The fourth week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and I hiked from Cabazon at Mile 210 till a clearing after Big Bear at Mile 284 . What else happend in PCT Week 4 wou’ll find in this post. If you missed the third week’s contribution, here’s the link to the blogpost: PCT Week 3.
Day: April 26th 2019
Distance: 12 mi, 19,2 km
Accumulated: 222.1 mi, 355.4 km
It starts early in the morning. The temperatures are rising rapidly and already around 9:30 a.m. it is almost impossible to continue. A short break behind a small bush in the shade helps to recharge our batteries. Since my water reserves are running low quickly, I have to continue towards Whitewater River.
1:00 p.m. I reach totally exhausted the only tree in the vicinity of miles. Nils (Trailname: The Oilking) lies under the tree and sleeps. I pack myself in and immediately fall asleep in the cool shade of the tree.
Around 4:00 p.m. I’m getting ready. Nils already moved on around 3:00 p.m. I arrive at the Whitewater River, fill my water bottles and see Nils coming around the corner. He got lost and walked up another mountain for an hour. Completely exhausted he sits down and tells what happened. His GPS on the phone didn’t work properly.
I take the opportunity of the Whitewater River and lie down in the cold water. The current is so strong that the dirt is washed off the skin almost by itself. At the same time there is no danger of being dragged along by the current. Optimal conditions. Afterwards we continue 2 miles to a campground. We meet Lila and Débo and are too lazy to set up our tents. Cowboycamping’s on again.
Day 23: The “Mission Creek” Chaos
Day: April 27th 2019
Distance: 13,4 mi, 21,4 km
Accumulated: 235.5 mi, 376.8 km
In 2018 a mudslide destroyed large parts of the PCT at the Whitewater Reservoir, so that the trail can only be guessed at in a few places. Actually, it only goes ahead with GPS. Until lunch break we cross smaller branches of the river several times and fight our way forward.
A lunch break in the shade of trees ensures that everyone falls asleep immediately. Nils wakes up after an hour and wants to go to the backpacks to get some food. The backpacks are three meters from us. What we have not noticed while sleeping is the rattlesnake that has joined us.
Nils almost steps on it, but the rattlesnake doesn’t move. She is deeply relaxed and enjoys our company. We can’t do anything but the same thing. Lunch with a rattlesnake as guest.
Afterwards we continue and I get lost shortly before the camp spot in the Missions Creek Labyrinth. After adjusting my GPS I see that I have lost my way, fill up my water bottles at the river and return to the trail. I meet Lila and we walk together to the camp spot where the others are already waiting. It’s cowboycamping again and I fall asleep exhausted but happy under a big tree with a view into the starry sky.
Day 24: The dream of good food
Day: April 28th 2019
Distance: 17,6 mi, 28,16 km
Accumulated: 253.1 mi, 404.96 km
The morning starts with a strong ascent of almost 2,000 feet (610 meters) and it mainly goes through burnt forests. I listen to the audio book Kangaroo Chronicles throughout the day and am happy and exhausted in the evening.
In the camp spot we sit cooking together and dream of good food, which we will prepare in Big Bear. Only healthy, fresh food and everyone makes suggestions about what we will buy. No protein bars, Snickers and Alfredo dry pasta from Knorr… right, genuine and healthy food. I fall asleep with a smile and a slight growl in my stomach.
Day 24: Arrival at Big Bear
Day: April 29th 2019
Distance: 13 mi, 20,8 km
Accumulated: 266.1 mi, 425.76 km
Today is a comparatively easy day with 13 miles on the program, as it is only downhill. Afterwards it goes to Big Bear with rest day.
After a few miles however it starts to hail quite strongly and I slip as fast as possible into my rain gear. I’m trying to walk faster because the storm is right above me. A thick thunder echoes down beside me and the lightning strike could not have been far away.
I finally arrive at Highway 18 towards Big Bear and four of us hitchhike with a nice lady to Big Bear. In Big Bear is fog and 1°C (33,8°F)… It is already late and we rent a Cabin over Airbnb. Then we go to the next Mexican Restaurant to eat and replenish the lost calories. I have a fat avocado burrito and a huge beer – again among the living Yiiiihaaaaa.
Day 26: Only good food on the table
Day: April 30th 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 266.1 mi, 425.76 km
The next morning we all go shopping. Supplies for the next 5 days and fresh food to cook. Only the best comes out of the table today.
