US Consulate

For new Visa we made an appointment and came here on a weekday morning.
Everyone was friendly, we didn’t had to wait long and everything went smooth.
At first you have to wait outside (could be bad if it rains as there is no cover…) to be checked-​in by a security person (he has a list with all the appointments).
After that you have to pass the security screening as if you’re at an airport (take of your coat, belt, bags and so on). Try not to bring electronic devices, even if they might keep them safe for you.
In the next room you find yourself standing at a small table, first checkpoint for you papers and you get a stamp.
After that your data and finger prints are required at one of the first two counters. Pay at the third, then wait for your name and go to the counter you were told to go. There you talk to an other person about your visa status and so on (interview) and get the denial/​approval for your visa.
We had a nice experience, it didn’t took too much time and I was surprised that this consulate was way much smaller than the one in Frankfurt!

Passport renewals for children require both parents and the child to show up in person. In trying to find a balance between user friendliness and security, the consulate definitely thumbs the scales on the side of security: No walk in services, everything is by appointment only. Before even entering the security screening room, there is an interview outside of the building. It’s like an exclusive nightclub where you must be on the list or you’ll remain behind the velvet rope (and the bulletproof glass). If you are on the list, you will be escorted inside. The security screening is like a typical airport screening in the U.S., although shoes can remain on. Past that are some of the heaviest doors I’ve ever encountered, one to get out of security and then another to get into the actual consulate.
Once inside it’s low key because there aren’t many people around. I found myself watching CNN because I didn’t have my phone with me (oh yeah, no electronic devices allowed inside).

Bear in mind, this is a high security spot. Without wishing to make things difficult for citizens, it’s pretty obvious the Consulate would like you to transact as much business as possible by post or online, to ease pressure on security.