How to Schedule an Appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Where to book your embassy appointment

You book a U.S. visa appointment through the State Department's online system, not by calling the embassy directly or walking in. The website you use depends on which country you are in. Most countries use VisaHunter.com or the State Department's own Consular Affairs portal — the embassy website for your location will tell you which one.

Do not assume all embassies use the same system. An embassy in Mexico may use a different booking platform than one in India. Start by finding your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on travel.state.gov, then look for the visa appointment link on that specific location's page. That link takes you to the right booking system for that post.

Some countries have multiple consulates. If you live near more than one, you can often book at whichever has the earliest opening. Check the appointment calendar for each location before you commit to traveling to one.

Key Takeaways

• You must book through the official State Department system for your country, which varies by location — check your embassy's website to find the correct link.
• Have your passport number, visa application confirmation number, and a valid email address ready before you start booking.
• Appointment slots open on a rolling schedule and fill quickly in busy locations, so check back regularly if nothing is available on your preferred date.
• You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time, location, and a list of documents to bring — save this email and bring it printed or on your phone.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the same system so the slot opens for someone else and you can rebook for a different date.

What you need before you book

Gather these documents and information before you log into the booking system. You cannot complete a booking without them, and having them ready means you will not lose your place in the queue if the system times out.

You need your passport number, the confirmation number from your visa application (DS-160 form), your date of birth, and a valid email address where you can receive your appointment confirmation. Some systems also ask for your phone number. If you are applying for a work visa, have your sponsoring company's name and address ready. For family visas, have the name and relationship of the person sponsoring you.

If you have already paid the visa fee, have your receipt number. If you have not paid yet, some systems will not let you book until payment is complete — check your embassy's requirements first.

How appointment slots work and when they open

The State Department releases appointment slots in batches, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the post. Slots for the next available month or quarter appear on the calendar, and you choose from what is open. You cannot request a specific date if nothing is available — you have to wait for the next release.

In busy locations like London, Mexico City, or Manila, slots fill within hours of opening. In smaller posts, you may have more choice. The system shows you the calendar before you log in, so you can see whether appointments are available before you enter your information.

If you see no open dates, check back in a few days. Cancellations happen constantly as people reschedule or withdraw applications. Some embassies post a schedule of when they release new slots — look for this on the embassy website under "visa appointments" or "appointment availability."

Completing your booking and what happens next

Once you select a date and time, the system will ask you to confirm your personal information and visa type. Double-check everything — your name must match your passport exactly, and your visa category must match what you put on your DS-160 form. If there is a mismatch, the embassy will reject you at your appointment.

After you confirm, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, location address, and a list of documents to bring. This email is your proof of appointment. Print it or save it on your phone — you will need to show it when you arrive.

The confirmation also tells you what time to arrive (usually 15 minutes early), where to go inside the embassy, and what security procedures to expect. Read this carefully. Many embassies do not allow phones, bags, or certain items inside the building, and you will be turned away if you bring them.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment

Log back into the same booking system using your confirmation number and email address. You will see an option to reschedule or cancel. If you cancel, the slot opens immediately for someone else. If you reschedule, you choose a new date from available slots.

Do not simply miss your appointment. If you do not show up and do not cancel, the embassy may refuse to book you again or charge you a fee to reschedule. If something unexpected happens and you cannot cancel online in time, call the embassy's visa line as soon as possible — the number is on your confirmation email.

If you cancel and then want to book again later, you go through the same process: log in, check availability, and select a new date. There is no penalty for canceling and rebooking, as long as you do it through the system.

What to bring and what to expect on appointment day

Bring your passport, your confirmation email (printed or on your phone), and every document listed in that email. Common documents include your DS-160 confirmation page, your visa fee receipt, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), employment letter, bank statements, and any police certificates or medical records your visa type requires.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. You will go through security screening, then wait in a holding area until your name is called. An officer will interview you about your visa purpose, your ties to your home country, and your plans in the United States. The interview usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

After the interview, the officer will tell you on the spot whether your visa is approved, denied, or under review. If approved, you will leave your passport with the embassy and it will be mailed to you with the visa stamped inside — this takes 5 to 10 business days in most locations. If denied, you receive a written explanation and can reapply later.

Troubleshooting common booking problems

If the website says your confirmation number is invalid, check that you entered it correctly — it is case-sensitive and has no spaces. If you still get an error, your DS-160 application may not have been submitted successfully. Go back to the DS-160 website, log in with your passport number, and confirm that your application shows a confirmation number at the end.

If you cannot find your embassy's booking link, search "U.S. embassy [city name] visa appointment" or go to travel.state.gov, find your country, and look under "visa services." If the page says appointments are not being scheduled, the embassy is temporarily closed to visa work — check back in a few days or contact them by email for a reopening date.

If you are in a country without a U.S. embassy, you may be able to book at a consulate in a neighboring country. Your nearest embassy website will list consulates in the region and tell you whether they handle visa appointments for your country of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment if I have not filled out my DS-160 form yet?

No. You need your DS-160 confirmation number to book, which means you must complete and submit the form first. You can save a partially completed form and come back to it, but you cannot book an appointment until it is fully submitted and you have the confirmation number.

What if there are no appointments available for months?

Check back regularly — cancellations open slots constantly. Some embassies also have emergency appointment procedures for people with urgent travel needs, such as a death in the family or a job start date. Call the embassy's visa line to ask whether you may have access to for an emergency appointment.

Do I have to book at the embassy closest to me?

No. You can book at any U.S. embassy or consulate, as long as it serves your country of residence. If multiple posts serve your area, you can check availability at each one and book at whichever has the earliest opening. Some people travel to a less busy location to get an earlier appointment.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

The embassy will likely cancel your application and you will have to start over, including paying the visa fee again. If you cannot make it, cancel through the booking system as soon as you know. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, call the embassy immediately to explain.

Can someone else attend my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person for your visa interview. The consular officer needs to see you, ask you questions, and assess your credibility. No one can attend on your behalf, and sending someone else will result in your application being denied.