Débo makes shakshuka for breakfast, a speciality of North African and Israeli cuisine consisting of tomatoes, peppers and eggs. Then French crépe with Nutella, peanut butter and raspberry jam. For dinner Lila prepares fettuccine with tomatoes, feta, basil and pepperonis, Nils makes rice with beans and I create a Greek salad. The party can begin and for dinner Sarah and Jess will join us. Nobody can walk after dinner.
Day 27: Laundry and Relax at Big Bear Lake
Day: May 1st 2019
Distance: 1 mi, 1,6 km
Accumulated: 268.1 mi, 428.96 km
We have to check out 11:00 a.m. and are still all full of dinner. I’m on my way to the laundromat. Afterwards we will have breakfast at the Grizzly Manor Café and relax at the Big Bear Lake.
Around 4:00 p.m. we hitchhike back to Highway 18 and walk another relaxed mile on the trail to the next camp spot.
Day 28: A loud growl
Day: May 2nd 2019
Distance: 15,9 mi, 25,4 km
Accumulated: 284 mi, 454,4km
We continue along Big Bear Lake through beautiful nature to a camp spot where you can see a beautiful sunset. I cook Teriyaki dry pasta for dinner tonight and am satisfied with the result.
In the middle of the night I wake up, when Nils calls “Go Away” I ask if everything is alright. Something big growling is sitting in front of his tent. We decide to talk loudly from our tents and hope that the animal disappears again. It must have smelled the food in the tents. I was lucky to hang my food bag in a little tree.
When an animal growls in front of its own tent it is not a nice experience. I had my wild boar experience on the Rheinsteig and I know what goes through your head. At some point we fall asleep again and hope that it was only a coyote that got lost.
The fourth week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and we’ve been recharging our batteries in Big Bear. Still, the growling of the animal in the camp spot was a little disturbing. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 5.
If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.
In this post I write about my third week on the Pacific Crest Trail. I hiked from Paradise Valley Café Mile 156 to Cabazon Mile 210. In PCT Week 3 I had my first snow experience and my first heat extremes on the agenda. If you missed the second week’s article, here’s the link to the contribution: PCT Week 2.
Day: April 19th 2019
Distance: 12,8 mi, 20,5 km
Accumulated: 168.5 mi, 269.1 km
It starts early and I’m low on water. After a few miles I have the opportunity to refill my water bottles. It goes half a mile from the trail downhill to a water trough. What a surprise: a dead mouse in a water tank… half as wild, I filter my water directly at the water outlet. Safe is safe.
Afterwards it goes up the mountains and through a bizarre landscape. A year ago a huge fire raged here, leaving only bare trees behind. Arriving at the camp spot we decide to go cowboy camping (sleep open air, without tent), because the wind is too strong and there is not enough space. As a reward of the day there is a great sunset and an incredible moonrise. By the way, it’s a full moon, pleasant dreams.
Day 16: The first snow and my trailname in Idyllwild
Day: April 20th 2019
Distance: 10,9 mi, 17,4 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km
After getting up, the trail continues uphill. The wind gets stronger and stronger and we come to snow depth. After a short time I meet Liran from Israel again, with whom I slept at Scout and Frodo in a tent. We are happy about the reunion and Liran tells me that he last saw snow when he was 9 years old. He’s on cloud nine.
Since I had not planned any microspikes for this section, I walk carefully over the ice. It’s super dangerous and the first ones start with postholing. Postholing is when the firm blanket of snow gives way and one or both legs bag knee or hip deep. No fun and very exhausting.
I also posthole several times and notice all of a sudden how my knee stretches over in a deep hole. A hell of a pain pervades my body. I’ll try to get out of the hole and finally make it. The limp continues. Suddenly I realize I can’t see the Trail anymore. Lila (Trailname: Rabitt Rabitt) gets map and compass out of her pocket and navigates our group of four successfully to Saddle Junction, the descent into the village Idyllwild.
In Idyllwild we have pizza, beer and the reunion with other hikers. To end the day reconciliatory we board a karaoke bar. The music is so well received that a few people at the counter pay for our beer and I get my trail name: Jukebox. A perfect ending to the day.
