As of January 27, 2025, the United States Embassy in Guatemala is conducting interviews for non -immigrant visas at its new headquarters, located in Boulevar Austrian 11-51, zone 16right next to Cayalá esplanade.
For those who have already completed form DS-160, created a user on the official platform and made the corresponding payment, the next step is to prepare for the Face -to -face consular appointment.
This interview represents a key moment in the visa application process and, therefore, it is important to know the Income requirements to the facilities, as well as the Security and Logistics Restrictions current.
This article offers a complete guide with everything that should be known for the day of the interview, based on the recent experience of a applicant who shared his testimony.
Prior process to the appointment for visa
Before consulting the dates available for the interview, the applicant must complete the DS-160 formAvailable online. Once finished, you must create a user in the Official website.
After registering and making the corresponding payment, the system allows consult the available dates and schedule the appointment.
Only the entry of applicants is allowed by scheduled appointment
As a general rule, only the people who They have a previously scheduled appointment They can enter the consular section of the embassy.
However, specific exceptions are contemplated:
- Parents or legal guardians who accompany minors.
- PEOPLE OF PEOPLE elderly or with disability.
- Assistance dogs Trained are also allowed.
For special cases such as caregivers or translators, it should be previously consulted in the Embassy websitewhere the applicable requirements and guidelines are explained.
All visitors will go through security control
Each person entering the consular section must undergo a rigorous security controlsimilar to airports.
It is important to know that the embassy It does not have personal object storage facilitiesso it is recommended to carry only the indispensable: that is only the Documents for the appointment.
Safety tips: Avoid jewelry, chips, rejoles and vehicle keys
Although certain objects such as car keys may seem harmless, many applicants have reported that security agents place Repairs in the stations prior to the interview. For this reason, it is recommended not to carry:
- The striking or ostentatious jewelry, Although it does not appear in the official list of prohibited objects, during security control, since, as at airports, they could request their removal in some stations.
- In the same way, the Metal belts – Commonly known as “carbies” – they are not prohibited either, but they can cause delays or discomforts during the review.
The entrance process includes several stations, and each one can be strict in the application of the protocol. The simpler the clothing and the least personal objects take, more agile will be the income.
Personal belongings
Many people choose to attend accompanied by a relative or friendso that this person protects his personal objects while the interview is conducted.
On the outskirts of the embassy, as happened in the former headquarters of zone 10, There are independent Guatemalans that offer services such as photographs impression, cell phones, backpacks or bags and documents, among others.
These services are not officially regulated, so it works under trust agreements.
He Average cost for saving a cell phone either bag It is from Q50 For each device or bagimpression of approximately documents Q100.00.
Parking: Where to leave the vehicle?
As of April 10, 2025, the only parking lots near the new headquarters of the United States Embassy in Guatemala are:
Prices are as follows:
- Q15 by The first three hours.
- Q10 by Every additional hour or fraction.
How to get to the Embassy walking or by electric bus?
Walking from Cayalá is safe and accessible. Exist two smart traffic lights on the Austrian boulevard that allow crossing the avenue safely.
For those who prefer not to walk, Cayalá Cardales has a Guatemala (TEG) electric transport bus station which makes direct trips to the entrance of the embassy.
- The value of the service is Q20 for a trip round trip.
- The ticket is acquired in the cardales kiosk, with cash payment or card.
Can you take credit card?
Some applicants have reported that Credit cards They are allowed to admission.
Nevertheless, It is not recommended to carry coins or other unnecessary metal objects that can activate safety sensors or generate inconveniences during inspection.
Is it advisable to use Uber?
Many applicants choose to mobilize through private transport platforms such as Uber to avoid the inconveniences of the parking lot.
However, when they leave the interview they will not be able to use their cell phone to request another trip, since electronic devices must be left out.
For this reason, it is recommended:
- Coordinate the return previously With the driver.
- Or that someone trusted Wait for the applicant in the vicinity.
Prohibited articles at the US embassy in Guatemala
The United States embassy maintains a strict list of objects that They are not allowed within its facilities. Among them are:
Electronic devices
- Cameras or video
- Recording devices
Exceptions: Electronic vehicle keys and medical devices such as pacemakers or medical headphones are allowed to enter.
Personal objects
- Backpacks, wallets or bags with measures higher than 22 x 25 x 43 cm (9 x 10 x 17 inches).
- Liquids that exceed the 100 ml (3.4 ounces).
- Loose coins, lighters, matches, cigarettes or pure.
- Scissors, blades, nail metallic tools or any cutting object.
- Weapons, ammunition or explosive materials.
- Watches in general since they are not allowed by batteries.
In the case of babies
The entry of:
- Breast milk or formula Liquid already prepared.
NO POWDER Formula is not allowed.
Final recommendations
- It is essential to carry Only the necessary documents For the interview.
- Do not forget a printed copy of the instructions and the confirmation of the appointment.
- Prepare Various control stations before arriving at the consular officer.
- Dress in shape sober and comfortable.
- Avoid unnecessary changes in the appointment, since the system has Limits for reprogramming.