2007 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Advises Visitors to the Consular Section on Security Procedures and Waiting Times

October, 26, 2007

The U.S. Embassy advises that, in order to assure the safety of our applicants and to streamline the entry process, visa applicants may not bring any electronic devices, including cellular phones, into the Embassy.  In addition, no weapons of any kind, backpacks, suitcases or glass containers are permitted.  We strongly recommend that these items be left at home or with a trusted individual since the U.S. Embassy cannot be held accountable for lost or stolen items.  The U.S. Embassy is not associated with, and does not endorse any specific vendor, who might seek to store such items.  We also recommend that applicants bring in only documents relevant to the visa and/or passport application.

We remind all potential visa applicants of the importance of applying for a U.S. visitors’ visa well in advance of the dates of intended travel.  Our waiting period for a non-immigrant visa appointment is currently three weeks.  This waiting period is likely to grow during the holiday rush.  With early planning, individuals wishing to visit the U.S. during the Christmas holidays can avoid the inconvenience of being unable to secure a visa appointment before their planned travel date.