I had an unnecessarily strange experience here solely because of the woman working as the security guard. She was on shift 11/18 between 8-12. She is incredibly rude and condescending, which happened before my family begun speaking to her. It seemed as if she was trying to provoke my family to have an excuse to kick us out. This experience is already anxiety inducing because of the steps of the process. She doesn't seem like a good fit to be working a front-facing job greeting people seeing how unwelcoming and insanely rude (unprovoked) she was to us as first-time visitors. She angrily and loudly gave me unsolicited advice about my personal life as my back was turned and walking away. I didn't say anything to her the entire time. It was strange and unnecessary. After getting through that nightmare of a person the experience was good. The employee that actually helped us through the process was a great man, very helpful and friendly. He answered all the questions we had with kindness. He gave us additional information we might be interested in and was very encouraging. read more

Our experience was mostly good. The security guard was quite rude and was more interested in her phone than letting us in at our designated time. She found pleasure in berating us for not filling out the sign in completely, even though her instructions were ambiguous at best. As we waited she did the same thing to four couples that came in after us. Our German rep was stoic and pretty decent. It would be nice if there were more clear instructions for paperwork. There are so many peculiarities of documentation that we still have to go home and mail some of it, even though we brought as much as we could possibly think of. read more

Frustrated at so many steps and levels. I used to go to Italy, Switzerland, France for conferences and tourism, and used to have very nice experiences with applying Schengen visa. so the level of disappointment here is really another level. I know it is up to them to decide if you qualify for a visa, and I am ok with that. It is just how you are treated won't let me to seat quite and take it. They always think you are of some kind of a sin or even have the nerve to apply the visa. Of course I have seen worse in other count, but this one is also worth talking about 1) making the appointment. I line in New Mexico and made the appointment to this Consulate in Houston. Then one week before my appointment, I got a call from them saying that my appointment is canceled!! I have no idea and it turned out that they emailed me to let me confirm that I have an ID to proof I live in their jurisdiction. I missed that email and they canceled my appointment! This email confirmation is not even a step they listed on their website! Especially they will simply cancel your reservation if you missed it. 2) The interview. I encounter the lady with short grey hairs as many other reviewers. She is, as they said, so impatient and rude. They were three children from another family playing loudly when I interviewed. So I couldn't hear her very well. She was so unhappy and reluctant to repeat her instructions. And it turned out, there is no instructions. she won't say anything clear or helpful and don't even look at me. I finally decide to give her all the documents at once. Then she refused to take my documents for the reason I will elaborate in 3). At first, I thought it was because she didn't see my H1B notice as I gave them to her all at once. I tried to explain that is a legal proof of my working and residing in the US. She won't listen and said no. And then without anymore explanation, simply left. I sat there for a moment and realize she did not and would not help me on anything other than repeating no. So I left. 3) the policy regarding approved H1B This is a ridiculous part. I admit that my case is subtle, I was converted to H1B from F1 within the US so I do not a current US visa for H1B. Therefore my second half of the trip is to go back to my home country after the conference in Germany. It turns out different EU members states are divergent on this specific scenario. And Germany requires me to have a valid US visa even though my final destination is not US!! I don't understand why, but this is the their policy and I won't complain. Anyway, this should be a big event for me to be invited to give plenary talk at one of the most important conference in our field. But after all this , spending out of budget and work on all those docs for three weeks, and with the humiliation that I get at the consulate. I simply don't want to go anymore. read more

The employees working there are very helpful and understanding. They have a pleasant attitude and are always friendly.

I have been to Europe multiple times in my life and have always needed a Schengen visa for my travels. This was the only consulate/embassy that made the process almost impossible and extremely strenuous. A female consulate employee, who did not identify herself was probably one of the rudest and most condescending people I have ever spoken to. Quite ironic for a place that deals with tourists and people wanting to spend money in your country. read more

Excellent service and friendly staff. Not certain why all the negative comments. If you were in Germany, you would understand the cultural differences. read more

The German Consulate in Houston can be nerve wrecking. The guard does not make you feel welcome and the personell can be cold and unfriendly. Every time I have to go there to renew my passport I get nervous that I may have forgotten a document and would be turned away. One advice for speeding up the process, have all your required documents in place and no matter how silly it may sound bring a copy of your email that states that you have an appointment. Today was an extremely busy day. They had one person working the passport section. They ran 2 hours behind. I had a 11:50 am appointment and was seen at 1 pm. I was lucky that the two people in front of me had all their documents and were done in a shorter time. The lady that renewed my passport was very friendly and outgoing and made my visit a joy. I wish everybody there would be as nice. read more

