The US Embassy has imposed a ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices at its consular affairs section.
The embassy said the ban also covered employees at the Consular Section.
It is "for the safety and security" of staff and visitors, an embassy statement said. The ban started yesterday March 1.
“Applicants who have such devices on
their person will be denied entry to the embassy grounds," the embassy
said.
It also stated that the embassy would no
have any holding area for those bringing their cellular phones and other
electronic devices.
“There will be no storage facility for
cell phones and electronic devices at the embassy. Applicants for nonimmigrant
and immigrant visas should leave their electronic equipment in a safe location
off embassy grounds during their appointments," the statement said.
“This policy includes cell phones and
electronic items such as PDAs, laptops and MP3 music players," it added.
According to the embassy, the new policy
will help speed applicant processing to their interview appointments.
“Applicants should be aware that if they
miss a visa interview appointment; they will have to reschedule through normal
procedures,’ the statement said.
