Current Status of U.S. Visa Services By Country – September 2024

In September 2024, U.S. visa services continue to experience varied operational statuses depending on the country. This is largely due to factors like local COVID-19 conditions, political unrest, and the availability of consular staff. Below is a breakdown of the current situation for U.S. visa services in key regions.

Europe

Visa services in European countries are largely operating at full capacity. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are processing both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, though wait times for interview appointments may still be longer than usual, particularly for tourist visas (B1/B2). Countries in Eastern Europe, such as Ukraine, continue to face limitations due to the ongoing conflict, resulting in longer processing times and reduced capacity.

Asia

In Asia, visa services vary widely. Countries like Japan and South Korea are functioning normally with minimal delays. In contrast, India, which has a high demand for U.S. visas, continues to experience lengthy wait times, especially for non-immigrant visas. Appointments for tourist and business visas can stretch into months, although the U.S. Embassy in India has made efforts to prioritize student (F1) and employment-based (H1-B) visas. In China, visa services are gradually recovering after a period of reduced capacity, but delays are still expected.

Middle East

The Middle East presents a mixed picture for U.S. visa services. Some countries, like the UAE, have returned to full operational capacity, with appointments available within weeks for most visa categories. However, in countries like Iran and Syria, U.S. visa services remain extremely limited due to ongoing political tensions, with applicants advised to apply through third countries.

Africa

Many African nations are experiencing significant delays in visa processing. Countries like Nigeria and South Africa are seeing long wait times, particularly for tourist visas. On the other hand, nations with lower demand, such as Ghana, are processing visas more efficiently, though applicants are still encouraged to plan ahead due to potential staffing shortages at consulates.

Latin America

In Latin America, the situation is varied. Countries like Mexico and Brazil are handling a large volume of visa applications, but wait times for B1/B2 visas remain high. Applicants are advised to seek early appointments and be prepared for potential delays. Smaller countries, such as Costa Rica, are seeing faster processing times, with more appointment slots available.