Visa Services
General Information
If you want to travel to the U.S., you most likely will need a visa (click on Visa Waiver program for a list of exceptions). The following links provide additional information as to the requirements and documentation you will need to apply for a U.S. visa:
Nonimmigrant Visa – For short visits and travel to or transit through the U.S., as well as for prospective students who will study at a U.S. institution.
Immigrant Visa – For those planning to immigrate and live permanently in the U.S.
To apply for either of these visas, prospective applicants must come to the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica for an interview to determine eligibility. The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy serves citizens living in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Contact Information
142 Old Hope Rd., Kingston 6, Jamaica
The preferred method of communicating with the Visa Unit is by e-mail.
Hours of Operation
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., except for holidays
NIV Appointments and Visa Renewals: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and 1:30-2:30 Monday and Friday, by appointment only. Saturday appointments, when scheduled, are for visa renewals ONLY.
IV Interviews: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and 12:45- 2:30 p.m. Thursday, by appointment only.
Appointments
Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV): For NIVs, please visit your local Paymaster branch and pay the visa application fee of $131 U.S. dollars (payment must be made in Jamaican dollars at an exchange rate set by the U.S. Embassy). All applicants must schedule their own appointments at: https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=KNG&appcode=3.
Please note:
Appointments can be made between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and 1:30-2:30 Monday and Friday.
Saturday appointments, when scheduled, are for visa renewals ONLY.
The application fee is valid for one year.
TEMPORARY WORKERS AND PERFORMERS: For information about the application procedures for H-2B temporary worker visas and O and P class performance visas, you should e-mail the consular section at H2Bkingston@state.gov prior to coming in for the interviews to ensure a smooth process.
Immigrant Visas (IV): Personnel from the IV section of the U.S. Embassy will contact you once all the relevant paperwork is in order from the U.S. petitioner.
Access and Security Requirements for Visitors to the U.S. Embassy
All visitors to the Consular section, including all visa applicants and U.S. citizens, must enter the facilities via a dedicated consular entrance on Old Hope Road. All visitors to the Embassy are required to undergo a security check. Electronic items, including cell phones, cameras, beepers, and pagers, are prohibited on the Embassy compound and should be secured elsewhere before entering the Embassy. The Embassy reserves the right to limit the entry of possessions and does not have the means to store these items.
Transportation
The Embassy is located at 142 Old Hope Road in Liguanea, Kingston 6. It is accessible by public transportation, and commercial parking is available within a short walking distance of the Embassy.
Bus
There is a JUTC bus stop almost directly in front of the Embassy that services many bus routes. More information on routes and schedules can be found at http://www.jutc.com
Taxis
Kingston has many licensed taxi companies. Persons taking a taxi to the Embassy may be dropped off and picked up in front of the Embassy where there is a designated drop-off zone.
Parking
While the Embassy does not provide parking for visitors, ample commercial parking is available in a lot close to the Embassy. For example, a parking lot is situated at:
• 27 Munroe Road (Parking fee is payable in advance at Paymaster)
Other Helpful Internet Sites:
Visa Services
All Fees
Nonimmigrant Visas
