Embassy of the United States Dominican Republic

The visa application process consists of several steps: 1) making an appointment on-line or by calling the Appointment Center, 2) completing the DS-160 form application form on-line and, printing the confirmation page, 3) paying the $160 application fee at a branch of Banco Popular, and 4) personally coming to the consulate for an interview.  If you are renewing a multiple-entry B1/B2 tourist/business visa that is still valid or expired within the last four years, you need to personally appear at the Consular Section to process your application and have your fingerprints taken.  However, you will not be interviewed, unless the consular officer reviewing your application calls you in for an interview. 

For the interview, applicants should bring their personal documents.  Our goal is to limit applicant waiting time to no more than two hours; however, there are days when the volume of applicants or the absence of interviewers increases the wait time.

If your visa is denied, you will be given a pamphlet that explains U.S. immigration law.   If your visa is issued, you will then be directed to our delivery service – located near the entrance - for payment of the delivery fee, which is U.S. $9.50 or $12.50 depending on where the passport is to be delivered.  If you require expedited delivery, please ask the consul who interviews you.  In many cases, the visas can be picked up the following day in the afternoon at the offices of our delivery company in Santo Domingo.  Same day delivery is rarely possible, and only in cases of medical emergency or a death in the family.

In a few cases, visa issuance can be delayed up to several weeks by administrative processing.  If so, the interviewer will give the application a written explanation of the process.

While individual experience may differ, here are the basic steps you should follow and what you can expect throughout the application process:

• Step 1: Learn More About Non-Immigrant Visas
• Step 2: Make an Appointment
• Step 3: Download & Complete the Application Forms,
  DS-160 Tutorial - (PDF - 2,140 Kb) and
  Frequently Asked Questions about the DS-160 Form
• Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
• Step 5: Pay the Fees
• Step 6: Have Your Photo Taken
• Step 7: Submit the Application