Security Procedures
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/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/Consulate reserves the right to deny entry of any items deemed suspicious.
Consular-Related Visitors
The following persons may accompany a visa applicant during Consular-related visits:
- Interpreter: Applicants may bring one interpreter if they do not speak English well enough to participate in an interview.
Note: The working language of the U.S. government is English. The applicant is responsible for providing a translator for any language other than English, even if that language is an official language of Canada, i.e. French. - Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring one person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or if the applicant is a minor child applying for a visa.
Due to waiting room size, the large volume of applicants and the time required to screen consular clients, other accompanying persons cannot be admitted to the waiting room.
Drivers, friends, and extra relatives must wait outside or return to meet the applicant after the interview has been completed. The sole exception to this rule is applicants with minor children under the age of 18.
Attorneys, agents, accountants, or employers accompanying visa applicants will not be permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or at their interviews without prior approval.