Taking documents to the embassy for interview

[beatlesrebel 0]

Hi all,

This may sound like a stupid question, but I'm going to ask advice anyway. I've read that the embassy won't allow big packages, etc... into the embassy. No problem, I understand that. Are briefcases allowed though? My fiance would like to take a briefcase to keep all our paperwork in and we wanted to make sure that would be allowed. If not, what have others used to keep the documents in when you take them to the embassy? Thanks!

~Anna

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Whatever you use to transport your documents will be screened for explosives or other harmful possibilities, and/or it will have to be opened so the screeners can see what items are inside, but I doubt that any consulate anywhere would preclude a briefcase. If anyone tries, it will likely be a foreign national, so pull the "American card": "Are you a U.S. citizen? No? Well, I am. I am bringing lawful materials onto U.S. soil here at the U.S. embassy, and you seem to be trying to interfere with my absolute right to do so. Thank you for letting me pass through with my lawful materials."

[n1dom 0]

Shouldn't be too much of a problem in London; I took a messenger bag (about the same dimensions of a briefcase, if not bigger) containing a lever-arch file packed with all our information. The bag was x-rayed and there were no problems in taking it in.

I guess the Embassy would have issue, regardless of citizenship, in people taking huge rucksacks and suitcases in to the building. There is only the one x-ray machine for visa applicants and limited space for searching of bags if needs be, on top of that the waiting area can get crowded so having lots of baggage slopping around the room is really just not a good idea.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi all,

This may sound like a stupid question, but I'm going to ask advice anyway. I've read that the embassy won't allow big packages, etc... into the embassy. No problem, I understand that. Are briefcases allowed though? My fiance would like to take a briefcase to keep all our paperwork in and we wanted to make sure that would be allowed. If not, what have others used to keep the documents in when you take them to the embassy? Thanks!

~Anna

I suppose it is consulate specific to a point. In Kiev, Ukraine...NO WAY! They do not allow any type of bag, purse or briefcase. They WILL allow you carry your documents in a CLEAR plastic bag only, or in your hand. I would imagine there are similar restrictions at other consulates

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Whatever you use to transport your documents will be screened for explosives or other harmful possibilities, and/or it will have to be opened so the screeners can see what items are inside, but I doubt that any consulate anywhere would preclude a briefcase. If anyone tries, it will likely be a foreign national, so pull the "American card": "Are you a U.S. citizen? No? Well, I am. I am bringing lawful materials onto U.S. soil here at the U.S. embassy, and you seem to be trying to interfere with my absolute right to do so. Thank you for letting me pass through with my lawful materials."

You are right in your theory, Tbone. We ARE US citizens and a consulate IS soverign US territory. But I can tell you for sure it will not work in Kiev, Ukraine. LOL Well, maybe it would if I made enough stink about it, but the directions on the website said clear plastic only so we were prepared accordingly. There is a "convenient" little scam business in the alley next door offering to allow you to lock up your stuff for a couple bucks.

They also remove about anything from your person at security, put it in a little lockbox and give you a tag to claim your items when you leave. They even took my wallet! I kept my cash, credit cards and ID, that is about all.

[Victor&Cory 1]

The same happens in Romania. No briefcases or anything similar is allowed inside the embassy. Corina had to carry all our evidence in a plastic bag. But she asked about it in advance so the day of the interview she already had everything in a plastic bag. Since it depends on the consulate it is much better to find out in advance.

PEACE...............

[beatlesrebel 0]

Thanks for the replies! Since we're dealing with London, I think he's going to go ahead and take a small briefcase. From what I've seen the London embassy doesn't have any special instructions on their website about how to bring the documents in. Thanks again!

Shouldn't be too much of a problem in London; I took a messenger bag (about the same dimensions of a briefcase, if not bigger) containing a lever-arch file packed with all our information. The bag was x-rayed and there were no problems in taking it in.

I guess the Embassy would have issue, regardless of citizenship, in people taking huge rucksacks and suitcases in to the building. There is only the one x-ray machine for visa applicants and limited space for searching of bags if needs be, on top of that the waiting area can get crowded so having lots of baggage slopping around the room is really just not a good idea.