Day 17: Rest day in Idyllwild
Day: April 21st 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km
The first restday in Week 3 is on the agenda. Sleeping late and scrubbing the dirt off my body with a hot shower are at the top of my checklist. Afterwards it goes to the Sunday brunch in Tommy’s Kitchen. $17.99 all you can eat is a top offer for Hikers. I want healthy food: salad, humus, pasta, vegetables, fruit and everything my heart desires. After one hour everyone is full, satisfied and barely able to walk back to the campsite.
My knee still hurts and I decide to buy microspikes for the next stages. At the campsite I meet Tom, he is a physiotherapist and looks at my knee. Seems all right. I massage it with Tigerbalm and grant it with some peace.
Day 18: Back on the PCT
Day: April 22nd 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km
Before it goes back on the PCT the belly must be filled up with a proper breakfast. It goes to the Red Kettle and I order fruit, vegetables and an omelette. It’s fantastic and delicious. Afterwards the laundry must be washed. So I slip into my rain gear and wash all the clothes out of my backpack. Last but not least, we go to the supermarket. Resupply: Shopping for food for the next 6 days after Big Bear including the ascent to the summit of Mount San Jacinto.
Around 04:00 p.m. everything is done and two Trailangels drive our group of five back to the ascent. It goes up again on the mountain and icy temperatures await us.
Day 19: San Jacinto Summit
Day: April 23rd 2019
Distance: 8,1 mi, 13 km
Accumulated: 187.5 mi, 300 km
Today we go to the summit of San Jacinto (3,302 metres/ 10,834 feet). It’s an icy morning and we’re all torturing ourselves out of our sleeping bags. At 6:30 a.m. we start the ascent. After a few miles you can’t go on without microspikes. A few more miles later the deep snow is steep uphill and the trail can only be guessed by GPS. Arrived at the top there is a well deserved break at pleasant temperatures.
Summit of San Jacinto
The descent is more difficult than expected. After a few meters I slip and come to a standstill only with difficulty and necessity. My stopping manoeuvre results in one of my walking sticks breaking through. The highest concentration is required for the descent.
Arrived at the campspot we are all flat and exhausted. The descent has not only pulled physical forces. My brain feels like after a crazy exam due to the high concentration during the descent. The strength to erect a tent is lacking. Cowboy camping with wet and cold feet. Just get out of those wet socks. Good night.
Day 20 The icy descent over the Fuller Ridge
Day: April 24th 2019
Distance: 9,8 mi, 15,7 km
Accumulated: 197.3 mi, 315.7 km,
Early in the morning I move into my half-frozen shoes. It’s damn cold again and it’s impossible to get ahead without microspikes. After a few hours of highest concentration we reach snow-free terrain over the Fuller Ridge and breathe a sigh of relief. I lost my GoPro at the postholing in deep snow, but I am happy to have finished this part of the PCT. It was just hard.
The temperatures rise suddenly the deeper we hike. From snow and water everywhere it changes smoothly into a dry desert climate. We’re targeting the nearest waterhole to replenish our supplies. The last miles lead to a camp spot which invites us again to cowboy camping.
Day 21: Down into hellish temperatures and food at Cabazon
Day: April 25th 2019
Distance: 12,8 mi, 20,5 km
Cumulative: 210.1 mi, 336.2 km,
It’s still downhill. Sun and heat are merciless. The climate forces many breaks, but there are few shade places. The fight with the inner self begins.
The last few miles lead through a dry riverbed. It’s like an oven. A thermometer indicates 132°F (55°C) in the sun. It must be broken… All the desert scenes from the Clint Eastwood movies shoot into my brain. “Don’t die of thirst cowboy, it’s only a few more miles” I say to myself and fight my way through the soft sand in the riverbed.
Finally I arrive totally finished at the bridge for Highway 10 – there are shadows here. There are also other hikers resting and protecting themselves from the sun. We decide four of us to hitchhike to Cabazon, go shopping and eat something. A big burrito fills up my empty batteries. Afterwards we hitchhike back onto the trail and look for a place to sleep.
I survived the third week on the Pacific Crest Trail. It wasn’t easy, but I could learn a lot of new things. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 4.
If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.
The second week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and ended up in the famous Paradise Valley Café. If you missed the first week’s contribution, here’s the link to the article: PCT Week 1.