I recently assisted a family member by chaperoning them to this location. The Dallas Honorary Consulate has not offered document services for quite some time, which is highly disappointing as is. While the location is in uptown Houston, the office itself is decorated like a Luby's in Waco. Privacy is nowhere in sight, with 5 open booths which allow for everybody in the lobby to be privy to your travel plans, and possibly other information. The outsourced security provided by G4S is absolutely tyrannical. Between berating infants and discussing politics in a poorly articulated fashion this individual managed to make the entire experience highly incendiary. The no cell phone policy is fine by me, however, this was likely started to prevent lengthy voice conversations and not SMS/data use. This individual took it upon themselves to become the nonemployee Napolean of The Consulate General. Many of the guests were uncomfortable, however too fearful to speak up. Ironically this "security officer" left for a long period of time to grab some sort of nourishment, leaving the entire office unguarded. The staff itself isn't as rude and crass as the security, however, they seemed very aloof. While being ground down and jaded is a somewhat valid excuse, the experience was not even remotely acceptable. read more

This is an update from my previous post of 11/30/2019. A "1" is too good for the Consulate. I have worked on my heirship with the Consulate for over 10 years and must say that the staff and the General Consul prior to 2017 deserved a "5". The previous General Consul even wrote letters to the German Attorney on my behalf. But all that changed when Thomas H. Meister took over. His staff appears indifferent and could care less. I requested an audience with Thomas Meister hoping to find a way to expedite the inheritance process. He did not have the courtesy to even have a member of his staff respond stating that he would be too busy. I came to his county in 1948 at the age of 11 years old. I am now 83 years old the last heir of my Grandfather **(Alois Kassner) and have given up all further attempts to claim what is left of the Family Estate. Fred Domin, geb. Manfred Heblich ** Alois Kassner & Toto /Famous German illusionist 1928 to 1945. read more

Officiant service and very friendly staff. This was the best and quickest experience I've ever had at an Consulate!

We were greeted by a friendly security guard and were seen before our actual appointment. The consulate employee was friendly, efficient and professional. Applying for a new passport took about 10 minutes. Thank you! We appreciate the great service. read more

My partner and I were planning a trip to Munich for a friends wedding. I am a New Zealand citizen, she is Moroccan. She had to return home because her New Zealand visa and her passport were about to expire. On returning home to Morocco she applied for a Schengen Visa at the German Rabat Consulate. What she had to deal with was a shock, miss-communication, delay, arrogance, rudness and dogma. She had no lines of direct communication with the Consulate and person who was processing her application. The outcome was also a shoc. What their response was, because you are living in New Zealand, you need to return to New Zealand to apply. What? As I mentioned she had to leave New Zealand due to her visa etc Shs had only just recieved an interim visa for her to beable to legally return to New Zealand. She is a Moroccan citizen, travelling on a Moroccan passport. We thought if we explained this to them clearly, clarify matters that they would agree that they had made a mistake. Our trip was to be in days, their advice was to fly 20 hours to New Zealand, apply for the Visa in New Zealand. If she recieved Visa in time for our holiday, fly 20 hours back for a ten day holiday in Munich. Zero star, they are abusing their position, not upholding a service you would expect from an EU country or how you would expect treatment of a foriegn national. read more

The only reason the Consulate of Germany in Houston gets one star is because Yelp won't let me give them 0 stars. It was the worst visa application experience I ever had in my life. I've been living in the States for almost ten years, holding a decent job, had been traveled more than twenty five countries but I did not get a visa from them! And my rejection reason was the information I provided for justification of purpose was not reliable!!! It's a JOKE... The old lady with white hair especially, stay away from her if you can, she is very disrespected, unprofessional, arrogant, and even racist! She doesnt even look at your face when she talks, no eye contact at all! You really dont understand if she is talking to you or just mumbling herself. I've had very professional experience two years ago with French consulate. They were so nice and friendly. Just find another embassy to apply, if you can, do not WASTE your time here.. read more

Most unfriendly and rude personnel ever. Not a good representative for Germany. My main issue was with their ton of asking questions and the way they threat people. If you need a Schengen visa, this consulate should be last one to visit. I got my previous visa from France consulate which was completely different experience, a much better one. I hold close to 15 schengen visas on my passport each for one year multi entry. This consulate gave me for 3 weeks and one time entrance. I have a good paying job and decent money on my bank account. This is a joke!! read more

