VISAS to the U.S.
- Click here if you wish to learn more about living permanently in the
- Click here if you wish to learn more about the Diversity Visa program.
If you are interested in obtaining a non-immigrant (visitors) visa to visit the
How To Submit Visa Applications
- All applicants must complete their application form (DS-156) online, print out the three pages, and bring the printed form to their visa interview. Click here to access the online visa application form (DS-156). This form produces a barcode, which the Consular Section scans to enter information into its system, making data entry more efficient. Applicants who appear with forms that are printed on poor quality printers or have damaged barcodes will have to leave the embassy to reprint their forms before their interview.
- Applicants 16 years and over also need to complete form DS-157 prior to their interview and bring this form with them. Click here to download form DS-157. Note, unlike the DS-156, this form must be completed by hand.
- After printing the application form(s), applicants must go to Standard Chartered Bank (Traffic Light, Senegambia, or
What To Bring To Your Visa Interview
All applicants need to arrive at the embassy at the scheduled appointment with their complete application packet, including:- Current passport, which will remain valid for at least six months after planned entry into the
- All prior passports.
- Completed application form (DS-156)
- All applicants over 16 years of age, must also bring their supplemental form (DS-157).
- Proof of social, family, economic, professional ties to home country.
- Recent photograph, 2 inches square (50 mm square), color, front facing (for more information click here.)
- Nonrefundable visa application fee of $131.00 or Dalasi equivalent (the fee must be paid entirely in one currency)
To minimize delays during security screening, applicants are advised against bringing cellphones and other electronics to their interview – the embassy does not allow these items on the premises – and to consider leaving bags and purses outside as these items will be searched prior to entry.
In the event that applicants have any special, physical needs that will require additional assistance, please ask the bank to notify the consular section when making your appointment. Any person accompanying a special-needs applicants will also need to bring photo identification to enter the Consular Section.
Additional Requirements for Students and Exchange Visitors
- Evidence of payment of SEVIS fee.
- Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 as applicable.
- Evidence that sufficient funds are readily available to cover the first year of studies. Evidence from sponsor noting ability to be a sponsor.
- Supplemental visa application form (DS-157)
- Contact information and work history form (DS-158). Please note under item 6, the word "siblings" means "brothers and sisters."
Picking Up Your Visa
Applicants who are issued visas will generally be advised to return at 1500 hours on the following day to pick-up their passport with visa. Those applicants who are interviewed on Thursdays will need to return on the following Monday to pick-up their passport.
Do You Still Have Questions?
For more information, you may e-mail the Consular Section at: Consularbanjul@state.gov. You may access FREE forms at the Embassy web-site: http://banjul.usembassy.gov (look under the “Visa” section) or at http://evisaforms.state.gov.