Day: April 12th 2019
Distance: 9,6 mi, 15,4 km
Accumulated: 86.6 mi, 138.6 km
We all sleep until 7:00 a.m. and then fall over the delicious breakfast at Julian Lodge. Then it goes again to Moms Pie to drink a coffee. At the Postoffice an older woman takes us in her car for a hitch to the PCT.
Afterwards it goes again through the mountains with some rain. At 86.6 mile I pitch my tent. I have a small dinner and jump after into my sleeping bag.
Day 9 – Trailmagic at its best
Day: April 13th 2019
Distance: 14,6 mi, 23,4 km
Accumulated: 101.2 mi, 161.9 km
In the morning we continue through the mountains and great nature. Passing the 100 Mile takes a big load from my mind. The nearest camping spot is only 1.2 miles away.
What awaits the Hiker here is phenomenal. The former Thru-hiker Tommy (@twerkinthedirt on Instagram) came by with two friends and a small bus and celebrated Trailmagic. There were sandwiches, beer, sweets, snacks and much more for everyone. And all for nothing. Everyone got to know each other better and had a great evening. Later this fantastic photo was taken.
PCT Class 2019 by @twerkinthed at Instagramirt
Day 10 – Eagle Rock and Warner Springs
Day: April 14th 2019
Distance: 8,3 mi,13,3 km
Accumulated: 109.5 mi, 175.2 km
After the trail party the night before there is only a short hiking day to Warner Springs. Some miles on the trail I stand in front of a big meadow and enjoy the wide view. All of a sudden there are cows standing around me and a young bull finds it fun to run at me. I turn around and wait for the situation to calm down. The cows lose interest in me and move on… lucky.
At the Eagle Rock a few photos are taken and it goes on. Arrived in Warner Springs I charge my batteries and relax. As the Post Office is closed on Sundays, I have to wait until Monday. I’m expecting a food package that I sent out from San Diego. The selection for a resupply with good food in Warner Springs is zero. So sending a package was the right decision.
Day 11 – Welcome to the Open Air Restaurant
Day: April 15th 2019
Distance: 10,1 mi,16,6 km
Accumulated: 119.6 mi, 191.4 km
The next morning we relax and continue around 1:00 p.m. in a small group of 5 hikers. It goes again through great nature and the mountains up and down.
Arrived at the campsite we cook and experience a fantastic sunset. The Open Air Restaurant serves the following dishes: starter: Snickers bar, main course: ramen noodles with cheese powder, dessert: Cliff bar. Afterwards everyone go into the sleeping bag.
Day 12 – Mike’s Place
Day: April 16th 2019
Distance: 15,2 mi, 24,3 km
Accumulated: 134.8 mi, 215.7 km
The next morning is cold, damp, stormy and foggy. I’m glad to have my rain gear with me. The surroundings look spooky and beautiful at the same time.
After about 8 miles we reach Mike’s Place. Here the two Trailangels “Strange” and “Cyclops” provide for the well-being of the Hikers. There are sandwiches, coffee, tea and stories to hear. In summary, one can only say that the two of them are two dearly crazy people. Afterwards we continue another 7 miles to a campground.
Day 13 – Burning Heat
Day: April 17th 2019
Distance: 10,6 mi, 17 km
Accumulated: 145.4, mi, 232.6 km
We take our time in the morning, because the daily goal is only 10 miles. But the heat of the day is killing us all. I reach the campground around 4:00 p.m. and the sun is still burning.
I treat myself to a small shower with a 5 litre bucket of water and scrub the coarsest dirt off my skin. The water is ice cold and refreshing at the same time. Afterwards we have pasta in bags for dinner. Everyone on the campground dreams of good food. The next day a mile from the PCT is the Paradise Valley Café, known for its good food.
Day 14 – Paradise Valley Café
Day: April 18th 2019
Distance: 10,5 mi, 16,6 km
Accumulated: 155.9 mi, 249.4 km
Let’s go to the Paradise Valley Café and eat good food. This is the motivation of all hikers. The 6 miles to the cafe stretch out and take no end. Finally arrived we order food: a Veggi hamburger with extra feta cheese and fries, a coffee and a big beer.
Three hours later we’re still at the Paradise Valley Café ordering the next round. Completely starved I order the next Veggiburger. Then we’ll do another four miles on the trail. The landscape is beautiful and I feel like in a fairytale landscape. The campground is a bit creepy, but that doesn’t bother any further. With a full stomach and a broad grin I fall asleep satisfied.
