NonImmigrant Visas

NonImmigrant Visa Information: Business/Tourist Traveller

GENERAL INFORMATION

The visa application process is straightforward and there is no need to pay for additional services.  Please inform the Embassy if someone asks for a bribe so that we may take appropriate action.  Additional information on how to apply is available at:  http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply_niv.html

Nonimmigrant visa interviews are held by appointment only.  To schedule an appointment, you must first complete the online application then you may request an appointment. To find the online application and the online appointment system please visit http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/visa_services.html.  You must use the barcode number from the completed online application form to make the online appointment. We no longer accept appointment requests by e-mail or phone.  If you are experiencing difficulties with the online appointment system please send an e-mail to YaoundeNIV@ state.gov. We will assist with the online appointment system; however, we will not schedule an appointment request based on an e-mail.

Once you have an appointment date and time for your interview, please pay attention to these instructions.  To be admitted for your visa interview, you must be present at the Embassy with all required forms fully completed online plus your photos and fees, on that date and at that time.  Latecomers will be denied entry and must make another appointment to pursue a visa application.  

Please do not forget to bring the third and final page of the form which is identifiable by the large barcode. Please be sure that on the third page of the electronic application, the barcode is clear. If the barcode is not clear, you must reprint the application on another printer. If we are unable to read the barcode, we may not be able to process your application and you may need to reschedule your appointment. Please note that applicants who arrive at the Consular Section without their own completed application forms in hand will not be interviewed and will have to reschedule their interview appointments.  This includes small children even if they are included in a parent’s passport.  All people wishing to travel with minor children must bring their birth certificates and notarized parental authorization letter from both parents giving the minor permission to travel.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A BUSINESS/TOURIST VISA

The basic documents required for a business or tourist visa are:
1.       Completed application form for each traveler (DS-156) available through the internet at https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp. 
2.       Males between the ages of 16 and 45 also need form DS-157 – available online at http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0157.pdf.
3.       One passport-size (5cm x 5cm) photograph for each applicant, regardless of age.  The Embassy does not endorse any specific vendors, and will accept any photos meeting our size and composition requirements: Photos must be full face, high quality, and taken against a white background.  Photographs with shadows behind the head, poor contrast, or blurry features will not be accepted.
4.       A passport valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in the United States.
5.       USD $131 non-refundable application fee (or CFA equivalent).  There is a USD $60 issuance fee (or equivalent in CFA) for Cameroonians to obtain a visa valid for six months; a one-year visa is USD $240 (or CFA equivalent). 

Please, note that presentation of the above documents does not guarantee visa issuance.

Important Note: The Consular Officer will review these documents and interview the applicant.  The Consular Officer may also request to see employment documents, bank statements, property or business papers, etc., in order to verify statements made on the application.  All applicants will be electronically fingerprinted. Based on the interview and the documents the Consular Officer will determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa.