About the Consulate  

Office of the Consul General
The Consul General represents the interests of the United States Government in the State of Northrhine-Westphalia (NRW). This includes contacts with the NRW State Government, liaison with institutions that foster German-American relations, reporting on developments which impact our commercial, economic or political interests and providing services to American citizens living in this state.

American Citizen Services (ACS)
As of July 2, 2007, American Citizen Services for North-Rhine Westphalia are being provided by the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt.

The Commercial Service of the United States
This section of the Consulate General is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and has a staff of six German "Foreign Service Nationals (FSN's)" who are specialists in specific markets and industries. The Director of the Commercial Service works primarily on inquiries by American firms that want to do business in Germany. The main focus in Düsseldorf is servicing the American exhibitors at the three large trade fairs--Düsseldorf, Essen and Cologne. This office also organizes trade promotion events for Americans. The Commercial Service can be of assistance to local American companies by providing them market data, helping to find additional agents/distributors, advising on local regulations, and advocating on their behalf with State and local governments.

The Economic/Political Section
This section is responsible for researching and reporting on economic and political developments in NRW which may play a role in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. The reporting also supports commercial activities of American companies by providing background information on local developments. This section also monitors compliance with international agreements, such as the EU procurement directive, and raises compliance issues with the local government, when needed.

Public Affairs Section
The Public Affairs Section directs the U.S. government's public diplomacy program in Northrhine-Westphalia. This program involves explaining American policies to German journalists, academics, business leaders and public officials. The office also works with educational and cultural institutions to provide information about American political trends and social values.These goals are accomplished through a regular program of U.S. experts speaking to targetted German audiences, through exchange programs, press briefings, the information resource & reference service, and cultural events.

No Visa Services
The American Consulate General in Düsseldorf does not have a visa section.
Please consult the visa information section on this website, or call the
Visa Information Hotline at 0900 1-850055 (EUR 1,86 per Min.) for additional information