Visas to the U.S.
- Click here if you wish to learn more about living permanently in the United States as an immigrant.
- Click here if you wish to learn more about the Diversity Visa program.
If you are interested in obtaining a non-immigrant (visitors) visa to visit the United States for business, pleasure, or studies, please follow the instructions posted below.
How To Submit Visa Applications
- All applicants must complete their application form (DS-156) online, print out the three pages, and bring the printed form to their visa interview. Click here to access the online visa application form (DS-156). This form produces a barcode, which the Consular Section scans to enter information into its system, making data entry more efficient. Applicants who appear with forms that are printed on poor quality printers or have damaged barcodes will have to leave the embassy to reprint their forms before their interview.
- Applicants 16 years and over also need to complete form DS-157 prior to their interview and bring this form with them. Click here to download form DS-157. Note, unlike the DS-156, this form must be completed by hand.
- After printing the application form(s), applicants must use the electronic appointment system. Click here to schedule your visa appointment on a convenient date, up to three months in advance. Applicants need the barcode from their DS-156 form in order to use the electronic appointment system.
What To Bring To Your Visa Interview
All applicants need to arrive at the embassy 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment with their complete application packet, including:- NRC or other photo identification (to leave with the embassy’s guard force)
- Current passport, which will remain valid for at least six months after planned entry into the United States.
- All prior passports.
- Completed application form (DS-156)
- All applicants over 16 years of age, must also bring their supplemental form (DS-157).
- Proof of social, family, economic, professional ties to home country.
- Recent photograph, 2 inches square (50 mm square), color, front facing (for more information click here.)
- Nonrefundable visa application fee of $131.00 or Kwacha equivalent (the fee must be paid entirely in one currency)
To minimize delays during security screening, applicants are advised against bringing cellphones and other electronics to their interview – the embassy does not allow these items on the premises – and to consider leaving bags and purses outside as these items will be searched prior to entry.
In the event that applicants have any special, physical needs that will require additional assistance, please notify the consular section when making your appointment. Any person accompanying such applicants will also need to bring photo identification to enter the Consular Section.
Additional Requirements for Students and Exchange Visitors
- Evidence of payment of SEVIS fee.
- Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 as applicable.
- Evidence that sufficient funds are readily available to cover the first year of studies. Evidence from sponsor noting ability to be a sponsor.
- Supplemental visa application form (DS-157)
- Contact information and work history form (DS-158). Please note under item 6, the word "siblings" means "brothers and sisters."
Picking Up Your Visa
Applicants who are issued visas will generally be advised to return at 1500 hours on the following day to pick-up their passport with visa. Those applicants who are interviewed on Thursdays will need to return on the following Monday to pick-up their passport.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Information about the visa process is available on the Embassy’s home page at http://zambia.usembassy.gov. For more information, you may e-mail the Consular Section at: ConsularLusaka@state.gov. Public Inquiry hours are Mondays or Wednesdays, 1400 to 1600 hours at (260)(1)250-955. You may access FREE forms at the Embassy web-site: http://zambia.usembassy.gov (look under the “Visa” section) or at http://evisaforms.state.gov.