This is the first time I have been here, and out of all the years I lived in Germany, this is the first time I have ever been face to face with a rude unhelpful German. read more

I only want to give them 0 star if I can. This was the worst experience I've ever had for a VISA application. I felt humiliated, annoyed, and disrepected due to their bad and rude services. STAY AWAY from them if you could! read more

They have a extremely rude and aggressive customer service staff. The woman I spoke with made me feel stupid, unwelcome and angry due to her bad attitude. STAY AWAY if you can. read more

I read all of these reviews prior to going and was very worried about it. I had a great visit. The security guard was super friendly (even to a terribly behaved family who's kids were awful). The woman who filed my paperwork was also extremely helpful. As long as you have the required paperwork and are respectful you'll be fine. I filed my paperwork on Friday and got a call from the office saying my visa was ready on Tuesday. Extremely efficient. read more

Maria H. I immigrated from Germany and have lived here 41 years. So far, I've visited at the German consulate three times to have my passport renewed. #1 Requirement is to follow all instructions on application, ask questions if having trouble or being unsure about something (before you get there). Every time I had my passport renewed, I had absolutely no problems. The security guard, a very sweet black lady from Jasper, was always very friendly. I have learned a long time ago, everything functions well when I have everything just like the authorities want it. Also, I had one other (legal) business to conduct at the consulate, where the consul or lawyer, treated me in a very professional manner, and I have no complaints whatsoever so far. Getting ready to renew my passport within next six months, and most likely nothing has changed. I'm very satisfied. read more

Terrible terrible terrible. The yelp removed my previous comment. People working there are very disrespectful and rude- from their security guard to the consulate officer. Learn some manner. read more

Well I had no business to do at the consulate. I was only there with my friend so he can get some passport help but the security guard seemed very stand-offish and rude to begin with. She was pretty racist towards my other friend and I. On the bright side the others in the consulate were very nice people! read more

This was my first time at the German Embassy. The Location is easy to find, and a parking garage is directly besides the big building. Make sure you have all the documents which are necessary regarding the homepage of the embassy. The customer service was great, I felt comfortable and was served very fast. Within 20 minutes I was outside again. Polite and friendly lady, I had a nice conversation! No problems at all. read more

German consulate review Houston, TX Background - I am writing this review in public interest as I want to make sure people are not wasting their time and money going to this consulate unless absolutely necessary. Please keep in mind, that I have travelled to over 10 countries and have experience with visa applications and several consulates (France, UK, China, Egypt etc.) but never had such a horrible experience especially due to no fault of our own. We planned an early trip to Europe and Frankfurt happened to be our port of entry. Hence we prepared put Schengen visa application for German consulate in Houston and took an appointment. We prepared everything exactly as per website requirements. Not a single document was missing. They didn't accept our application as it was more than 5 months before our trip, despite the requirements not listing that criteria. We later found out that Schengen doesn't allow issuing a visa earlier than 3 months before your trip. Experience - Location is easy to find and has visitor parking. At the entrance, minimal security, no issues. I asked about payment and the security officer told me they accept cash and money order only. I rushed downstairs and got cash. However, later I did hear people in other widows paying with credit cards. Oh well! I even heard the security guard (who was American) shouting at entering people for trying to get in before the door auto closed. Interview- We waited at the window for about 5-7 mins. An old German visa officer approached. She looked at our bank statements, application and photos. Immediately she said, "are these photos per three months old?" We said no. Then she asked me, I said they are recent. Then she shouted, "are they or are they not? I am not an idiot here" I said no. We were taken aback by her rudeness especially since nowhere on their website did it say, photos need to be less than three months old. We had just gotten a Schengen from France with the same photos four months ago. They gave us the nearest Walgreens address to get new photos. Moving on. Then she looked at our tickets, and said you are going in 6 months, we cannot give you visa in less than three months before your trip - and simply shoved our docs back and left. I requested to talk to her again. We said that we were traveling from Austin, had booked hotels and the requirements website doesn't say anything about three month clause. She checked the website herself and couldn't find it. She said, my supervisor will talk to you and asked me to leave. I waited and them a supervisor (didn't look like one) came to the window. He simply said, "our website is controlled by Washington, we don't have any influence (which was bs). Legally we're not allowed to process visa six months in advance" keep in mind, it's their mistake and I am getting no apologies. I requested making an exception, since we took a day of work, booked hotels and drive 4hrs. He said no. I complained about their mistake, rudeness and how the visa officer humiliated us. The supervisor didn't even show an ounce of empathy. We walked away. read more

