Welcome to U.S. Embassy Kampala's Visa Unit webpage.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

New Visa Application System
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala has implemented a system to make the visa application process faster, simpler and less stressful for those seeking to travel to the United States.

Applicants may schedule a non-immigrant visa appointment via * the usvisa website.

Important Notice:
Children under age 18:
When applying for a visa for a child under 18, both parents must appear at the visa interview.  Parents must bring the child’s original birth certificate and their own passport or other identification.  Those who are now single parents must provide a court order confirming that they are the sole guardian of the child.

Rights and Protection for Temporary Workers

Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants

 How to Apply For a Visa

All applicants, including those for visa renewal and children, MUST book an appointment.
It is important that applicants apply early, since appointments are given on a first-come, first-served basis. All applicants, including children, must appear in person for an interview at the given time of appointment. Please carry a printout of your appointment details on the given date of appointment.

Public Inquiries: Questions about non-immigrant visas may be directed to KampalaVisa@state.gov. Emails are answered within 2 business days. Please include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number and contact information.

Required Documents
 
1. A Valid Passport. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
2. Completed Form DS-160 for each applicant, all questions answered.  
                                                    
IMPORTANT NOTICE :  Please answer all questions on the DS 160 online form accurately.  For example, ensure that your name and date of birth on your visa application are exactly the same as they are printed in your passport, ensure that you are applying for the correct visa class, etc.  If you enter incorrect information on the DS-160, you will have to correct those errors, which will lead to delays in the application process. 

3. A passport sized photograph (2” x 2”) taken within the last 6 months: When you submit your visa application online, you are required to upload a photograph. Please click here for photo guidelines.

4. Confirmation of payment of non-refundable application fee at Centenary Bank

5. Applicants should appear at the U.S. Embassy on the day and time of their appointment with all the required forms.  Each applicant should be prepared to demonstrate their purpose of travel to the United States, and for most visa classifications must also be able to overcome a presumption of immigrant intent by demonstrating that their circumstances in their country of residence would compel them to return home after a visit or completion of a course of study in the U.S.
 
In other words, applicants must demonstrate strong economic, social, and/or familial ties that would compel them to return to their country of residence.  Examples of documentation often presented include letters of invitation and/or support, personal bank statements for at least the three preceding months, evidence of salary and/or personal income, evidence of employment, level of education obtained, etc. 

6. Additional Information for Student (F1) and Exchange Visitor (J1) Applicants
Applicants for student and exchange visitor visas should review the links listed on the left side of this webpage for information regarding the payment of the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee, and other requirements regarding student and exchange visitor visas.  A receipt showing evidence of SEVIS Fee payment must be presented by first-time student and exchange visitor visa applicants during their interview.  This fee cannot be paid at the Consular Section.

Students should also bring their transcripts from their highest obtain level of education (A & O levels for those wishing to go for an Associates or Bachelors degree, undergraduate or post-graduate transcripts for those seeking Masters or PhD) and proof that they have sufficient funding for one year or the duration of their studies indicates on their SEVIS.  Applicants renewing a student visa should bring their official transcript from the U.S. college or university.

Note: submission of supporting documents does NOT guarantee that you will be issued a visa.
With few exceptions, applicants for visas must appear personally for an interview before a visa may be issued. Interviews are by appointment only.

Non-Immigrant Visa Pick-up
If you qualify for a visa, you may collect your passport at the Consular Section the day after your interview.  You will be informed of the specific pick-up time at the conclusion of your interview.  Occasionally, a technical issue may delay the readiness of a visa.  We regret any inconvenience this may cause, and we make every effort to avoid such issues.

Fraudulent Documents
Please be informed that submission of fraudulent documents or misrepresentation of facts in any way could render you permanently ineligible for a non-immigrant visa to the United States of America.

Travel Plans
Since no assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance, final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you are approved and have the visa in hand.

Expedited appointments
We recommend that you schedule your visa appointment as soon as you become aware of your need to travel.  The Consular Section understands that during periods of high demand, longer than normal wait times may inconvenience business travelers with important meetings or students and exchange visitors whose program start dates are not flexible.  In such cases, you may request an expedited appointment.

To request an expedited appointment, you must first schedule a regular visa appointment EVEN IF IT IS LATER THAN YOUR EXPECTED TRAVEL DATE.  Then, you may email KampalaVisa@state.gov with the subject line “Expedited Appointment Request”.  Your request must include your name as it appears in your passport, passport number, appointment date, travel date, and a clear, concise explanation of the reason for your request.  A consular officer will determine if your request can be accommodated, and if so will contact you with a new appointment date and time.

Please note, requests for holiday or vacation travel will generally not be approved.  Requests that may be approved include:

• Travel for emergency medical treatment
• Students studying on an F, M, or J visa
• Urgent business travel (generally does not include conventions or exhibitions)

Expedited Appointment Policy
Expedited appointments are scheduled as soon as possible given the date of your request.  If you cannot appear for an appointment on short notice, please do not use this procedure.  If you fail to appear for an expedited appointment, further expedited appointment requests will not be accepted and you will need to schedule a regular appointment.
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ATTENTION:
Any applicant who obtains a visa appointment under false pretenses will be denied entry for their interview.

Visa Waiver Program
Canadians and foreign nationals from certain countries are eligible to be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for a limited time without obtaining a visa.
Click on the link above for further information.

Important note: A non-immigrant visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission for temporary visit; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.