US Consulates

Consulates all over the world issue visas - a permission to enter USA for a specific purpose. Consulates are a part of the State Department (DOS - Department of State).

Countries with Limited or No U.S. Visa Services

U.S. embassies and consulates are sometimes forced to limit or, at times, suspend visa services because of natural disasters, civil unrest, war, and/or security concerns, among other reasons. Information in the link provided below notes the U.S. embassies and consulates that currently provide limited visa services, locations where visa services are suspended, and countries that do not have U.S. embassies or consulates.

For more information on this please visit the DOS website.

Statement on Update of Embassy and Consulate Closure

Press Statement

Jen Psaki
Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 4, 2013

Given that a number of our embassies and consulates were going to be closed in accordance with local custom and practice for the bulk of the week for the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan, and out of an abundance of caution, we've decided to extend the closure of several embassies and consulates including a small number of additional posts.

U.S. Mission in Mexico Increases Corporate Eligibility to Participate in its Business Facilitation Program

Mexico City,  January 7, 2013 — The United States Embassy is pleased to announce the expansion of its Business Facilitation Program (BFP) that allows access to expedited visa processing for employees of qualifying firms traveling to the U.S. on company business. The BFP will provide time-saving benefits for businesses whose employees need to travel to the U.S., and highlights the United States’ commitment to deepening trade and economic engagement with Mexico.

Request Number in the visa appointment site - Explanation from State Department

Question details

When using the new visa appointment site, what should my client list in the mandatory field that asks for the "Request Number"?

When a visa applicant sets up a user account in the appointment system, an 8-digit identifying number is assigned to the applicant. When logged into the appointment system, this "Request Number" appears in white against a red background in the upper right hand corner of the screen in parentheses after the applicant's e-mail address:

DOS Updates Fee Schedule For Consular Services

  • [Federal Register Volume 77, Number 180 (Monday, September 17, 2012)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 57012-57013]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 2012-22862]

    DEPARTMENT OF STATE

    [Public Notice: 8026]

    22 CFR Parts 22 and 42

    RIN 1400-AD06

    Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and
    Overseas Embassies and Consulates

    AGENCY: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State.

U.S. Embassy Announces a New Visa Processing System in India

The United States Embassy in India today announced it is implementing a new visa processing system throughout India that will further standardize procedures and will simplify fee payment and appointment scheduling through a new website at www.ustraveldocs.com/in.  Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, Julia Stanley, announced at a press conference here today that beginning September 26, 2012 U.S.