Skip Navigation
You Are In: About Us > Embassy News > 2006 Press Releases > pr_20060908
Skip Left Section Navigation

2006 Press Releases

Embassy Introduces New Visa Information Service

09/08/06

The Embassy of the United States in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina will introduce a new Visa Information Service (VIS) for applicants on September 21, 2006. The service, based on similar models operating today in more than 34 countries across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, provides the timely and accurate information to the public regarding how to apply for a visa to enter the United States. As of September 21, 2006 all non-immigrant visa applicants must use the call center to obtain visa information and to schedule interview appointments. VIS is the only official source of general visa information from the U.S. Embassy via telephone and is the only authorized method to schedule a personal interview for a non-immigrant visa.

The Visa Information can be accessed by calling (387)33 295 375.

The Visa Information Service will provide Bosnian speaking agents who will:

  • Schedule appointments for nonimmigrant visas.
  • Answer caller’s questions on how to apply for non-immigrant visas.
  • Inform non-immigrant applicants about the types of visas available and the documents required for each type.

How to access the Visa Information Service:

  • Obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from any branch of Raiffeisen Bank for the KM equivalent of 13 USD.
  • Wait one business day after obtaining the PIN to call the service at a local number.
  • Applicants can make multiple calls on one PIN for up to 7 minutes.
  • The service is available to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Bosnian Holidays.
  • Schedule up to 5 immediate family members on one call (examples: husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother and father)

Benefits of the Visa Information Service:

  • Provide more flexibility in scheduling.
  • Reduces waiting time for visa interviews.
  • Provides the ability to cancel and reschedule.
  • Prepares applicants for visa appointments.

The VIS PIN is non-refundable and in the event that it is lost or stolen, the applicant will need to obtain a new one. Please note that if the time allowed for the PIN runs out, the applicant must obtain a new PIN and call the service again. For more information on the Visa Information Service (VIS), please visit the US Embassy’s website at http://www.usembassy.ba/