Visas to the U.S.
THE EMBASSY HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION
Starting June 12, 2008 - Consular Services will resume at the new Embassy* address:
US Embassy
Sulgeneckstrasse 19
CH-3007 Bern
*note that phone numbers will remain the same.
The U.S. Embassy in Bern’s visa section provides immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services to those wishing to travel to the United States. In addition, the public affairs section is prepared to assist potential visa applicants with information on traveling in the U.S., study in the U.S., and the U.S.-Swiss Fulbright program.
A Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants
We manage the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. At the same time, we are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. We welcome and encourage travel to the United States. We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
- We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa;
- We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique;
- We will remember that to you a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous;
- We will use the limited time available for interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions;
- We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study and other important obligations;
- We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website,
- We will provide information on appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate at http://travel.state.gov and,
- We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.
If you are a student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
If you are a medical or humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life-threatening emergencies.
If you are a business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
- Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible;
- Complete your application fully and accurately;
- Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans;
- Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program
On occasion, U.S. consulates receive inquiries or complaints from foreign travelers about being delayed at the port of entry in the U.S. due to screening problems or being continuously sent to secondary screening.
Please note that U.S. consulates do not have the authority to intervene on behalf of such travelers. However, DHS does have a redress process for reviewing the inquiry or complaint of an individual traveler. Travelers can request an audit of their case by completing and signing the redress request form located at http://www.dhs.gov/trip and following the website instructions for submitting it to DHS.
Swiss Postage Rates
