10 commandments of the Embassy

Welcome, dear traveller! You’ve made it this far in your visa journey—congratulations. Now, before you walk into the embassy thinking it’s a shopping mall or a food court, there are sacred rules you must obey.

Fail to comply, and the embassy security officers will send you back home like an unripe avocado. Let’s get into it.

1. Thou Shall Bring Your International Passport

Your passport is your golden ticket to the embassy. Without it, you’re just a random human loitering around. Oh, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay—unless you fancy getting rejected before you even start.

2. Thou Shall Bring Thy Biodata Form

You know that form you filled during your visa application? Yep, it needs to come with you. If you forget it, don’t expect the consular officer to magically know your name, date of birth, or why you’re even there.

3. Thou Shall Bring Your Appointment Confirmation Letter

No letter, no entry. No, your verbal explanation won’t work. No, they won’t “just check the system” for you. Bring the letter or embrace the walk of shame back home.

4. Thou Shall Bring Proof of Visa Fee Payment

You already happily paid for the visa (or not so happily, depending on your wallet). Now, prove it. No receipt, no interview. It’s that simple.

Now, Here’s What You Shouldn’t Bring 🚨

5. Thou Shall Not Bring Electronic Devices

Unless you’re auditioning for Mission: Impossible, kindly leave your gadgets at home. Are you trying to shoot a documentary? Start a nightclub? Plant a bomb? Relax—just come with your documents. (The embassy might let you store devices at the gate, but don’t bank on it.)

6. Thou Shall Not Bring a Bag Bigger Than a Pouch

Are you smuggling in the consular officer’s laptop? No? Then why do you need a giant backpack? If your bag is bigger than a purse, just leave it behind.

7. Thou Shall Not Bring Food Items

Look, I get it—you don’t go anywhere without your favorite snacks. But trust me, nobody at the embassy wants to smell your jollof rice or indomie while waiting for their interview. Keep your cravings under control.

8. Thou Shall Not Bring Sealed Envelopes or Packages

Be honest, are you secretly trying to deliver classified documents? Or worse, do you have ulterior motives? Either way, sealed envelopes scream highly suspicious—leave them at home.

9. Thou Shall Not Bring Weapons, Cigarettes, or Suspicious Objects

Unless you’re starring in an action movie, there is absolutely zero reason to bring lighters, matchsticks, scissors, nail files, or (God forbid) a weapon. If you do, be prepared to explain yourself in a very uncomfortable way.

10. Thou Shall Not Loiter Around the Embassy

If you don’t have an appointment, why are you even here? There’s no walk-in customer service, no tour guides, and definitely no free WiFi. Save yourself the stress and come back when you actually have an interview.

Honorary Mentions

• Thou Shall Not Come With Cosmetics – This is not Miss Universe. The consular officer doesn’t care about your highlighter or setting spray.
• No Long-Handled Umbrellas (Over 40cm) – Seriously, are you planning to joust someone at the gate?
• There Is No Facility to Store Prohibited Items – Translation: If you bring any of these things, it’s your problem, not theirs.