Where to book your visa appointment

You schedule a U.S. visa appointment through the State Department's official visa website for your country, not through a travel agent or third-party service. The website is called the Consular Electronic process Center, or CEAC. Go to travel.state.gov, find your country in the list, and you will land on the page for the U.S. embassy or consulate that covers your location.

Each embassy and consulate runs its own appointment system. The website for your specific location will have a link labeled "Schedule an Appointment" or "Book Appointment." That link takes you to the scheduling portal — usually a system called CGI Federal or a similar contractor. You cannot book through the main State Department site; you must go through your local embassy or consulate.

If you are unsure which embassy or consulate serves your area, the country page on travel.state.gov lists all locations and their geographic coverage. Some countries have multiple consulates; the website will tell you which one handles your city or region.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment on the official website for your country's U.S. embassy or consulate, found through travel.state.gov, not through a private company.
  • You must complete and submit your visa form (DS-160 for most visas) before you can schedule an appointment; the system will not let you book without a confirmation number.
  • Appointment availability varies by location and visa type; some consulates have wait times of weeks or months, while others may have slots within days.
  • You will need your passport, a valid email address, and your DS-160 confirmation number to complete the booking.
  • The appointment fee is separate from the visa fee and must be paid before your interview date; payment methods vary by country.

Complete your visa form before booking

The scheduling system will not give you an appointment slot until you have filled out and submitted your visa process form. For most visa types — tourist, business, student, work — that form is the DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa process. You complete it on the State Department website at ceac.state.gov/genniv.

The DS-160 asks for personal information, travel history, employment, family details, and the reason for your trip. It takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete. When you finish, the system generates a confirmation page with a barcode and a confirmation number. Save this number and the barcode image — you will need both to schedule your appointment and to bring to your interview.

If you are explore for a different visa category — such as an immigrant visa, fiancé visa, or visa for a crew member — you will use a different form. The embassy website for your country will specify which form you need. Do not guess; using the wrong form will delay your appointment.

Log into the appointment system with your information

Once you have your DS-160 confirmation number, go to the appointment scheduling portal for your embassy or consulate. The portal will ask you to create an account or log in. You will provide your email address, a password, and your passport number. Some systems also ask for your date of birth and nationality.

After you log in, you will enter your DS-160 confirmation number. The system will pull up your process and verify that it matches your passport. If the information does not match — for example, if your name spelling differs — the system will reject it and you will need to correct your DS-160 before you can proceed.

Keep your login credentials in a safe place. You will use them again if you need to reschedule or if the consulate contacts you about your appointment.

Select your visa type and appointment date

The scheduling system will show you available appointment slots for your visa category. The dates and times available depend on how busy the consulate is. Some locations have slots within a week; others have wait times of two to three months or longer. The system shows you only the dates that are actually open — you cannot request a specific date if it is not listed.

Choose the date and time that works for you. Write down the date, time, and location. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

If no dates are available, check back regularly. Consulates release new appointment slots throughout the month as cancellations come in. Some locations allow you to join a waitlist; if that option appears, you can add yourself and the system will notify you if a slot opens up.

Pay the appointment fee

After you select your appointment date, the system will direct you to pay the appointment fee. This is separate from the visa issuance fee you may pay later. The appointment fee is typically around 160 U.S. dollars for most visa types, but the exact amount varies by country and visa category. The system will show you the amount before you pay.

Payment methods differ by location. Some consulates accept credit cards, bank transfers, or payment through a local bank. A few locations require you to pay in person at a bank before your appointment. The scheduling portal will tell you which methods are accepted in your country and provide instructions.

Keep your payment receipt. You will need to show it at your interview to prove you paid the appointment fee.

Confirm your appointment and prepare your documents

After payment, the system will display your appointment confirmation. It will show your date, time, location, and a confirmation number. Print this page or save it as a PDF. Bring it with you to your interview along with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and payment receipt.

The confirmation email will also include instructions on what documents to bring and what to expect during your interview. Read these carefully; requirements vary by visa type and by consulate. For example, a tourist visa interview may require proof of funds and a return ticket, while a work visa interview will require a job offer letter and sponsorship documents.

Arrive at the consulate 15 minutes before your appointment time. Security screening can take time, and arriving late may result in your appointment being cancelled. Bring only the documents the consulate asked for; large bags and electronics are often not permitted inside.

What to do if you need to reschedule

If you cannot make your appointment, log back into the scheduling portal using your email and password. You should see an option to cancel or reschedule. Cancel your current appointment, then select a new date from the available slots. You will not be charged again if you reschedule; the fee you already paid covers the new appointment.

If the portal does not allow you to reschedule online, contact the consulate directly. The phone number and email address are on the embassy website for your country. Explain that you need to change your appointment date and provide your confirmation number. Response times vary; some consulates reply within a day, while others may take a week.

Do not straightforward miss your appointment without rescheduling. If you do not show up, your appointment slot may be forfeited and you may have to wait weeks for another opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment before I have my passport?

No. The scheduling system requires your passport number to create an account and verify your DS-160 form. You must have a valid passport before you can book. If your passport is expired or you do not have one yet, renew or obtain it first through your country's passport office.

What if the appointment system says no dates are available?

Check back in a few days. Consulates release new slots regularly as cancellations occur. Some portals have a waitlist option; if yours does, you can join it and receive a notification if a slot opens. You can also contact the consulate directly to ask when new appointments may be released.

Do I have to pay the appointment fee even if my visa is denied?

Yes. The appointment fee pays for the consulate to interview you and process your process. It is separate from the visa issuance fee. If your visa is denied, the appointment fee is not refunded, but you do not owe the issuance fee.

How long before my trip should I book an appointment?

Book as soon as you know your travel dates. Appointment wait times vary widely by location and season. Some consulates have slots within weeks; others have waits of two to three months or longer. Booking early gives you more date options and reduces the risk of missing your trip.

Can someone else schedule an appointment for me?

The scheduling system requires your own email address and passport number, so you must create the account yourself. However, a family member or friend can help you navigate the website or sit with you while you complete it. They cannot submit the form on your behalf.