How to Apply for A Visa in Tripoli

APPLICATION FORM AND PHOTO

NEW! All applicants applying at US Embassy Tripoli for a visa are required to fill out the new DS-160 form on line.  Note that this form replaces the DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158 you may have completed in the past when applying for a U.S. visa.  Applicants should be aware that the form must be completely filled out, and asks for data such as a contact address and telephone number in the United States.  The DS-160 also requires a digital photo, less than 1MB, to be uploaded as part of the application process.  Click here for photo requirements. NOTE: This means that the procedure to apply for a visa in Tripoli is different than the procedure to apply in Tunis.
This first pilot version of the DS-160 will only be available in English. Future versions will allow the user to see translations of the site in Arabic.
*There is no longer a written application form*. After completing the new DS-160, the applicant will electronically submit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes only limited biographical information, your photo and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to the interview, along with a photograph (see photo requirements above), and a photocopy of their passport photo page and name translation page.  Although uploading a photo is part of the application process, we still require visa applicants to bring one photo with them in the even that the system will not accept the uploaded version.

Please note: if the online application has not been completed fully and properly the applicant’s case cannot be processed and a new interview appointment will be required.

Click here to start the application. 

(Note: Completing the application does NOT automatically schedule the interview appointment, read below on how to schedule the interview after completing the online form.)

SCHEDULING AN INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT

Once you have completed the above steps, click here to make your interview appointment.  You must complete your DS-160 before scheduling the appointment.  The appointment system will require you to enter the barcode number on the DS-160 confirmation page in order to proceed to the appointment calendar. 

All applicants for non-immigrant visas must make an appointment using our online system. This allows us to provide timely and professional service to all applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged.

   
PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING

Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Administrative processing can take several weeks, so applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of travel plans.

Fees

All non-immigrant visa applicants, including children, must pay an Application Processing Fee for Nonimmigrant Visas of US$131 or Libyan Dinar equivalent. This fee is paid at the Consular Section of the US Embassy at the time of the interview. This fee is for the visa application, and in no way guarantees visa issuance. Fees are not refundable. Additionally, if the visa is issued, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, if applicable. If there is a fee for issuance for the visa, it is equal as nearly as possible to the fee charged to United States citizens by the applicant's country of nationality.

What Do I Need to Bring TO THE INTERVIEW?

Applicants should gather the following documents:
1.    Passport valid for at least six months beyond any planned travel in the U.S. and at least one blank page.
2.    The 131 U.S. dollar (or the equivalent of 180 Libyan Dinars) non-refundable application fee.  Please bring exact change.
3.    DS-160 application confirmation sheet
4.    A photograph according to the photo requirements discussed above
5.    A photocopy of the passport photo page and passport page containing applicant’s name in English.
6.    Appointment confirmation sheet
7.    Students Only: The original I-20 or DS-2019
8.    Students Only: SEVIS fees (I-901) must be paid on-line and at the time of the interview the proof of payment must be submitted to the Consular staff. (For more information about the SEVIS fees please contact our Public affairs Office or the SEVIS payment website at  www.fmjfee.com.)
9.    Students Only: Any documents supporting your financial ability to afford studying in the United States of America (Bank Statement, Governmental scholarship proof). Documents do not need to be notarized.
10.  In addition to the above requirements, applicants should be prepared to clearly demonstrate their economic, family and social ties to their country of residence.  All applicants must convince the interviewing officer of their ability to independently travel to the United States for the intended purpose, and their intention to return to their home countries following a temporary visit to the United States.  Since each case is unique, each applicant should provide information and documentation which best supports his or her situation. 

Please note that invitation letters from contacts or acquaintances in the U.S. are NOT required.  Invitation letters mailed, faxed or e-mailed directly to the Consular Section in relation to an applicant's case cannot be matched to the applicant's application.  If an applicant still feels that an invitation will be helpful in explaining his or her particular situation, he or she should bring a copy to the interview.  Invitation letters need not be notarized or official.

For more information, you may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli from Sunday to Thursday between 12:00 PM and 4:45 PM at +218-91-379-4560 or by email to TripoliConsular@state.gov.

Please note that we will only process cases meeting these requirements, and that unprepared applicants may be asked to make another appointment.