Contact numbers are:
Monday through Friday, 0800 hours to 1800 hours, except Jamaican or U.S.
holidays.
Local Kingston number: 1-876-621-0252
Toll Free From Jamaica: 1-800-572-7780
Toll Free From the U.S.: 1-888-243-4840
From the U.S. or the Cayman Islands: 1-202-621-2128. Please note long distance
toll rates apply when calling this number.
Self-Service Website:
www.usvisa-jamaica.com
All Jamaicans who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents need a
visa to enter the U.S. Nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) are intended for those who
plan to visit the U.S. for business or pleasure; students or exchange visitors
embarking on study or cultural work programs in the U.S.; people who are
transiting through the U.S. to other onward destinations; seasonal temporary
workers or workers who have been hired by U.S. companies for longer periods of
time; visitors on diplomatic, official or U.N. business; journalists who are
providing media coverage of time-specific events; and others who are traveling
to the U.S. for limited time periods.
Applicants under the age of 10 and over the age of 79 do not need to appear in
person unless requested. All other applicants must appear in person. This
requirement to appear personally applies both to first-time applicants and to
those seeking to renew previously issued visas.
Anyone charging money for collateral services outside the US Embassy is not affiliated with the US government. Beware of unscrupulous agents purporting to represent the US Embassy.
Applicants can make an appointment by following the procedures outlined here.
The U.S. Department of State now requires all applicants to fill out an electronic version of DS-160.
Each DS-160 confirmation page will have a barcode used for scanning the application when you appear at the Embassy for your appointment. Unacceptable barcodes (those that are not read by our scanner due to poor printer quality and other factors) will not be accepted and applicants will have to exit the Embassy and return with a readable barcode.
A visa application fee must be paid (in Jamaican dollars at the exchange rate set by the U.S. Embassy) for the NIV interview. You may pay this fee at any National Commercial Bank branch. You must present the "fee paid" receipt when you come to the Embassy for your appointment, or you will not be admitted to the Embassy compound. Please note that Nonimmigrant Visa application fees are not transferrable to another applicant. Your "fee paid" receipt must be in your name.
The average wait time between when an appointment is scheduled and the time of the scheduled visa interview varies. Additionally, appointments often become available over the course of each week as appointments are added or cancelled. The following website contains real-time information on visa appointment wait times:
Please note: the listed processing times are averages. The timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. Many additional factors, such as the need for special clearances, incomplete applications, and fraud investigation may influence the processing of individual cases. Please plan accordingly to avoid delays.
Approved nonimmigrant visas will be delivered directly to applicants through
a professional courier service, DHL. At the time applicants are approved for an
NIV, they will immediately proceed to the DHL counter. Each visa recipient will
pay a fee and will arrange all delivery details with company representatives.
DHL will deliver the passport with visa affixed approximately four (4) business
days after the date of the Embassy interview.
Caymani residents mail their passports back to the Embassy upon their return to
the Cayman Islands using DHL courier services.