Sierra253

Hey guys. I have a few questions I was hoping someone could answer, from experience. I have my immigrant visa interview on Friday at the US Embassy in London. I know there is a list of prohibited items but I've seen conflicting lists. Hopefully someone who has had their interview recently can help me out.

1. Are mobile phones allowed into the Embassy?

2. Would a messenger bag be allowed in? I know I have to leave my backpack somewhere secure off site before I go there, but I have a folder full of documents that I don't really want to carry them around on the train, etc.

3. I saw that I wouldnt be allowed to carry in a folder but I figured everyone would be, since everyone has documents. Does anyone know if this is true? I could see through it with sealed envelopes and whatnot but a folder? Really?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the help.

Bob

There's a thread in the visa section on this....don't know if the search function will find it out, but should be a few pages back if you looked out for it...

RICH

A Sticky Thread in fact.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=824688

off_again

I know its answered elsewhere, but I will take the time to answer from my experience just before christmas!

1) No, you will be checked!!! Use the pharmacy down the road to securely store your electronic stuff (including tablets and kindles!). Ask as the security gate / the people standing outside for the directions - leave EXTRA time to make sure you do this. There are no exceptions.

2) Again, store it. I took a card folder with the necessary stuff. You can get water, snacks etc in the waiting room itself. I must admit that I was rather pleased with the overall speed that things got processed. Not much hanging around.

3) I took an a4 card folder - you know the usual fold over ones with the paperwork inside. It was extensive with a load of stuff in there. You are checked and scanned using an airport-like scanner before entering the grounds, so nothing getting through easily.


Biggest thing is leaving extra time though. We were early for our appointments due to train times etc. Spent an extra 15-20 minutes going backwards and forwards sorting out the secure storage. Silly me! Sorted in the end, but takes time.

Cafe next to the pharmacy does a great English breakfast though.... look out for it!

RICH

The link I provided has info that some things have changed since Feb 2014.

maemaesmummy

Mobile phones including iPhones, iPads, kindles were all fine to take in (no laptops with physical keyboards) and car keys were fine too. This was April 2014

off_again

Oh wow, it has changed then..... blimey!

MidAtlantic

Follow what the Embassy says:

http://london.usembassy.gov/visas_security.html

Sierra253

Thank you for all the help,I really appreciate it. Hopefully the rest goes well!