As of March 20, 2020, The Dept. of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  All visa appointments are cancelled as of this date.  Paid Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fees will remain valid within one year of the date of payment, so those who have already paid MRV application fees will still be able to use them for a future appointment.

 

Embassies and consulates will provide urgent and emergency visa services, and services to U.S. citizens, as resources allow.  Emergency visa appointments can still be made. Each embassy has its own rules for requesting emergency visa appointments, so check the website for the embassy where you plan to apply. Requests based on business emergency generally need to be supported by a company letter attesting to the loss of a significant business opportunity.

 

The ESTA website (Visa Waiver Program) will remain active, but suspension of entry remains in place for travelers from countries listed in the Proclamation* as of March 16, 2020.

 

*Proclamation-Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus, as of March 16, 2020 covers the following countries: China, Iran, 26 countries in the Schengen Area, United Kingdom and Ireland.

 

If you have any questions, please contact your Graham Adair representative.