Brief
Consulates are generally busy during the holiday season because of the large number of visa applicants and increased security measures, including biometric collection at all posts. Be sure to have a valid passport and a valid visa in your passport to re-enter the United States or plan ahead to ensure sufficient time for visa issuance at a consulate abroad.
Because personal appearances are now mandatory for most applicants, it is recommended that individuals book appointments for visa issuance well in advance of travel. Each consulate has discretion to waive the interview requirement for individuals who meet specified criteria, but consulates vary widely and procedures are subject to change with little or no notice. Check the consulate’s Web site for specific information. Links to consular posts can be found at www.travel.state.gov.
Consulates observe both United States and local holidays. With Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on a weekend, many consular posts may be closed on the previous Friday and/or following Monday. Please check with the consulate in advance to confirm office hours and current procedures. The U.S. Dept of State (DOS) has provided a new tool that assists foreign nationals in planning their travel and visa appointments. Visa processing times for both the wait time to get an appointment and the wait time from appointment to visa issuance at the posts are now available through the DOS Web site, www.travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php. Please note that these timeframes are estimates only and may or may not be updated regularly.
