Visa Services
What is a visa?
A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; 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.
Who Needs a Visa?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.
Visa Free Travel
As of January 12, 2009, all nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure require an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. For more information about please visit the page about ESTA travel registration.
What type of visas are available?
Non-Immigrant Visas (NIV) are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the Unites States temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (an airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, study, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. For more information about the different non-immigrant visas please read about our NIV visa categories.
An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.
CONTACT US
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Where You Can Find Us
Tržiště 15 (Schoenborn Palace)
Prague 1 — Malá Strana
Closest tram stop: Malostranské naměstí (trams 12, 20, 22)Closest metro station: Malostranská (line A)
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Visa Questions
For visa related questions, please write to consprague@state.gov (please see the Frequently Asked Questions page first).
Additional Information
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Security Notice for Visa Visitors
Please be aware of our security requirements.
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NIV Appointment System
All visa appointments are by appointment only. Please go to the NIV Appointment System page to schedule your appointment.
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Visa Free Travel
Travel to the U.S. without visa under Visa Waiver Program. Just apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on the official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/