Some Countries Resuming Routine Visa Services – (08/10/20)
Since March of this year, routine visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates were suspended by the U.S. Department of State due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of a few weeks ago, some services for non-U.S. citizens are beginning to resume on a post-by-post basis. Because conditions vary, there is no timetable for when services will be reinstated at each location, so it’s important to check the website of the individual U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain the information pertaining to that specific location’s operating status, range of services, and estimated wait time.
Applicants who have an urgent need to travel immediately are directed to follow the guidance on their nearest embassy or consulate’s website to request an emergency appointment.
Please note several COVID-19 related travel restrictions are still in effect. As of today’s date (August 10), travel to the U.S. by most non-U.S. citizens is not permitted if the alien has been in any of the following countries within the previous 14 days prior to attempted entry: Brazil, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), Iran, and China. Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information. Furthermore, COVID-19 related travel restrictions across the U.S. Borders with Canada and Mexico have been extended through September 21, 2020, barring travel for “non-essential purposes.”