NONIMMIGRANT VISA SERVICES
Visas to the U.S.
On January 5, 2004, the US-VISIT program
began at U.S. ports of entry. All travelers entering the United States
with a visa will have an electronic scan taken of left and right index
fingers, and will be photographed by a digital camera at the inspection
point. This process should add just seconds to processing time, and
will help to secure borders while enhancing the integrity of our immigration
system and respecting the privacy of our visitors. Visitors will also
be asked to register their exit from the United States at US-VISIT
exit kiosks at the airport. For further information, please see www.dhs.gov/US-VISIT.
The visa section of the Embassy conducts interviews, by appointment,
Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Applicants issued
visas can collect their passports and ask for information at the
upper entrance of the embassy, Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm
to 4:00 pm.
In order to apply for a U.S. visa, all applicants must first
go to any branch of Credit
Libanais Bank, where they will pay their $100 application
fee and receive an appointment date. On the day of the appointment,
applicants are asked to come to the Visa Section at the time designated
on their receipts, with their passports, completed applications,
photo, and any required supporting documentation. Children under
the age of 14 do not need to appear in person for the interview;
parents can perform the interview in their place.
American immigration law requires that applicants demonstrate that
they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law. In general,
the consular officer will ask questions about:
- The purpose of your trip to the United States and your plan to
stay for a specific, limited period of time;
- Your social and economic ties in Lebanon, which will compel you
to return at the end of your visit, and;
- Financial information indicating that you can cover the costs
of the trip.
Note: Citizens of Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium,
Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom are also eligible to participate
in the Visa Waiver Program.
Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry
into the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
has authority to decide whether an individual is admitted, and for
how long. For further information on what to expect at the U.S.
port of entry, see the Destination USA website at www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.
Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration
date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visitor visa in
an expired passport, the traveler may use it along with a new valid
passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Further information on how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa can
be obtained via several different channels:
- By calling 1466 from any mobile. This is a Libancall number that
will charge you 25 cents per minute.
- By e-mailing the visa section at usvisas@inco.com.lb.
- By calling the Embassy at 04-542600 or 04-543600, Monday through
Friday from 1400-1600 in the afternoon.
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Nonimmigrant
Visas 