DOS Suspends Routine Visa Services Due to Coronavirus

On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) suspended routine visa services due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak [PDF version].

As a result of the suspension of visa services, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020.

Despite the fact that the DOS has cancelled all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments, the Machine Readable Visa fee paid by applicants remains valid and may be used for a visa appointment in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment.

Under limited circumstances, and as resources allow, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services. An applicant with an urgent matter and a need to travel immediately should follow the guidance provided on the applicable Embassy's website to request an emergency appointment.

The suspension does not affect the Visa Waiver Program. However, many individuals who would be eligible for admission under the Visa Waiver Program are subject to restrictions on entry under two proclamations issued by President Donald Trump [see article].

Services to U.S. citizens continue to be available. U.S. citizens should consult the applicable Embassy's website for more information.

We will update the website with more information when it becomes available.