Embassy Entry Requirements
Thorough security screening has become necessary at all U.S. Embassies to guarantee the safety of our visitors and employees. The process is very similar to that performed at any airport or federal building in the U.S., and we assure you that every effort is made by our guards to screen visitors as quickly and politely as possible.
To expedite your entry into the Embassy we recommend you bring no baggage. Exceptions may be made for adults accompanying small children who may need diaper bags. Persons with large suitcases or rucksacks will not be admitted.
Once you enter the screening area, you should be prepared to remove from your person all metallic items and put them in a box for screening, together with your coat/jacket, belt, handbag/briefcase, etc.
The following items are PROHIBITED and cannot be brought on to the premises. Persons carrying any of the items mentioned below will be denied entry to Embassy as long as the items are in their possession and will be asked to dispose of them. We suggest therefore that all such items be left either at home, in a locked car, or with a friend or relative who remains outside the premises. Your cooperation will help to ensure everyone’s safety and also guarantee that you will be on the premises as expeditiously as possible for your appointment. While the majority of these articles are obvious security risks, they also include some commonplace items.
ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC or BATTERY-OPERATED ITEMS – including, but not limited to: cellular telephones, computers, laptops, music playback devices such as iPods, palm pilots, USB sticks, cameras, video cameras, calculators, hairdryers and shavers, portable game consoles, electric toys, etc.
FIREARMS AND EDGED WEAPONS - Including replica or non-firing weapons, blank or starter pistols, tear gas pistols, and stun guns; knives of all kinds, swords, scissors, cutting tools and straight razors.
EXPLOSIVES - Including fireworks, smoke bombs, pyrotechnic devices or flares, and flare guns or launchers.
CHEMICAL AGENTS, LIQUIDS and GASSES - Including all compressed air canisters or dispensers for mace or tear gas of any kind, hairsprays, deodorant sprays, cleaning chemicals and consumable liquids in glass bottles, including baby food. However, essential and declared medical items or quipment may be brought in upon specific request
IN ADDITION, any other items that are primarily weapons by design and/or use, including clubs, batons, saps, blackjacks, brass knuckles, nunchaku ("nun chucks"), throwing stars, throwing spikes, and spike combs. Umbrellas cannot be taken on to the compound and will be kept by security personnel until your departure from the Embassy/Consulate.