Visa Wait Times
To allow for sufficient processing time, applicants are advised to start the application process at least a month in advance of their intended date of travel.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Visa Information
For general information about U.S. visas, please visit the following web site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
Non-immigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) coming to the United States temporarily. The Consular Section of the American Embassy issues non-immigrant visas for Guineans and residents of Equatorial Guinea. A visa constitutes permission to apply for admission into the United States at a port of entry, where an immigration officer determines admittance and length of stay. All Guineans, including those in transit, need visas to apply for entrance into the United States. Visa applications are adjudicated in accordance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) enacted by the United States Congress.
The most widely known nonimmigrant visa category is the visitor visa, which is used by:
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aliens who wish to enter the United States temporarily for business purposes (B-1),
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tourism, visits to relatives and friends, or similar reasons (B-2).
Other categories of nonimmigrant visas are required:
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persons who wish to enter as representatives of foreign governments (A & G),
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in transit (C),
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as crewmen (D),
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treaty traders and investors (E),
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students in academic or language programs (F),
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temporary workers and trainees (H),
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journalists (I),
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exchange visitors (J),
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fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens (K),
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intra-company transferees (L),
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students in vocational or other nonacademic programs (M),
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the parents of certain special immigrants (N),
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temporary workers of extraordinary ability (O),
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athletes and entertainers (P),
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cultural exchange visitors (Q),
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religious workers (R).
A nonimmigrant visa for a particular category is valid for entry only for the purpose for which it was originally issued. For example, a student visa cannot be used for entry as visitor, nor can the possessor of a visitor visa enter to study.
A visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials who have authority to deny admission. Therefore, the recipient of a visa should carry, for possible presentation to immigration inspectors, the evidence submitted to the consular officer when the visa was obtained.
The validity period shown on a nonimmigrant visa relates only to the period during which it may be used in making application for admission into the United States; it does not indicate the length of time the alien may spend in the United States. The period for which the bearer of a nonimmigrant visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security authorities at the port of entry. A nonimmigrant that remains in the United States beyond the period for which he/she has been granted permission to stay may become subject to deportation.
Certain categories of nonimmigrant visas require special documentation which can be furnished only by an authority in the United States. These categories include students, who must have a valid Form I-20 issued by the prospective school; exchange visitors, who must have a Form DS-2019 issued by the sponsoring organization; and temporary workers and trainees, intra-company transferees, fiancé (e) s of U.S. citizens, athletes, entertainers, and cultural exchange visitors, all of whom must have a specific petition filled on their behalf and approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
There may be a fee charged for your visa. If there is a fee it may reflect the costs associated with processing or be approximately the same as that which is charged by your government to a United States citizen for a similar type visa.
Scheduling an Interview
Nonimmigrant visa interviews are held at the US Embassy in Malabo by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please send an e-mail to malaboconsular@state.gov with the full name, nationality, purpose of travel and phone number of the applicant. You may also call (240)098895 Ext. 4605 from 09:00 to 5:00 on Monday to Friday. You will be contacted when an interview date is assigned. Walk-ins for visa appointments are not accepted. Applicants should contact the embassy to schedule an interview at least a month before the intended date of travel. Those who fail to plan ahead may find that their travel is delayed. Visa services are still available at the US Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings without appointment for EG residents. Visas generally cannot be issued the same day as the interview.
Qualification
To qualify for a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary visit to the United States for business and/or pleasure, applicants must:
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Apply for a visa in the consular district where they are resident. For Guineans this generally means the United States Consular Section in the American Embassy in Malabo.
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Be physically present in the consular district where they apply.
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Overcome the presumption that they are intending immigrants. To do so, applicants must show compelling ties to their home country that would assure their need to leave the United States and return home.
According to United States law, the applicant assumes all of the burden of proof to qualify for a visa.
How to Apply:
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At least a month before intended date of travel, contact the U.S. Embassy to make an appointment for an interview.
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Complete and print all three pages of electronic application form DS-156. This form is available in English, Spanish and French at the website http://evisaforms.state.gov. One application is required for each person applying for a visa, including minor children who may be included in their parents’ passports. Males between the ages of 16 and 45 also need form DS-157 – available online at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79964.pdf .
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Verify that your passport will be valid for at least six months past the date you intend to enter the United States.
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Assemble one passport-size (5cm x 5cm) photograph for each applicant, regardless of age. The Embassy does not endorse any specific vendors, and will accept any photos meeting the required size and specifications. (see Photographs Requirements) Photos must be full face, high quality, and taken against a white background. Photographs with shadows behind the head, poor contrast, or blurry features cannot be accepted.
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Gather evidence substantiating the purpose of your trip and your intention to depart from the United States after a temporary visit. Such evidence might include: a letter from your employer, documents outlining your plans while in the United States, and other evidence showing why you would return abroad after a short stay, such as family ties, employment, or similar binding obligations in your home country. Students are required to present a completed Form I-20; exchange visitors must present a Form DS-2019; and temporary workers and intra-company transferees, fiancé (e) s, athletes and entertainers, and cultural exchange visitors must show evidence of a petition approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Supplementary information will also be required of treaty traders and investors, fiancé (e) s, and religious workers. Evidence should also be submitted regarding the arrangements you have made to cover your expenses while in the United States and to provide for your departure from the United States.
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Be prepared to pay the USD $131 non-refundable application fee or its equivalent, in effect at time of payment, in CFAs. There is no additional issuance (reciprocity) fee for nationals from Equatorial Guinea. Some visa types, however, have additional fees. For example, all student and exchange visa applicants must pay a $131 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before applying for a visa, and bring the receipt. A reciprocity fee may apply to non-Guinean applicants from certain countries.
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Appear for the interview at the slated time with the above-noted documents and fees. Latecomers will not be admitted.
The above requirements are not inclusive: all applicants will not be required to submit all documents and some applicants will be required by the consular officer to submit additional documents. In order to avoid delay, it is to your advantage to submit the most complete documentation possible at the visa interview.
Very important info
Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Increased World-wide on January 1, 2008. Press Release.