people in an hour - and they only have one window. Like in other CGs, would be great if they have a separate window to collect passports after stamping is done. My experience- if you read their website, and follow it to the "T", they are the best. Any deviation, they are pretty strict and wont budge. read more

i think it is very bad service, when i call at 1pm and the phone rings and rings and not even a maschine message picks up! What the duce? i used the 415-775-1061 number. so what is wrong/ is there a different number? read more

Horrible experience!!! The lady at the visa counter was utterly rude and lacked any concern at all.... I am studying in US on a F-1 visa and had to go to germany for a conference. All documents in place. Went to the consulate on the first day. She asked a couple of casual questions (why, etc) and then asked abt my expired visa. I explained her my I-20 is still valid and I am going to India after my conference in germany and will get my US visa there(obv had my flight tickets to show). She said fine and was not concerned about that a lot. However, she pointed out that my I-20 does not have a travel signature and wont be able to come back to US. My school authorities had mentioned since I had a new I-20 issued within a week, you don't need a travel signature. However, she was adamant and said "If you want visa, get the signature" and did not give any scope to even talk. Ok, so I went back another day with the signature and she said, everything looks fine, visa approved. You will get your passport by mail. I went away happy. Later in the evening, she calls me back and says "Your US visa has expired, how will you come back" I again explained her going to India etc. She was not convinced, she said why dont you take your interview in germany itself. I wanted to visit my family. Finally, she was convinced after 2 minutes. however, she wanted to see my appointment letter for the US visa and did not give any chance to talk further and hung up. The problem was the US visa system does not open interview slots for more than 15 days. So I had to wait a couple of days more and book the US interview and make one more trip to SF. Finally, it was approved. Completely baseless reason of wanting to see my US visa appt letter when I was going to India and had a passport to enter India. Throughout, she was very rude in everything she talked. I did not understand why she was concerned about my re-entry to US when I was going to India from Germany. Also, if the expired US visa was a concern, she had to raise it the 2 times I was there. Looked very much racist. read more

Absolute useless and rude. As soon as you have something out of the ordinary they are lost and ultimately hang up on you. I avoid them like the plague. Unfortunately you can't sue them in court. But dealing with authorities in Germany directly makes no difference. They are at best misleading you and that is the friendly word. They don't know their own laws and procedures. Gave me the run-a-round for an "Erbschein" although that is not required. Claim I need a Lawyer, although you can represent yourself in certain courts. You never get an answer, regardless if you mail, email, fax or call. They should all be send back to Germany. To respond to Anita, I am also German and I am "over prepared" because I study the problem first. As soon as you bounce the applicable law at them, they get pouty and rude. They are caught unprepared and off guard. There is nothing wrong with saying "I don't know." But I expect not to be misled and ultimately I want to have an answer. I went through the process retaining my German citizenship before applying (and receiving) my US one. At this point I am seriously thinking about paying the 225 Euro to get rid of it. Having lived for over 20 years in the US, I went back and worked a few years in Germany. I was completely disappointed with almost everything. Sight seeing might be nice, forget about the rest. Should I ever need a Schengen Visa, I surely apply somewhere else for it, although as American I belong to the 5 preferred countries. I have extensive experience travelling and working in many countries. One reason for me to decline a job is any relationship with Germany. read more

I really need an earlier visa appointment because i may miss my flight. Anyone can trade their earlier appointment with me? My appointment time is on June 10th. read more

Worst customer service ever - period. The rudest people who make you NOT want to visit Germany.

The worst visa experience ever. Staff handling my documents was very rude and couldn't answer my questions.

hey Roy, don't take out your anger at ALL germans...there are real nice ones, just not many at the embassy...they treat the other germans bad as well, believe me. it's not racism, just very bad manners. cheer up and let's hope for some changes! btw, the worst in the world is the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, Germany!! read more

I called with a question that was obviously not something the consulate answers as they were quick to let me know in a cold, rude, and demeaning manner. I felt like I was bothering them. I visited Germany this year and did not find the people of the country representative of the consulate's manner. Good thing or I would never visited the country if I had had this experience prior to visiting. read more

Incredibly rude and incompetent. When I called to find out if they received my application, I was asked how I sent it. When I said by USPS, the person replied, "Well then you have a tracking number to find out whether we got it or not." Any other questions were "answered" by telling me that all information is on their website. Stupid only that the folks who work at the consulate must have never read said website since the documents they ask for change with every communication and are never the same that the website states. Simply embarrassing that these are the people representing Germany abroad! read more

We came to the consulate in San Francisco to get all the paperwork (passport / birth certificate) done for our newborn. All staff we interacted with was exceptionally friendly and competent. My baby was pretty agitated. The staff was very understanding, expedited things as much as possible and resolved issues non-bureaucratically. I really appreciated them being so family-friendly. Just make sure you book your passport appointment well in advance, they had no opening for three months in our case. read more

I want to add to MiRIAM's review of the service at the German Consulate General: Nobody seems to answer their phones (except the receptionist), the people working there are rough and gruff and condescending. Don't even try sending a question through their web-based email system - nobody's ever going to see it; at least: nobody is going to answer. Herr Schuette, do you know the meaning of "Dienstleistung" or "Service" or "freundlich"? read more

My worst experience to date (and I've been to quite a few embassies (consulates)) - bad customer service, the worker was rude, not willing to listen, interrupting in the middle of the sentence- very unprofessional. Needless to say, I question myself whether I want to go to Germany now. read more

Just 10 days before my scheduled and booked trip to Germany, I discovered that my passport had expired, go figure! Now, this is not a good feeling and raises a lot of doubts. Luckily, the Generalkonsulat is properly equipped for this problem. I scheduled an appointment online and managed to get in the very next day. After calling and speaking to an attendant, I learned that I need to bring in all the necessary documents for a regular passport application and a copy of my flight itinerary. I gathered all these documents and headed to San Francisco where I had my passport photos take (remember they've got to be biometrically compatible). I arrived at the consulate, was let in, and processed the necessary paperwork with the lady at the counter. The lady was very nice and helpful, and I was able to apply for both a temporary passport and a regualr passport in one appointment (about 15 minutes). I was told that I could have the temp passport shipped to my home, or that I could wait an hour and pick it up. I opted for the latter and, indeed, received my temporary passport that same day (valid for one year). A very well organized and streamlined process. Come prepared and you wont have any issues at all. The staff were all friendly and helpful. read more

I went there for certifacation of documents, the staffs are very helpful and friendly. They went extra miles to help me. Very satisfied with their service!! Thank you. read more

I just want to take a minute and compliment, and thank Sigrid Butler for the wonderful service she provided to my elderly Mom and myself on Tuesday. I was really pretty scared about going here and applying for a passport for my Mom. The reviews were very intimidating. I triple checked all the paperwork and copies so many times, afraid that I would be turned away if something was wrong. I was so pleasantly surprised! Sigrid took us right away even though we were quite a bit early for our appt. She was so friendly and considerate of my Mom's age and frailty. I really can't say enough about how nice she was and how she processed everything as quickly as possible. She also gave me her name and email address and said to contact her next week because we need the passport number as soon as possible. My Dad recently passed away and my Mom needs to apply for her survivor benefit from the German Social Security agency. She was so sweet, efficient and sympathetic. Definitely an asset to this consulate! read more