Required Documentation

Last Minute Checks

1)      The photograph has to be 5 X 5 cm, in color, and with a full white background, full face; http://bern.usembassy.gov/photo_requirements.html

Please note that this requirement is very strict and any other photo size will not be accepted and may prolong the application process extensively or lead to postponing the appointment.

Photos have to be stapled to the application form DS 156 not glued!

2)      The application forms DS 156, DS 157 (for men only), and DS 158 (for F, M and J visas only) should be stapled together in this order: top (156) to bottom (158), which will create one application file with forms DS 156, DS 157, and DS 158 in one packet

3)      In addition to stapling the photo on top, please staple the pink postal payment receipt at the bottom left corner of form DS156 (to the left of the stapled photograph).

4)      As the form DS 156 is completed online and generates a barcode on the third page (which is needed to scan in the information), it is crucial for this barcode to be printed clearly! (no fragmented barcodes are accepted and will lead to postponing an appointment!)

5)      The forms DS 156, DS 157 (for men), DS 158 have to be fully completed. All questions need to be answered!, even if it does not apply to the applicant. One should answer such questions with ‘none’ , ‘not applicable’, ‘not known’ but may not leave the answer field blank!

Frequently missed questions are
DS 156 Nr. 34: a possible answer may be ‘alone’, ‘with family member xy’; the application needs to be signed at Nr. 41 and dated; Please give all the names you have used in your life (Maiden, Professional, aliases etc.) at Nr. 8 and spouse's full name at Nr. 18
DS 157 Nr. 9: all countries applicant has visited within the last ten years; Nr. 13: list groups one is a member of or mark as ‘none’;
DS 158 Nr. 6: family information is required here, parents, brothers and sisters, children; Nr. 7: two persons of contact not related to applicant (e.g. friends, neighbors, teachers, supervisors etc); the form DS 158 also needs to be signed on reverse side bottom line!

After security check, everyone will need to stand in line in front of the ‘greeter desk’ and have their documents individually checked and then approach one of the three data intake windows (windows 6, 7, and 8). The application forms will be entered at these data intake windows and they will be asked to place four fingers of the left hand, the four fingers of the right hand and, finally, the two thumbs together straight on the fingerprint device. Thereafter they need to have a seat in the waiting area to be called by the consular officer for the final interview.

Every applicant should bring their individual stamped and addressed return envelope  B5 (5.00 Fr. suggested for registered mail). If applicants prefer to pick up the passport(s), this would need to be stated clearly in the beginning of the data intake process!

 

No electronic devices, backpacks and suitcases allowed in the Consular Section in Bern
In order to ensure everyone's safety and to ensure that security screening does not delay admission to the Consulate, no electronic devices (including phones) may be brought into the Embassy or Consulate. Backpacks, handbags and suitcases are not permitted. Security personnel will not store items for applicants. We therefore suggest that all such items be left at home, in a locked car, at a locker at the train station, or with a friend or relative who remains outside the premises.
We encourage visitors to bring only necessary documents with them.
Thank you

Directions to the U.S. Embassy