Consular Section Notice:

Consular Section Closure April 23 – May 1, 2007


The Consular section will be closed to non-emergency services during the following period:
Monday April 23 to Tuesday May 1, inclusive*

Please plan your Consular section visits around this schedule. 
All visa interviews will be scheduled before April 23 or after May 1.
 
For emergency services contact the Consular section at 21 49 2797.  After hours: 21 49 0723 or 82 310 7190.
 
*This closure does not affect other offices of the U.S. Mission.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

INFORMATION ABOUT OBTAINING U.S. VISAS

Non-immigrant visas are for international travelers coming to the United States temporarily.  The Consular section of the United States Embassy issues non-immigrant visas for Mozambicans and residents of Mozambique.  A visa is permission to apply for entry into the United States at a port of entry, where an Immigration officer determines admittance and length of stay.  All Mozambicans, including those in transit, require a visa for entrance into the United States.  Visa applications are adjudicated in accordance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act enacted by the United States Congress.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW.

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for a non-immigrant visa for a temporary visit to the United States applicants must:

• Apply for a visa in the consular district where they are resident.  For Mozambicans this generally means the Consular section in the U.S. Embassy in Maputo.

• Be physically present in the consular district where they apply.

• Overcome the presumption that they are intending immigrants.  To do so, applicants must show compelling ties to their home country that would assure their need to leave the United States and return home.

• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources so that they would not become a financial burden to the United States taxpayer.

The applicant assumes all of the burden of proof to qualify for a visa.
It is not advisable to purchase airline tickets before obtaining a visa.

PROCEDURES

1. Fill out and print a three-page electronic application form DS-156.  This form is available in English and Portuguese.  Each person applying for a visa requires an application form, including minor children who may be included in their parents’ passports.

2. Make an appointment for an interview at least three weeks before intended date of travel by calling the Consular section.

3. Verify that your passport will be valid for at least six months past the date you intend to enter the United States.

4. Obtain a current photograph which is full-face measuring two inches square (approximately 5x5 cm square) taken in front of a white or off-white background, without a hat, dark glasses, or any other accessories.  A new photograph must be taken for each visa application. Two places in Maputo that take photos correctly are: Kodak in the Shoprite complex and Foto Imagem in the Interfranca building.

5. Appear for the interview at 0800.  Latecomers will not be admitted.

must be taken for each visa application. Two places in Maputo that take photos correctly are: Kodak in the Shoprite complex and Foto Imagem in the Interfranca building.5. Appear for the interview at 0800.  Latecomers will not be admitted.

* * * Applicants who appear without a properly completed application form, valid passport, appropriate photograph, or fees will have the interview appointment rescheduled.* * *

FEES

Visa applicants must pay a $100 application fee.  The application fee is not refundable even if a visa is not issued. 

There are no fees for forms, information, or access to the Consular section.
Visa fees are payable in U.S. dollars or equivalent meticais and should be paid only to the Consular cashier at the Embassy on the day of interview.  Credit cards, personal checks, money orders, or any other form of payment are not accepted.

Some visa types have additional fees.  For example, all student and exchange visa applicants must pay a $100 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (Link to SEVIS site) fee.  A reciprocity fee may apply to non-Mozambican applicants from certain countries.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA APPLICATIONS

In addition to the DS-156 form, $100 application fee, a current photo, and valid passport, some additional items may be required or recommended to obtain a visa:

• Form DS-157 is required to be completed and signed by all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 years.  This form may be hand-written.

• Minors under 16 must provide evidence of both parents' permission to travel, or a death certificate if a parent is deceased, as well as a letter stating who is responsible for their travels and proof of financial resources.

• A letter from your employer stating your position, duration of employment, base salary, reason for travel, when you will travel and return, and who is financially responsible for your travel is recommended.

• If you are self-employed, providing a letter as stated above, a copy of your business registration and a copy of the bank statement of your business showing six months of activity is recommended.

• If you are attending a conference, training or business meeting, a letter of invitation from the host organization/company is recommended.

• Proof of your financial resources to travel to the United States (e.g., bank statements and/or your monthly salary receipts for the past six months) is recommended.

• Foreign residents should present their foreign resident card (DIRE) or a work visa.

• Those planning to study in the U.S. must also complete form DS-158 and bring either an I-20 or DS-2019 to their interview.  Their names must appear in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) a Department of Homeland Security database.

• Those traveling on a Diplomatic or Service passport must obtain a Diplomatic Note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bring original documents and photocopies.   All documents submitted as part of an application will be retained.  There is a $1.00 fee for each page photocopied in the Consular section.

* * * The Consular Officer may request additional documentation or information during the interview. * * *

SCHEDULING AN INTERVIEW

Applicants should schedule an interview at least three weeks before the intended date of travel by calling the Consular section.  Those who fail to plan ahead may find that their travel is delayed. 

VISA ISSUANCE

Some visas are issued on the day of interview while others may require additional processing.  For this reason, all applicants are advised to apply at least three weeks before intended date of travel. 

VISA REFUSAL

Some applications may be refused because they do not meet one or more of the qualifications.  In such a case, the applicant will be given a brief explanation at the interview.  Before considering making a new application, an applicant is advised that circumstances should change significantly and a minimum of six months should pass.

FINGERPRINTS

Applicants between the ages of 14-79 are required to be digitally fingerprinted during the visa interview.

HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Monday to Thursday 0730 to 1200 and 1300 to 1600
Fridays 0730 to 1100.

Interviews are normally conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 0800.

United States Embassy Consular section.
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda 193
Maputo, Mozambique
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
Fax (258) 21 49 0448
E-mail ConsularMaputo@state.gov
Website http://Mozambique.USEmbassy.gov

Diplomatic Visa information