Story cut short, I live in a different jurisdiction and only applied to the Houston Consulate because I was in the area and couldn't get an earlier appointment in my jurisdiction. The Houston Consulate took my entire application, realized I didn't live in the jurisdiction, and held on to my passport for 10 days before informing me to pick up my passports. The weird thing about this all is that I was in contact with the rep who had sent me an email saying I had to apply in DC (my jurisdiction)....so why didn't she just ask me to pick up my passport rather than hold on to it for 10 days?!?!?!? Is it not possible that I could have been able to get an appointment in DC within those 10 days? Also, I paid about 65 USD for processing but it doesn't seem like any processing occurred (and of course, no refund was issued). Not to talk of all the other money/time spent on travel insurance, gathering documents, etc. I just don't understand why the representative didn't just have me pick up my passports once they realized I didn't live in the area. Then I called to speak with someone about the situation and provide some very polite feedback and the representative hung up on me. I'd hate to generalize, but if I had to judge based on this one experience with this one (or 2) individuals, Germany is probably not a place I'd like to visit. read more

Read the instructions carefully, provide the documentation within the time period needed and they will have your visa ready with a few days. In contrast to other countries where they can take two-three months to process a visa, I found them to be very efficient. read more

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. Note: - 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. - 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. - 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. My biggest grievance: 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.) Absurd. An unnecessarily poor reflection of an otherwise very functional office. I left shaking in anger. That shouldn't be the case. read more

We evolve by doing what we do and think. To find someone who has evolved into a bitter, smile-less, power soaked human, you have to go to the German Consulate in Houston. Folks, if you are in this region and must need a Schengen through the German Consulate, then you do not have a choice. Please be prepared to be treated as less than human as "she" proceeds to wreck you! Btw, I just didnt use "she" in vain rather that's how it is referred there. The security guard refers to the consulate officer as "she". There are no names, no greetings, no eye contacts, no interpersonal skills as "she" sits in her bullet proof tower both literally and philosophically, frowning upon and doing you a favor. "She" is may be a year away from her pensioner life and just doesn't give a penny to your cause. In summary: I'm a world traveled explorer and have met most amazing Germans in my life but there are always exceptions. read more

if you I can give 0 i'll give them. the women in the visa section is super rude. she doesn't respect other. she tried it to make it hard for me to get the visa. she was yelling, and saying "do think I'm stupid." this is the worst consulate if you want to get a visa. the best worker in the consulate is the security, she was very kind, not like the diplomatic worker. read more

I am very sorry to read the other reviewer had such a bad experience at the consulate! I can talk only for myself and we had a very good an uncomplicated experience. It really depends maybe, whom you are dealing with ( thinking of the application for the American passport at the US postal office and experienced the rudest lady ever there - weren't even sure if she would process our application, but she obviously had to do it..) anyways back to the German consulate. We had a very friendly officer, I got all my documents together and also the check ( since they wouldn't take any credit card, just check or cash) and everybody, the security in the consulate as well at the parking lot had been friendly. They showed us which way to go from the lot, since we were coming with two little children and didn't want to miss the appointments. at the office the security lady gave my daughter (3yrs) a paper and crayons, that she would be entertained, while we had to wait a little bit; which was very nice. So the application went through and I got a phone call and email 5 weeks later from them saying that my papers are ready for pick up ( we live in Houston, so no mailing plus the extra money was needed ). I have to say, on the way to the consulate I called in to ask about the parking situation, whether they have their own parking or street parking or how it works ( it is downtown and you never know..) and if it easy to find since I have a stroller and preschooler with me. They gave sufficient information and were very friendly on the phone. All over a very good experience. I hope more ppl have better and good experiences and also that there is more understanding for each other, especially because it takes always so much effort and time and work to get all those papers together and travel to the consulate, but also to process them has its own efforts. Very important though is to make appointments! I saw, they had to send away a family or better said, recommended not to wait and 'waist' their time in case.., who came just as walk ins, because they would have waited several hours, because all appointments for the day had been booked already. read more

The old women in visa section is not a nice person and they ll handle u very bad ,better go another Europe country consulate to get Schengen visa!! read more