Also the second week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over. The next week is really tough, because there was the first snow at 2500 meters altitude. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 3.
If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.
The first week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and I hiked from Campo to Julian. What else I experienced in PCT week 1 you can read in this article 🙂 Here it goes to my first post: PCT – Arrival in the USA.
Day: April 5th 2019
Distance: 11,4 mi, 18,2 km
Accumulated: 11.4 mi, 18.2 km
I am at the Monument, the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail and am excited, happy and impatient. I need to start, but before I have to take a few pictures.
Since it is a little drizzly I start in my rain jacket. Nevertheless, it is perfect hiking weather: not too warm, cloudy and a light breeze. After a short time it goes up- and downl. The trail will certainly not be easier. Thanks to the rain, there are many water sources that are normaly dry.
A lot of hikers rev up and have a hell of a pace. I am calm and run my pace. I have half a year ahead of me and my body has to get used to the strain. After 11.4 miles I decide to set up my tent and meet Nils, who was also at Scout and Frodos place. We chat, cook dinner and go to bed early.
Day 2: The first night in my tent
Day: April 6th 2019
Distance: 9,0 mi, 14,4 km
Accumulated: 20.4 mi, 32.6 km
The alarm goes off at 5:30 and I’ve slept more than 10 hours. Some condensate in the tent but nothing dramatic. I’ll run out and make breakfast at Hauser Creek. The sun comes out and the temperatures rise quickly. Perfect for drying my sleeping bag and my tent.
A steep ascent follows and I meet two trail runners who want to take a photo with me. Sure, no problem. Since the first day is still in my legs, I decide to stay at the campground in Lake Morena and treat myself to something to eat. Afterwards I Drink a few beers and sit at the campfire with other hikers.
Day 3: Lost on the PCT
Day: April 7th 2019
Distance: 12,2 mi, 19,5 km
Accumulated: 32.6 mi, 52.1 km
It starts early and I notice after a short time that I have lost my way. Behind me is Nils and we’re trying to get back on the trail. According to the map we only have to walk to a small stream, which crosses the PCT again later.
Arriving at the stream we notice that the plan is not so easy to implement and decide to wade through the ankle deep stream. Again on the PCT it goes through great nature. At Kitchen Creek a longer break is taken to refill water, to eat and to relax. Kitchen Creek is a paradise.
Afterwards it goes a few miles further to the Campsite.
Day 4: Some relaxation
Day: April 8th 2019
Distance: 8,9 mi, 14,2 km
Accumulated: 41.5 mi, 66.4 km
The next morning we walk through a breathtaking backdrop to the Campground of Mount Laguna. Here we buy food and I treat myself to a salad and a beer. Afterwards we talk to other hikers and relax.
A short day, but the body has to get used to the effort. The first hikers are already out after 3 days with tendinitis, because they had to run 36 miles (57 km) in the first two days.
Day 5: The Unexpected Storm
Day: April 9th 2019
Distance: 18,2 mi, 29,1 km
Accumulated: 59.7 mi, 95.5 km
I start a little later and enjoy a beer for breakfast, which a trailangel has left on the spot. It’s colder and stormier today.
The wind gets so strong, you can barely move forward. I can hardly enjoy the great views, as I have to be very careful with my steps.
After 15 miles (24 km) I notice that the all places for tents are empty. It’s impossible to set up a tent. Other Hiker have also moved on. The storm sweeps over the mountains at frightening speed, leaving an unpleasant feeling behind.
I stay calm and know the sun won’t go down for another two hours. So I still have time to find a place to sleep. Shortly before 6 pm I meet a place where several Hikers placed their tents with difficulty. I decide not to pitch my tent. It’s too late and too stormy.
Instead, I’m going cowboycamping. I place my mattress between two other tents, pack my sleeping bag into my waterproof bivi and try to sleep as sheltered from the wind as possible. The night is a grey one and nobody comes to rest. Around 11 pm, the storm calms down a bit and I fall asleep.
Day 6: The day after the storm
Day: April 10th 2019
Distance: 15,8 mi, 25,3 km
Accumulated: 75.5 mi, 120.8 km
The next morning they all look super dirty. The sand went into the tents and through the sleeping bags. Nevertheless, everyone is happy to have survived the night.
