Non-Immigrant Visas
NON-IMMIGRANT VISA SERVICES
General Information:
The Consular Section processes the non-immigrant visa applications of Zimbabwean nationals and third-country nationals seeking to travel to the
Please click here for our customer service statement to all visa applicants.
For general information about visas and the type of visa appropriate for your intended purpose of travel, please visit the U.S. Department of State Visa website.
For a complete A-Z listing of visa topics and information, please click here.
The following information pertains to visa applications made at the U.S. Embassy in
Note: Do not wait until the last minute! Inform yourself of visa application requirements and apply for your visa in advance of your planned travel dates. All applicants, including those renewing a visa, are required to appear in person at the
• Visa Processing Times
• Fees and Forms
• Application for Expedited Visa Interview
• Important Notices
• Detailed NIV Application Instructions
Visa Inquiries:
The Consular Section handles all public inquiries regarding both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa information. To contact the Consular Section, please send an email to: consularharare@state.gov or call 04-250-593, Ext 4751 between 13:00 – 15:00.
Visa Processing Times
The average processing time is 2 business days. If approved for a visa, applicants usually receive their visas the next business day. All applicants should be aware that the time given above is an average, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary based on individual circumstances and other special requirements.
Because of increasing demand for visa appointments and increased processing requirements and times, we advise all applicants to apply well in advance of their anticipated travel dates. For the latest visa appointment wait times, please visit the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.
At the time of the
visa interview, each applicant must present to the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in
1. A valid passport
2. A completed application (Form DS-156) with printed barcode
3. Males between 16-45 years old must also complete a "Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application" (Form DS-157
4. All student visa applicants must also complete a Form DS-158
5. One 5 cm x 5 cm passport photograph with a white background
6. A printed appointment confirmation page from the online appointment system
7. Pay the non-refundable application fee of $131 in cash (only US dollars only)
In addition to the visa application fee, student (F/M) and exchange visitor (J1) applicants must also pay an extra fee called a SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. As of
All application forms are provided free of charge from the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy, as well as electronically on the Embassy website. Please note that all applicants must use the electronic version of the DS-156 nonimmigrant visa application form and print out the completed application on a laser-jet printer. For more information, please see "How to Apply."
Application for Expedited Visa Interview
To request an earlier interview date, you must first schedule a visa appointment online. Once you have obtained an appointment, please send an email to consularharare@state.gov. In the body of your email, please include your original appointment date/time, the barcode number from your Electronic Visa Application Form, and brief explanation why you need an expedited appointment. Do NOT call or walk-in to request an expedited visa interview. Send requests by email only. If your expedited visa request is approved, we will email you back a confirmation with your new interview appointment.
Important Notices
Please keep in mind that your signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct. You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you. Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.
When you arrive at the Embassy, you will be guided through security screening to the Consular Section. Please note, you are not allowed to bring electronic devices, including mobile telephones, into the Embassy. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation.
As is standard practice around the world, we do not permit third parties to attend nonimmigrant visa interviews. This rule also applies to third parties who are American Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. If a third party has an interest in your case, please have them write a letter stating their interest and bring it to your interview. Minors may only be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Your interview can be conducted in English, Shona, or Ndebele, as you prefer.
No assurance regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Please, do not make any binding travel plans until you have received your visa.
Detailed NIV Application Instructions
You will need access to the internet and a printer in order to fill-out an on-line application, print the application, and schedule an appointment for a visa interview. We regret that we cannot accept hand written applications.
1. Please read through these instructions, then click here to begin.
2. Again, please read through the instructions on the page, and then click on the box for "DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Forms" on the bottom of the page.
3. Enter the information requested into the appropriate spaces on the form. Please answer all questions. Your answers must be in English and must use English characters. If a particular question does not apply to your circumstances, do not leave it blank – Please write "N/A," or "Not applicable."
4. Click on the "continue" button at the bottom of the form and print the document. You should have three pages: A two page DS-156 and a barcode sheet. The pages must be printed in black ink on letter-size white paper. The two-dimensional barcode on page 3 must be printed legibly.
5. After you have printed the form, sign and date it, and attach a 5 cm x 5 cm passport photograph with a white background.
6. Next, click on the box at the bottom of the page to "Schedule Appointment." You will be prompted to enter the barcode number from your electronic visa application form. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without this barcode.
7. Choose the date and time of your interview and enter the requested information. Print out the NIV appointment confirmation page. You will be required to present this page at the U.S. Embassy on the day of your interview.
Please Note: The online program will not allow applicants to save their data. Thus, when you close the electronic visa application, all applicant data will be lost. Also, the interview date you schedule can only be changed via the internet using the same online scheduling system.
8. Male applicants between the ages of 16 to 45 years are also required to complete a Form DS-157, which can be downloaded from this website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html
At the Time of Your Visa Interview, All Applicants Must Bring the Following:
1. A passport valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay in the
2. "Nonimmigrant Visa Application" (Form DS-156) completed online.
3. Males between 16-45 years old must complete a "Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application" (Form DS-157)
4. All student visa applicants must also complete a Form DS-158, which can be downloaded from this website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html
5. Appointment confirmation page from the online appointment system.
6. One 5 cm x 5 cm passport photograph with a white background.
7. $131 application fee to be paid at the U.S. Embassy at the time of the interview. This fee must be paid in U.S. dollars, cash only.