Visa & Passport Information & Updates
CDC UPDATE
To reduce the introduction and spread of new variants of SARS-CoV-2, CDC issued an order, effective January 26, 2021, requiring all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country to get tested for COVID-19 infection no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or […]
Full ArticleCOVID-19: Passport Services
COVID-19 Passport Processing Update: If you do not have a genuine emergency that requires travel in the next 5 days, please consider delaying your passport renewal to avoid lengthy processing times. At the moment, as part of Phase One of reopening, the passport agency in Washington DC does not offer any expedited service unless it […]
Full ArticleCOVID-19: Visa Services
Due to the COVID-19 imposed restrictions, the majority of Embassies and Consulates remain closed at this time. Some of the Consulates have already started issuing visas for business, official and diplomatic purposes. Tourist visa issuance remains on hold until the borders are open for non-essential travel. To find out about a specific country, please call […]
Full ArticleElimination of Visa Page Inserts for U.S. Passports
The U.S. Department of State will no longer add visa pages into U.S. passports beginning January 1, 2016. Previously, U.S. passport holders had the option to pay for the insertion of additional 24-page visa inserts when valid passports lacked adequate space for entry or exit visa stamps. The decision to discontinue this service was made […]
Full ArticleIndia Visa Fee Increase
Starting April 15, 2015, the visa fee for India tourist visa for US citizens has been increased to $120. When submitting online India tourist applications US passport holders will have to choose “10 years multiple entries Tourist Visa” category. The actual duration of the visa will be at the discretion of the Embassy or Consulate […]
Full ArticleAverage Wait Time to Clear Customs at US Airports
Customs and Border Protection closely monitors the flight processing times, commonly referred to as wait times, for arriving flights at 23 of the busiest international airports. The flight processing time is the length of time from flight arrival to the time the last passenger on the flight is screened by CBP officers in the primary […]
Full ArticleHealth: What You Need to Know in Advance of Travel
All travelers should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health (high altitude or pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required pharmaceuticals, etc.). While some of this information may be found in the documents listed above, the key resource for health information is the Travelers’ Health page of […]
Full ArticleFYI: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a program provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing […]
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