Global Technical Issues with Passport and Visa Systems

The Department of State's visa systems are restored and all visa-issuing embassies and consulates are now back online. All applicants can now schedule appointments and attend current appointments as normal. We have printed all approved applications.

If you are travelling on an F, J, H or L visa or if you are travelling for urgent medical treatment please send us an email to KhartoumNIV@state.gov

If you made an interview appointment, and we were not able to interview you because of the system problems, please reschedule your interview appointment now. We will open up additional appointments as soon as we are able.

Visa applicants with passports at the Embassy and interview dates of June 1-25, 2015 may collect their passports from 2 pm to 3 pm any working day except Thursday July 2, 2015.

We ask for your continued patience as we try work through the backlog and accommodate all travelers.

Arabic (PDF 95 KB)

Follow these steps to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV):

Step 1: Determine if you need a visa

Anyone not eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program is required to obtain a visa.  Sudan is not a Visa Waiver Program country.  Click here for more information.

Step 2: Check your passport

You must have a current passport that will remain valid for six month from the date of your departure from the U.S.  Your passport must include exact English translation of all names that appear in your native language.

Note: According to the Sudanese Ministry of Interior, regardless of the expiration date, all non-electronic or hand-written passports are invalid after November 25, 2015. As a result, the U.S. Embassy can no longer accept non-electronic Sudanese passports.

Step 3:  Have your photo taken

Everyone is required to submit a photo that meets our photo requirements.  The key requirement is that the photograph clearly identifies the applicant.  The photo must be 5 x 5 cm with a plain white background.  Click here for detailed information on our photo requirements. You must bring the photo when you come to the embassy for the interview.

Step 4:  Complete the CEAC online visa application form

Every NIV applicant, including children, must complete the CEAC online application form.  For families applying together, each family member must complete a separate application form, but can schedule one appointment for the interview.  Depending on your visa category, other documentation may be required.  You must print the confirmation page from the DS-160 and bring it to your appointment.  Click here for more information.

Step 5:  Make an appointment

All appointments for visa interviews must be scheduled online.  Please follow these instructions to make an appointment.  There is no walk-in visa service.  You will not be allowed into the Embassy without an appointment or the DS-160 confirmation page with readable barcode.  For families applying together, each person should complete the application form, but can schedule one interview for the family.  

Note: Certain applicants may qualify for an expedited appointment.  If you are a student, returning worker with an H visa, or need emergency medical treatment, send us an email at KhartoumNIV@state.gov to request an expedited appointment.

Step 6:  Gather supporting documentation

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, certain supporting documentation is required.  Click here for more information.

Step 7:  Arrive for your visa interview

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.  Be sure to bring your printed DS-160 confirmation page with readable barcode, or you will not be admitted to the embassy.  Here is what you can expect when you arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum for your NIV interview.

The U. S. Embassy Khartoum conducts interviews in Arabic or English. Applicants who speak other languages are allowed to provide their own translators if desired, but the U. S. Embassy Khartoum does not provide or pay for such services. Please remeber that everyone seeking entry to the U. S. Embassy, including translators, must present a valid photo ID or they will not be admitted.

Step 8:  Pay application fee

All applicants, with the exception of officials and diplomats going on official business, must pay the non-refundable application fee prior to being interviewed for a visa. Application fees can be paid in Sudanese Pounds OR in U.S. Dollars.  Click here for more information.

Step 9:  Receive your passport and visa

If your application for a visa is approved, we will inform you when your passport and visa will be ready for pickup.  Click here for more information.