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IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The United States and Turkey have announced that they will resume normal visa issuance in each other’s countries.
What does the change mean? According to statements posted by both countries’ embassies, normal visa issuance will resume at U.S. and Turkish diplomatic posts, lifting all restrictions. The U.S. and Turkey temporarily stopped issuing visas in each other’s countries in October, before resuming issuance on a limited basis in November.
Background: The U.S. and Turkey halted nonimmigrant visa issuance in each other’s countries in October following the arrest of a U.S. consulate worker in Turkey. Visa processing resumed on a limited basis in November. Both embassies posted statements Thursday saying that normal visa issuance will resume. The U.S. Mission to Turkey, which had expressed concern over the safety of its diplomats in Turkey, said that, based on assurances from the Turkish government, the U.S. State Department is “confident that the security posture has improved sufficiently to allow for the full resumption of visa services in Turkey.” The Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., said that, “in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, restrictions on visa services applied to American citizens have been lifted simultaneously.”
BAL Analysis: While the resumption of normal visa issuance in the U.S. and Turkey is welcome news, the diplomatic situation between the two countries remains fluid. Those planning to travel either from the U.S. to Turkey or from Turkey to the U.S. may wish to work with BAL to discuss their best visa options. Travelers should also take into account the possibility of delays due to a possible backlog of visa appointment slots and applications.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. and Global Practice groups. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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