The US Embassy has issued a warning notice to visa applicants in Kenya, Uganda and other countries regarding the booking of appointments and what may lead to cancellations.
According the a statement from the US Embassy in Uganda, applicants are urged to avoid using third-party facilitators or vendors when scheduling their visa interviews.
“Applicants! If you use a facilitator to book an appointment and the information on your visa application is false or fake (such as your phone number and email address), the Embassy reserves the right to cancel your appointment,” the statement read in part.
Any false or inaccurate information on visa applications, including incorrect phone numbers or email addresses, may result in the cancellation of appointments.
The Embassy also emphasised that applicants are solely responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of the information they provide.
Third Party Visa Bookings
Applicants are advised to book appointments themselves or seek assistance only from trusted family members or friends.
Using unauthorised services can lead to added fees and complications in the visa application process.
“You are responsible for ensuring that all information in your application is accurate and truthful. “REMINDER: You are responsible for ensuring that all information in your visa application is accurate and truthful,” the notice read.
“Book your own appointment or get help from a trusted family member or friend. Avoid third-party vendors and added fees.”
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The Embassy reminds all applicants to ensure their information is correct and to avoid any practices that could jeopardise their appointments.
Visa Applicants Warned Against Paying B1/B2 Visa Bond Before Interview
The U.S. Embassy in Uganda issued an advisory warning citizens applying for a business or tourist (B1/B2) visa not to pay their bond in advance.
In a statement issued on February 8, the Ugandan embassy stated that payments made before the interview are not refundable.
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A consular officer will provide instructions on how to pay the bond after the interview, if the applicant is eligible.
“Paying a bond before your interview does not guarantee a visa,” the US Embassy advisory read in part.
Applicants will receive a direct link to pay.gov and instructions for payment after their interview.
“A consular officer will give you a direct link to pay.gov and instructions for payment after your interview,” the advisory added.
The embassy emphasised that no citizen should pay their visa bond in advance.
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