US Embassy entrance rules

[liemsc]

Going to accompany a relative for US visa interview soon, and found these rules here: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/sg/sg-niv-securityinfo.html
Is it really so strictly imposed? No bag allowed at all, and only plastic file folder allowed in?

 

[liemsc]

Not sure if the link works, but this is what it says:

You will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy for your visa interview carrying any of the following items:

Any battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players.
Any large shoulder bags/purses. Only bags that can be carried by hand will be permitted.
Any bags such as travel bags, back-packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders. Applicants can only carry in plastic bags containing application-related papers.
Any food item.
Sealed envelopes or packages.
Cigarettes / cigars / match boxes / lighters.
Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files.
Weapons or explosive materials of any kind.
The list provided above is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.

There is no facility at the Embassy to store prohibited items. You will have to make alternate arrangements to store these items before you enter the Embassy.

 

[beanstalk6]

The interview is your priority. It is best to stick to the rules if you want hassle-free entry.
Otherwise you may have to remain outside holding the "prohibited stuff".
It does say "Applicants can only carry in plastic bags..."
I'd use a plastic document bag, the kind that would let you store your papers without having to fold them.

 

[fone]

First, please refer to the embassy's official website for the best information, rather than other non-official sites.

I've stored bags there before (at least >5 years ago) and have even brought bags in before (diaper bag as I was bringing kids/infant in). Plus bring along a plastic file for your documents, if cannot then you should be able to store your bags there. I believe handbags are also allowed.

 

[Hisashiburi]

Had an interview there a few years ago and they stored some of my items at the security checkpoint.
There is a baggage check.

Cant remember what items I left at the baggage check though.
Maybe phone?

 

[beanstalk6]

Not sure what's their current alert level. I visited twice with different experiences.

 

[fone]

Cant remember what items I left at the baggage check though.
Maybe phone?

Definitely phones, laptops and tablets all not allowed, plus cameras, weapon-like objects. I've never been able to bring phones (with or without cameras in). But always could store all not allowed items, like phones or bags at the security.

 

[trd2970]

Best is to call and check
Rules may change according to security level
My last visit was 10 years plus ago, I recalled there was a locker to keep my things

 

[liemsc]

Thanks everybody for responding!

The interview is your priority. It is best to stick to the rules if you want hassle-free entry. Otherwise you may have to remain outside holding the "prohibited stuff".

Yup, I can't afford being denied entry inside, because the applicant is an elderly who doesn't speak English Which brings me to another question : has anybody ever accompanied a non-English speaking applicant? (or seen somebody with that situation in the embassy interview). I hope this is not an issue (I am also the trip sponsor for the applicant).

First, please refer to the embassy's official website for the best information, rather than other non-official sites.

Actually the www.ustraveldocs.com website is the official website for US Visa application. Even if you go into US Embassy website http://singapore.usembassy.gov/visas.html , when it comes to visa, it will link to www.ustraveldocs.com website too

Rules may change according to security level
My last visit was 10 years plus ago, I recalled there was a locker to keep my things

You're right that the rules may change. However considering that this is the current info in the official website, I assume that these are the current rules. What I'm trying to seek here, is whether in reality, they are (currently) strictly following those rules (that we can only bring in the plastic bag/folder, and nothing else).

I read somewhere that the whole process may take a few hours, and I don't know how to spend the few hours waiting time without any phone/book/anything on hand

 

[invisible999]

No consumer electronic of any kind (phone, laptop, player, etc) - this is the rule for any US embassy anywhere for any visitor - US citizen or visa applicant.

 

[liemsc]

Let me post a final update from our visit today - in case it's useful for anybody.

First of all, I was NOT allowed to go in to accompany the applicant Even as I tried to explain that I am the trip sponsor, and that the applicant doesn't know about the trip arrangements, and he doesn't speak English, etc.. they don't care, only applicant himself is allowed to go in.

Anyway, in the end, the result was still positive - he got the visa applied
He said the American officer inside can speak mandarin

As for bringing bags inside, he said he saw some people bring sleeve bag and lady handbag inside. But definitely no electronics allowed.

 

[cocohut]

pretty interesting, never knew US visa so strict. thanks for sharing

 

[a1v1n_]

Let me post a final update from our visit today - in case it's useful for anybody.

First of all, I was NOT allowed to go in to accompany the applicant Even as I tried to explain that I am the trip sponsor, and that the applicant doesn't know about the trip arrangements, and he doesn't speak English, etc.. they don't care, only applicant himself is allowed to go in.

Anyway, in the end, the result was still positive - he got the visa applied
He said the American officer inside can speak mandarin

As for bringing bags inside, he said he saw some people bring sleeve bag and lady handbag inside. But definitely no electronics allowed.

I guess they are prepared with people who can speak different languages based on which country the embassy is located in.

 

[piracer]

Hi, I'm going tomorrow to the Embassy, does anyone know if there's still a locker where you can store your phone outside at security for your duration there?

 

[Blueberritea]

Just came back from the Embassy and thought I will share some info here on the entrance rules in the hope it will be useful for those who wanted to visit the Embassy for various reasons. 1. Do arrive early to queue as you will be entered in batches according to your time slot. So, the early you arrive than those who are given the same time slot, your wait in the queue will be shorter for your turn to be interviewed. 2. Electronic items such as laptop, handphone and smart watch will be kept by the security guards at the point of security checks. You will be given a locker key with number where you will need to return it to the security guard to get back your electronic item/s before you leave the embassy. Hope these info helps!