U.S. Embassy in India advises of delays for those renewing visas

The U.S. Embassy in India has advised nationals returning to India to renew their U.S. visas that they should anticipate lengthy delays.

Key points:

• The embassy posted a tweet last week stating that U.S. consulates in India are experiencing significant appointment wait times, even for emergency appointment requests, and that individuals planning to renew their visas this fall or winter should plan for a longer stay in India.
• The embassy also indicated it is only processing a limited number of in-person F, M and J appointments and others meeting strict emergency criteria and has not resumed routine visa processing of other visas including employment-based visas.

BAL Analysis: Indian nationals returning to India in the coming months to renew their visa stamps should plan for delays in consular appointments. During the year-end travel season, travelers are reminded of the risks of traveling because of the numerous travel bans in place and the possibility that the “physical presence” entry ban that currently applies to 31 countries may be expanded to additional countries on short notice. BAL will host a webinar with WERC on Dec. 3 on “Planning for Year-End Travel and Expiration of Travel Bans.” Register for the event here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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