What is permitted to be brought into the embassy by the beneficiary?

[illumined 14]

I understand embassies are secure facilities, what personal items are allowed to be brought in for an interview? Are cell phones allowed? Thanks.

[Lemonslice 4,860]

1 hour ago, illumined said:

I understand embassies are secure facilities, what personal items are allowed to be brought in for an interview? Are cell phones allowed? Thanks.

It depends on the diplomatic mission.  Where will the interview be? 

[illumined 14]

20 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

It depends on the diplomatic mission.  Where will the interview be? 

 

Yaounde, Cameroon. It didn't occur to me that they'd be different.

[Lemonslice 4,860]

40 minutes ago, illumined said:

 

Yaounde, Cameroon. It didn't occur to me that they'd be different.

Different locations, different threat levels... 

 

Found nothing specifically about cell phones, but to expedite security screening, it is always best to bring only what is necessary.  

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/YDE-Yaounde.html  

 

Sometimes, small lockers are available to visitors; elsewhere,  locations nearby offer to store luggage and larger items.  You might want to check in with someone who interviewed in Yaoundé recently.  

[SJinCA 22]

I wouldn't plan on bringing anything more than your identification and documents. Certainly no electronics -- cell phones, computers, tablets, SIM cards, flash drives, any other kind of electronic storage device. Wallets, purses, house keys, things like that should be OK, but it wouldn't hurt to check with the specific consulate to be sure.

 

Here in Tashkent, they'll store visitors' cell phones at the security desk, but not any larger electronics or any other personal effects. My wife had to ask a shopkeeper nearby to hold on to her backpack when she went in for a visa interview.