Citizenship: USA
- For U.S. citizens only. If you are not a U.S. citizen, call (914) 592-2760.
- Your U.S. passport must be signed, valid for 6+ months, and have 2–3 blank visa pages (not "Amendment" pages).
- The fee for reformatting uploaded documents is $35.00..
Entry Requirements
Important: Make an appointment 3 days before visiting our office or sending documents. JIDS can schedule this—please call before sending.
- Passport and Visa are required.
- Valid, signed passport
- Submit your current signed passport and a color copy of the information page.
Note: To obtain visas, your passport must have at least two blank visa pages side by side. Pages marked “Amendment” are not valid for visas.
Need more validity? See passport services.
- Provide a computer-generated itinerary (travel agency or online). Airline/travel e-confirmation showing US departure and arrival/departure to/from your visa destination with a valid record locator is acceptable.
Visa Application
- One Visa Application form completed and signed.
Arrival E-card: Download
Photo Requirements
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- Neutral facial expression or natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
- Taken in the last 6 months.
- Plain white or off-white background.
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head between 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, in color.
- No glasses.
- No hat or head covering (exceptions for documented religious or medical reasons).
- Full face visible; no shadows on face.
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
If Traveling for Business
- Cover letter from the U.S. company
- Invitation letter from Zambian company
Note: Self-employed applicants must also submit a recent bank statement.
- Business letter requirements:
- On company letterhead
- Signed by someone other than the applicant
- Include passport information
- State how expenses will be paid
- Must be an original signed document.
See example: Business Letter Sample.
If Traveling for Tourism
- Letter of introduction stating the purpose of your trip and sponsorship information.
Fees & Processing Time
| Visa Type | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa – US Citizen | 131 | |
| Visa – US Citizen | 200 | |
| Visa – US Citizen | 300 | |
| Visa – US Citizen | 400 |
Consular fee and processing time (consular fees may change)
Expedite fees
- Same-day processing: +$75.00 per document (arrive before 12 pm; ready ~2–3 pm).
- Next-day or <5 working days: +$50.00 per document.
- Applicable fee paid in U.S. Post Office Money Order only. If you include your own money order, do not write or stamp anything on it.
JIDS can obtain this money order for you. See our pricing sheet for associated fees.
Please NOTE: Embassy fees may change without notice. JIDS is not responsible for changes. The above fees do not include JIDS service fees or return mail fees.
If JIDS pays government fees (consular or passport agency) on your behalf, a 5.7% processing fee will be added.
Please refer to our pricing page or call us (914) 592-2760.
- Federal Express starting at $39.95 for weekday delivery (rate based on ZIP code). Special deliveries (e.g., Saturday or 8 AM) vary—call for rates.
- Residential deliveries: +$3.00 for signature required. Specify “signature” or “no signature.”
- You may include a printed air bill to avoid additional charges; account numbers without an air bill incur a $5.00 fee.
Health Requirements
- Vaccinations are NOT required unless travel is from or through an infected area.
- International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever.
- Medical report stating the applicant is free from communicable diseases.
- See CDC guidance: cdc.gov/travel.
Register Your Trip (STEP)
Give yourself peace of mind.
JIDS can enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate for $25.00 via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Accompanying Minors
- Copy of birth certificate.
- Notarized letter from both parents requesting issuance of visa (if only one parent/guardian, explain in the letter).
- Copy of vaccination records.
Non-U.S. Citizens
- Include a copy of your U.S. Green Card (permanent residents) or your U.S. visa (visa holders).
- Visa requirements vary by nationality. Call JIDS at (914) 592-2760 for assistance.
Additional Information
Additional
- Copy of your passport vital statistics page
Return Shipping & JIDS Fees
Return Shipping
- FedEx charge according to ZIP code.
- Saturday/8AM delivery available.
- Include a printed airbill to avoid extra charges. (No UPS accounts can be processed through us.)
Service Fees
- See JIDS pricing or call (914) 592-2760.
- If JIDS pays government fees on your behalf, a 5.9% processing fee applies.
