Suspension of Routine Visa Services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

The global spread of COVID-19 caused massive disruptions to travel, immigration processes, and diplomatic operations. As part of the response, the U.S. Department of State took significant steps to protect both the public and its staff by reducing in-person interactions. One major change included the temporary suspension of routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. This decision was made in line with global public health guidelines and the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic.

During this period, only essential visa services were provided. These include urgent or emergency cases and services directly tied to the functioning of the U.S. government, public health, and national security. While these changes caused delays and uncertainties for many travelers, they were necessary for the safety of both applicants and staff.

Now, as global conditions evolve, embassies and consulates are slowly beginning to restore regular services. However, the pace and scope of this resumption vary depending on local health risks, lockdown measures, and available resources.

Because of serious global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State temporarily paused routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Many posts are now gradually restarting these services. Emergency and mission-critical visa appointments continue where possible, and routine services will resume based on local health conditions and staffing levels.

If you need information about a specific embassy or consulate, you should reach out to that location directly. Contact details for all U.S. embassies and consulates can be found on the official U.S. embassy website.

Travelers with urgent needs who must depart quickly should check their embassy’s official website for instructions on how to request an emergency appointment. Urgent cases may include airline or maritime crew members and healthcare workers, especially those involved in the COVID-19 response.

The Visa Waiver Program remains unchanged. To learn more, visit the official website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and review the frequently asked questions.

If you’ve already paid the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, you can use it to book an appointment in the same country where it was paid, for up to one year from the date of payment.

The Department recognizes the vital role of the H-2 visa program in supporting the U.S. economy and food supply. Efforts are being made to continue processing H-2 applications as much as possible. To learn more, visit the visa news section of the official travel website of the U.S. Department of State.

Please note that services for U.S. citizens remain available.