Contact & Visit Us

Access and Security Notice

Access to U.S. Government buildings is governed by very strict security regulations.  This is not only to protect our staff but also you, our customer, our guest.

All our services are available by appointment only*. American citizens are to set up their appointment online and visa applicants through our call center. Before coming to the Consulate General in Amsterdam on the appointment day, please take note of the following: 

Our guards have the obligation to check you and anything you carry before you can enter the building.  They are keen on making this as quick and as little of a nuisance as possible and you can help them by making sure you bring everything you need for the services you desire but leave home everything not essential to your visit.  Any object or substance that you bring that is unlawful according to American and/or Dutch law must be and will be confiscated by the security guards.  All items that you bring are subject to inspection.  It is therefore advisable not to bring large pieces of luggage, or any prohibited items, to the Consulate. 

STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Obviously weapons of any kind, or objects that can be used as weapons cannot be brought into the Consulate.  This includes glass containers, pen or pocket knives, screw drivers and other tools.  Illegal weapons will be confiscated by our security personnel.  Furthermore all electrical devices, including laptops, mobile phones, cameras of all kinds, batteries, flash lights, etc. are strictly prohibited inside the Consulate.

Animals are not allowed inside and we do not have holding facilities.
The same applies for skateboards, rollerblades, and other wheeled devices.
List of prohibited items prepared by the TSA.

EXCEPTIONS
We understand that some people need to carry an electrical device for medical reasons. We do ask you however, to bring a statement from your physician to this effect.  Wheelchair access is allowed and applicants may bring someone to assist when necessary.  Assistants must also bring their passport.  Seeing-eye dogs are also allowed into the building but the responsibility for them remains with the owner.

The website of the Transportation Security Administration: http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm is worth a visit, in this respect.  It explains not only how to prepare for the security screening during your air travel to the United States but also helps to understand why our guards have to be so thorough in their inspections.  A good site with security information in Dutch is that of Schiphol Airport.

Our aim is to help all customers as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Your kind cooperation will help us to meet our goal and at the same time ensure everyone's safety.

*Only filing an immigrant visa petition can be done on a walk-in basis still. See our immigrant visa pages.