The PCT continues through nature with breathtaking views. It feels like a western movie. Karl May described the scenery perfectly in his books, although he was never there – somehow impressive. Shortly before Scissors Crossing the camp is set up and I enjoy the sunset. A fantastic day.
Day 7: Rest day in Julian
Day: April 11th 2019
Distance: 1,5 mi, 2,4 km
Accumulated: 77 mi, 123.2 km
We walk a few miles to the road and hitchhike to Julian. My first hitche is super comfortable and I almost fall asleep on the mattress at the back of the car. Arrived in Julian “Moms Pie” offers free apple pie with ice cream for PCT Hiker.
The four of us Nils, Lila, Debo and myself share a room at Julian Lodge. Showering, washing clothes, buying food for the next days and relaxing. For dinner we have a big Mega Pizza.
The first week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and tomorrow we continue towards Warner Springs. I’m curious to see what happens next. Here it goes directly to Week 2
If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.
One of the most important things on my PCT checklist was the visa for the USA, as here a simple ESTA visa (only valid for citizens of a “Visa Waiver Program” country) for 90 days is not sufficient, instead a “Business / Tourist Visa – B1 / B2” is required. An important part for the visa application is the form DS-160, which I will introduce here also a little more precisely.
With a business/tourist visa – B1 / B2 you can stay in the USA for a maximum of 180 days per entry. Since the average hiker needs 150 days for the PCT, this visa is perfect.
With this little help I would like to show you how I got my visa. Before you start to apply for a visa, be sure to check the USTRAVELDOCS Business / Tourist Visa website. All important information for the B1 / B2 visa is summarized there.
Since it is very likely that my information will not match yours, it is important that you provide your own information truthfully. Some fields in the forms are not always clear, so I try to explain them.
However, there is no guarantee for a visa with this assistance, as this is always at the discretion of U.S. officials!
With the following 4 steps I will show you what to do to get a B1 / B2 visa for the USA.
If you don’t have a recent photo, have a coloured passport photo taken
Fill in form DS-160
Pay the visa application fee and arrange an interview at the respective embassy/consulate.
Go to the interview appointment and complete the interview
The central contact point for visa applications and the DS-160 form is https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/. On this page you can test if your photo complies with the photo regulations and start, upload or edit your visa application.
Create a Photo and Test it
The first step is to have a passport photo taken of you. Click here for the photo regulations. If your photo meets the standards, you can test it on the DS-160 form page (https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/). IMPORTANT: Since November 1, 2016, glasses are no longer allowed on photos!
Link to the test page for the photo
I scanned my passport photo and uploaded it for testing. However, scanned images have different terms than digital images. The photograph shall be square, colour, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and 300 dpi resolution.
If the photo meets the standards and passes the test, you will receive the following confirmation:
Confirmation of passed photo test
The DS-160 Form
If you meet all the requirements for the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Form, you can start filling out the form. To do this, go to the following page: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/
Start of Application Process
On the website you first have to specify the city where you want to apply for the US visa. This is also where the interview is held for the visa afterwards. For Germany you can choose Berlin, Frankfurt am Main and Munich. Then start the application by clicking on “Start an Application“.
Visa application home page
IMPORTANT: On the following page you will receive your access data (Application ID) for processing your visa. Make a note of these dates if you want to edit the form later or if you can’t finish it the first time. I also recommend that you save your data on a regular basis, as the sessions for processing the visa are not exactly stable and you don’t know exactly when a session for processing the visa has expired. Oh yes, and an answer to a “secret question” must also be given.
Application information for the visa
Personal Information 1
On the first page of the visa application you enter first name and surname. The part “Full Name in native alphabet” is only to be filled in if your name is not in Latin letters in the passport. In this case just click on “Does not apply”.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the first page is: What is the Telecode? The telecode is a unique conversion code for 16,356 Chinese characters organized in two levels. For German names there is no telecode and here you can simply click on “No“.
To understand what a telecode is, I have a small example for you. I translated my first name in Google Translator into simple Mandarin (Chinese) and then converted it into a telecode generator. My name “Martin” in Mandarin “马丁” (Mǎdīng) would therefore have the telecode “7456 0002“. But like I said, you can just click “No” here.
