As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, citizens of Slovakia who wish to visit the United States for tourism, business, or other purposes generally need to apply for a U.S. visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how Slovak citizens can apply for a U.S. visa:
- Determine the Type of Visa: Determine the purpose of your travel to the United States and select the appropriate visa category. Common visa types for Slovak citizens include the B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourism) visas for short visits.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and complete the DS-160 form online. After completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for. You can find the fee information on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website, pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Slovakia. Be prepared to wait for an available appointment slot, as interview availability can vary.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your visa interview. These typically include:
- A valid passport that will be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Visa application fee receipt.
- A passport-sized photo that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- A letter explaining the purpose of your trip (business or tourism) and your intended itinerary.
- Documents demonstrating strong ties to Slovakia, such as employment records, property ownership, or family relationships, to show that you intend to return after your visit.
- Any additional documents related to your specific visa category (e.g., invitation letters, business-related documents, travel itineraries, etc.).
- Attend the Visa Interview: Arrive at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date and time for your visa interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to Slovakia, and other relevant information.
- Biometric Data Collection: Depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s procedures, you may need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, during the application process.
- Wait for Visa Processing: After your interview, the consular officer will make a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned to you. Visa processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
- Travel to the United States: If your visa is approved, you can use it to travel to the United States for the purpose specified on the visa.
Please note that visa requirements and procedures may have changed since my last update, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Department of State’s official website or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Slovakia before starting your visa application process. Additionally, the process may vary slightly depending on your individual circumstances and the specific visa category you are applying for.
