How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa (B2 Visa) in Jeddah
Requirements:·
Passport (the newer the better)·
2x2 photo, white background (one printed and one digital copy)·
Certificate of Employment (Private sector employees needs to have their COE stamped at the Chamber of Commerce)·
Bank Statement, 6 months·
Iqama (Original and Copy)·
Old Passports·
List of Countries you’ve been to·
Any other documents that you think would support your application
1. Fill up the DS-160 form. Make sure you fill everything correctly. Don’t leave anything blank, if it does not apply, just put DOES NOT APPLY. Be honest, they will know if you’re lying. Upload your digital photo (not a photo taken by your phone). Review before signing. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS VALID AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BEYOND YOUR INTENDED TRAVEL DATE!
Print the confirmation page, you will need it when you go to the consulate. (Tip: print out the form once you reviewed it before clicking sign and apply so you can use it for reviewing the answers in preparation for your interview)
Take note of the things encircled in red The application ID varies from person to person, you can select your own security question from the drop down menu. Just make sure you remember it.
DS-160 Form: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
I will write about how to fill this up on a separate blog entry when I get the time.
2. Create an account for your appointment. Sign up for an account on the US Travel Docs Website . Choose B2 Visa type. Keep a copy of the CGI Reference Number, yes print it if you can, you will need it when you pay at the bank.
3. Go to your nearest SAMBA bank. Tell the receptionist that you want to pay for your US VISA. Fill in your details on the left side of the form then go to the teller and pay the equivalent of 160USD (in my time it was 608SR) Keep the receipt with you. Your payment will be processed within 24h.
The form looks like this:
4. Schedule your appointment. Log in to that website where you made your appointment around 11AM the next day. Click continue appointment on the top left. It will detect your payment automatically. Choose the date and time most convenient to you. Print the appointment confirmation page. (Tip: I suggest schedule your appointment either on a Monday or Tuesday so you can get your visa the same week if approved. The earlier the better 😉)
Check the forms that you have with you now:·
DS-160 confirmation page·
Appointment confirmation page·
Receipt of your SAMBA transaction
Bring these with you on your appointment date with the documents I wrote above.
Day of Interview tips·
Arrive 20-30min early. They have like 4 security checks before you enter the Consulate premises so you need some time for this. Also, don’t bring your mobile phone or any electronic device such as mobile wifi, USB, etc. If you bring a bag, you can’t bring it inside with you, so only bring your wallet and your documents on an envelope or folder. The main entrance is in front of the mosque near the Parking Lot of Solaiman Fakeih Hospital. Careful when crossing the road!
Consulate General Of The United States - Jeddah Falastin, Al-Hamra'a, Jeddah 23323 012 667 0080 https://goo.gl/maps/ZpvAoCJNoct
Fold your DS-160 form with your appointment slip lengthwise and keep it tucked in your passport.·
After you pass all the security checks, you will be given a number, keep it with you throughout the process until the receptionist takes it from you.·
You will be told to queue on the window where your biometrics will be taken. The lady or gentleman will ask you random things, don’t be nervous, this isn’t your interview YET. But answer politely and honestly with a smile.·
Once you finished giving your biometrics, they will ask you to sit and wait for your number to be called for interview! Relax. Inhale. Exhale. Listen to the people before you on how the consul asked them so you get an idea how to answer but put in mind that everyone either gets approved or not so don’t get discouraged when you hear a lot of “sorry you are not eligible for a visa.” It’s normal.·
Once your number is called, smile, be confident (or just pretend to be😝), look them in the eyes and answer them in a straightforward polite manner. No need to elaborate unless asked.
Give only the documents they need.
Be honest!
If you get the approval, congratulations! ARAMEX will send you a message around 1800h the next day (see image below) . You can pick it up immediately, just bring your iqama.
Aramex Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road، Al Bawadi, Jeddah 23531 9200 27447 https://goo.gl/maps/37D8N5HwQBp
Filipinos get to have a 10-year multiple entry visa!
Each visit entitles you to stay for a maximum period of 180 days.
If you don’t, don’t get discouraged! You can try again but make sure you ask the reason why they refused your visa so you know what to do next time.