Example for a Telecode
All other data such as gender, date of birth, place of birth, marital status etc. are actually self-explanatory. For Germans: at the birthplace you can click in the area “State/Province” “Does not apply”. My details:
Full Name in nativ Alphabet: DOES NOT APPLY
Do you have a Telecode that represents your Name?: NO
Date and Place of Birth – State/Province: DOES NOT APPLY
Form DS – 160 – Page 1 – Personal information I
Personal Information 2
In the Personal Information 2 you only need to enter your citizenship as a German, or both in the case of dual citizenship.
With “National Identification Number”, “U.S. Social Security Number” and “U.S. Taxpayer ID Number” I clicked “Does not Apply” everywhere. If you have already lived in the USA and applied for a Social Security Number, enter it in the field below. My details:
National Identification Number: DOES NOT APPLY
U.S. Social Security Number: DOES NOT APPLY
U.S. Taxpayer ID Number: DOES NOT APPLY
Form DS – 160 – Page 2 – Personal data II
Address and phone
Enter your address, telephone numbers and e-mail address in the next field. At “State/Province” you can click on “Does not apply” if you are german. It is important that the country code of the telephone number is not given in +49 but in 0049 format. My details:
State/Province: DOES NOT APPLY
Form DS – 160 – page 3 – address and telephone number
Passport
On the fourth page of the form you enter the data of your passport. In the field “Passport/Travel Document Type” I have selected “REGULAR”. On “Passport Book Number”, enter “Does not Apply” if you are a German. My details:
Passport/Travel Document Type: REGULAR
Passport Book Number: DOES NOT APPLY
Form DS – 160 – Page 4 – Passport
Travels
The “Travel” page is one of the most important pages in the form, as concrete travel plans are given here. I filled out the document as follows:
Purpose of Trip to the U.S.: TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)
Specify: TOURISM/MEDICAL TREATMENT (B2)
As I didn’t know for which date I would receive a PCT Permit during the visa application process, I indicated “NO” for specific travel plans and the planned arrival date was April 1, 2019. For the duration of my stay I have chosen 6 months.
Have you made specific travel plans?: NO
Intended Date of Arrival: 01. APRIL 2019
Intended Length of Stay in U.S.: 6 MONTH(S)
If you want to enter the USA, you will need to provide an address where you will be staying. Here you can enter the address of local friends you have visited before, or of Trail Angles who offer this (for example Scout and Frodo in San Diego) or of your hotel where you will stay the first nights. However, you should check with the hotel to see if this is in order.
Form DS – 160 – Page 5 – Travel
Travel Companions
If you are travelling alone, simply fill out this form and click “No”. If you travel with a travel group or friends, you must enter their details here. My details:
Are there other persons traveling with you?: NO
Form DS – 160 – Page 6 – Passengers
Previous USA Trips
On this page you can indicate whether you have visited the USA before or if you have been denied a visa application. You will also need to indicate if someone else has submitted a visa application in your name. Since none of the cases applied to me, I could negate anything. My details:
Have you ever been in the U.S.?: NO
Have you ever been issued a U.S. Visa?: NO
Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, or been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry?: NO
Have you ever been denied travel authorisation by the Department of Homeland Security through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation: NO
Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services?: NO
Form DS – 160 – page 7 – previous US trips
USA Contact
For the further processing of the visa it is now necessary to specify a contact person from the USA, who can confirm your identity if necessary. If you don’t know anyone
Form DS – 160 – Page 8 – Contact person in the USA
in the USA personally, you can also enter the address of Trail Angels if they offer this. You’d better check with them first, though.
Family
On the ninth page of the form the names and dates of birth of your parents as well as close and distant relatives in the USA are queried.
Form DS – 160 – Page 9 – Family Information
Work, Education and Training Information
Present: The area of work, training and further education is divided into three parts: “present”, “past” and “additional information”. On page 10 of the form, the current employer, training place or college/university with address and monthly income is queried. In addition, a description of the activity, training or study is required.
Form DS – 160 – page 10 – current job, training or studies
Past: In the second section you will be asked about the previous employers and positions of the last 5 years. For this not only the addresses but also the names of your former supervisors are queried.
Form DS – 160 – page 11 – previous jobs or studies in the last 5 years
Additional information: In the last part of the area additional information is requested. This includes the question whether you belong to a clan or tribe, what languages you speak and to which countries you have travelled in the last 5 years.
