To qualify for a non-immigrant visa, each applicant must present a color photo at the interview. Each photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must satisfy State Department requirements. If the presented photos do not meet State Department requirements, the application process will be suspended until the applicant has presented a compliant photo.

All visitors must be screened prior to entering the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and are subject to inspection via walk-through metal detector and a hand-held metal detector. All personal items will undergo full inspection by use of x-ray and other detection equipment.

Any visitor refusing to submit to security screening shall be prohibited from entering.

Prohibited Items (Items Not to Bring to the Embassy/Consulate)

The following items are prohibited inside the U.S. Embassy and Consulate and we have no storage facilities for them, so please leave them at your home, your hotel, or in your vehicle:

• Backpacks, bags, luggage, or large purses (purses 12 x 10 x 6 in. and smaller will be permitted)
• Food and beverages
• Weapons, including mace or pepper spray
• Tools, including any sharp or bladed objects
• Any oils, aerosols or pump sprays, liquids, lotions and powders
• Any type of fire starter
• Electronic or recording equipment of any kind, including, but not limited to:
  • Cameras
  • Laptop computers
  • Mobile phones
  • MP3, CD, or cassette players
  • Pagers
  • Keyless remotes
• Helmets of any type
• Strollers will be determined on a case by case basis

This list is not all-inclusive. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate reserves the right to deny entry of any items deemed suspicious.

Consular-Related Visitors

Access to the Consulate is limited and generally only applicants are permitted to enter and be present during visa interviews. On a case-by-case basis, applicants may be accompanied by ONE non-applicant to during the visa application process. Please note: The Consulate has the right to refuse entry to any persons.

Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring one person to assist them if they are over 80 years of age, are a minor child, or are disabled and require assistance to complete the application process.

Interpreter: Applicants may bring one interpreter if they do not speak English well enough to participate in an interview, and consulate staff cannot interview them in their native language. A final decision as to whether or not an interpreter is needed will be made by consular staff on the day of the interview.

Due to waiting room size, the large volume of applicants, and the time required to screen consular clients, persons not meeting the criteria above will not be permitted to accompany an applicant. Drivers, friends, and extra relatives, including the relatives of interpreters, must wait outside or return to meet the applicant after the interview has been completed.

Fees for State Department services occasionally change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the schedule of fees for visa services. Additionally, nationals of some countries will be required to pay a supplementary fee for visa issuance. Please consult the State Department reciprocity table to determine whether your visa will require an additional fee and, if so, of what amount.