Visa Waivers

She probably misread it.

Is your friend a U.S. citizen? Are you a U.S. citizen?

If the answer to both is yes...then you're fine. Those countries are part of Schengen and American citizens don't need to get a visa to visit for stays up to 90 days within a 6-months period. The visas are waived.

First, is she a US citizen? The Schengen agreement waives visa requirements for all US passport holders plus a number of other nations (with certain exceptions) for visits under 90 days. I would contact RS and ask for a clarification.

She and I were both born and raised in the US and have valid passports. Just surprised me that she said this info came in the packet.

I too doubt the need for visa waivers.

After reading these answers if you have questions, phone RS office and ask them.

There's definitely some confusion going on. For a start the "Visa Waiver Program" is an artefact of the US government and only applicable to certain foreigners entering the United States. No European country issues a visa waiver.

US citizens can be issued a tourist visa at the immigration desk in the Schengen countries (of which Germany is one) so all American's need is their passport and the stamp they'll receive is a tourist visit visa.

The best advice I can give is to not rely on answers posted on forums like this but to check the embassy of the country you are visiting, they all have websites. I would also double check any immigration advice I received from my tour provider if they apparently don't understand simple facts like what the visa waiver program is.

Perhaps, Peter, even you should get your facts straight. Here's a little info on the Visa Waiver program from the Austrian Foreign Ministry:

Austrian Foreign Ministry Visa Program

Thank you for correcting me Frank, although I think your rude tone is uncalled for.

You do prove my point about checking official sources and trusting strangers on internet chat boards though.