Additionally there are questions about the affiliation of paramilitary or insurgent groups or if you have a special training with special weapons. Even if these questions seem strange to you, you should take them seriously and answer them truthfully. The whole thing could look like this:
Form DS – 160 – Page 12 – Additional Information
Security and Background
The Security and Background section has 5 parts and should be taken very seriously as it deals with very personal questions.
An important note on the website is that a question answered with “YES” does not automatically mean that you are not eligible for a visa. If a question has been answered with “YES”, you may have to appear in person before a consular officer who will clarify the answer in a personal interview.
In the first part, questions are asked about the state of health (illnesses, psychological illness, drug addiction).
In the second part, questions will be asked about the criminal past, prostitution, money laundering and human trafficking.
The third part contains questions on espionage, terrorist activity, killing or mass murder.
The penultimate section of the Security and Background section asks whether you have ever tried (or helped) to obtain a US visa through fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or other illegal means.
In the last part, questions on custody, electoral fraud and US citizenship renunciation of tax evasion are asked.
If you have truthfully filled in all five parts, proceed to the photo.
Photo
On the first page of the photo form, you will find the note that since November 1, 2016, glasses are no longer permitted on photos. Then click on the upload button and a new page will open. Here you can select and upload your image file. Then the message should come that your photo has passed the quality standards.
Upload Photo
Summary and Confirmation
The next step takes you to the “Review”, where you can check all the information you have entered and change it if necessary.
On the next page a text appears which should be read carefully. Then you sign the form electronically and submit it.
Sign and Submit Form
The Final Confirmation page contains a barcode and must be printed out and brought to the visa interview.
Visa Fee and Interview Date
If you have successfully submitted the visa application form, you have to transfer the visa fee afterwards. To do this, go to the website https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ and create a profile. The fee is displayed in US dollars, but must be paid in euros (in Europe). In my case this was 136,00 € (due to currency fluctuations this can also be more or less).
If you have created a profile click on “New Application/Arrange Appointment” and enter the required data for the visa. In my case:
Visa category: Non-Immigrant Visa
Diplomatic representation: Frankfurt
Visa category: All Others
Visa category: B2
Then enter your passport details and your DS-160 confirmation number.
On the payment page, click on “Payment option”, select a payment method and transfer the money. Here you will receive a reference number which must be kept in order to make an appointment. IMPORTANT: The processing fee for visa applications is non-refundable. All further information about the payment options can be found here: http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/de/de-niv-paymentinfo.asp.
In the last step you arrange an appointment based on your profile and the reference number assigned. My diary looked very good and I got an appointment within 7 days.
The Interview
I was really excited before the interview and collected all the documents meticulously. It’s better to have more information than too little, it’s all about a visa for the USA.
Required Documents:
Passport
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Printed copy of the date confirmation letter
current passport photo (not older than 6 months)
Supporting documents
Payroll of the last 3 months
Letter from my Employer
Statement of Account
Map of the PCT
The security regulations in the US consulates are very high, so be sure to check out the following page again: Safety regulations US Consulate. Electronic equipment may not be brought into the consulate, but may be delivered at the entrance. Since I didn’t know this before, I went to the consulate in Frankfurt with a classic paper ticket of the Deutsche Bahn and without a clock or telephone. Kind of a weird feeling.
After passing through the security check, digital fingerprints are taken and you then queue up at an interview counter. When it was my turn, my pulse and excitement went up. I had a very nice officer who asked me a few questions about the visa, which I answered. Of which the following, among others:
What do you want to do in the US?
What do you do for a living?
How can you afford the trip?
She listened to my answers, thought about it briefly, looked at her computer, looked at me again and said: “Ok, your visa is approved, we will send you your passport via mail. This can take up to two weeks.” I breathed deeply and was super happy. Two weeks later, my passport with a valid visa was in my mailbox.
Conclusion
To get a visa for the USA, there are a few things and documents that need to be well prepared. If you are well structured, this should not be a problem. In the end, of course, the US officials in the consulate always decide whether a visa is issued or not. So there is no guarantee for a visa.
Another important point on my checklist for the Pacific Crest Trail was the PCT Permit, which was not easy to get. Here you can go directly to my article PCT Permit – You need Luck with your Application.
I hope I could give you with this article a small insight into the process for a US visa. If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.
English
