The U.S. Embassy in India has extended its cancelation of visa interviews to May 15 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in India.

Key Points:

  • All visa appointments, both in-person and interview-waiver appointments, at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata are canceled until May 15. Last week, the Embassy announced the cancelation of appointments from April 26 to May 9.
  • The Embassy and Consulates will make every attempt to honor scheduled emergency visa appointments.
  • Emergency services for U.S. citizens will continue to be available.
  • The U.S. consulate in Mumbai is only providing essential services to U.S. citizens, visa applicants in need of emergency services, and is the only consulate continuing to honor drop box appointments.
  • The U.S. State Department recently issued a Level 4 travel advisory warning against travel to India because of conditions related to COVID-19.

Background: U.S. consular operations around the world remain limited and are subject to change depending on local conditions. The U.S. continues to bar entry to most foreign nationals who have been physically present in Brazil, China, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Area 14 days prior to entering the country. These regional COVID-19 entry bans do not have an expiration date and will remain in effect until President Joe Biden lifts or modifies them. Additionally, all travelers flying to the U.S., including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, must provide documentation of a negative viral COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel or evidence of recovery from a recent COVID-19 infection.

BAL Analysis: U.S. consulates in India and other countries continue to operate at reduced capacity, and applicants should expect significant delays in obtaining visa appointments. Foreign nationals are strongly encouraged to consult their BAL professional before planning international travel as travel restrictions may change with little notice and could impact their ability to re-enter the U.S.

This alert has been provided by BAL. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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