U.S. Embassy Harare Introduces Online Visa Appointment processing

16 February 2007: The U.S. Embassy announced today that starting March 1, 2007 all applicants in Zimbabwe who wish to apply for tourist, student, or other non-immigrant visas to the United States will be required to schedule their visa appointment on the internet via the U.S. Embassy’s website http://harare.usembassy.gov. 

This new system follows the successful introduction of the online visa application form.  Since November 1, 2006 visa applicants in Zimbabwe have been going online— whether from computer kiosks available at Standard Chartered Bank and internet cafes, or from their homes and offices- to fill out the required visa application forms. 

The visa application process, as a result, has been streamlined to be more efficient, reducing the time spent by applicants waiting for an interview each day.  The new online appointment scheduling system will further improve customer service by allowing applicants to schedule their own appointments and make any changes or cancellations online. 

Visa processing fees must still be paid at select Standard Chartered Bank branches.  Further information and detailed instructions on using the new online appointment system can be found at http://harare.usembassy.gov ###