Security and Entry Regulations

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Overview

You are not allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy while carrying any of the following items:

  • Battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players
  • Large shoulder bags/purses - only bags that can be carried by hand will be permitted
  • Bags such as travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders - you can only carry plastic bags containing application-related papers
  • Food and liquid items
  • Sealed envelopes or packages
  • Cigarettes, cigars, match boxes, lighters
  • Sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files
  • Weapons or explosive materials of any kind

This list is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.

There is no facility at the U.S. Embassy to store prohibited items. You must make arrangements to store these items before entering.

Due to security considerations, there is no information window for walk-in visitors at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Only visa applicants with scheduled interviews will be admitted.

  • Please have a form of photo identification available to present to the guard. Once verified, the guard will begin the security scanning process, which is similar to that of most international airports.

When entering the security area, the guard will ask you to empty your pockets of all metal items, no matter what size and shape. Belts with a metal buckle must also be removed.

Accompanying an applicant to the interview

When accompanying an applicant to the interview, the person(s) must fit into one of the five permitted categories listed below (and also, if possible, bring documentation to show it) and bring photo ID.


Permissible
1. Parent(s) accompanying a child age 23 and younger for a visa or passport appointment
2. A minor child accompanying a parent for a visa or passport appointment
3. A family member, friend, or caregiver accompanying someone who has a disability
4. A family member, friend, or caregiver accompanying someone who is a senior citizen and needs extra assistance
5. Translators brought by third country national applicants

Not Permissible
1. An adult child accompanying a parent who does not have a disability, is not considered a senior citizen (age 65 and older), or who does not otherwise require extra assistance
2. Other adults accompanying applicants who do not need extra assistance
3. Attorneys accompanying a visa or passport applicant

  • Please note that the regulations listed are not exhaustive and cases that do not fit into one of the categories described above will be decided on a case-by-case basis.