U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

01/23/2023

If you live near New York and need to renew or apply for a U.S. passport, stop by our New York Passport Agency's booth #1022 at the New York Travel Adventure Show. Passport applicants can receive free entry to the show on Jan 28-29. Learn more at www.travelshows.com/shows/new-york/passport-acceptance.

01/21/2023

Photos from U.S. Department of State's post

01/20/2023

Peru: On Jan. 20, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco, resumed services at noon. Contact airlines for assistance rescheduling flights. Demonstrations in Lima are scheduled to resume at 2 p.m. and may continue through the weekend. Avoid demonstrations and monitor local media. For more information, see: http://ow.ly/Kjt250MwuYp

01/20/2023

Peru: A state of emergency has been declared in the departments of Amazonas, La Libertad, and Tacna for 30 days, effective Jan. 19. A state of emergency remains in effect for Cusco, Puno, Lima and the province of Callao. For a list of airport operation suspensions, see: http://ow.ly/jb7l50Mwi6t

01/20/2023

Stockholm, Sweden: Demonstrations are scheduled Jan. 21 beginning at 11 a.m. Locations include Norra Bantorget to Medborarplatsen, Dag Hammarskjolds vag 20, and Folke Bernadottes vag. Avoid demonstration areas. Traffic disruptions may occur. See: http://ow.ly/vuoW50Mw66B

01/19/2023

Peru: Due to ongoing civil unrest, authorities have temporarily suspended operations at Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport in Arequipa. Train service between Machu Picchu and Cusco is suspended indefinitely. Large demonstrations continue in Cusco. http://ow.ly/9vUF50MvoRs

01/19/2023

Apply for your passport now if you plan to travel this spring or summer. Remember: you must apply in person for your first passport, or if you were younger than 16 when you got your last passport. Visit: http://ow.ly/KNEM50Mv7NW.

01/19/2023

Jamaica: Over the past 18 months, U.S. citizens have been targeted through dating apps, especially apps popular within the LGBTQI+ community. Criminals use apps to lure visitors to meet in public spaces; later, victims are assaulted, threatened, and/or robbed. See: http://ow.ly/ObGO50Mv5tg

01/18/2023

Lima, Peru: Demonstrations are expected on January 19. Exercise increased caution. Avoid crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media. See: http://ow.ly/J3sk50MuteA

01/18/2023

France: Countrywide strikes on January 19 will have a significant impact on flights, long-distance and local trains — including TGVs, international, regional and local trains, metros, and trams — as well as local buses and a wide range of other public and private services. This includes transportation to and from airports and train stations. Some gas stations may be low on fuel due to high demand. Demonstrations are anticipated throughout France. For additional information, see: http://ow.ly/uc8250MukaN

01/18/2023

Pro tip – if you're planning to travel abroad, always check the Travel Advisory of your intended destination before purchasing airline tickets. http://ow.ly/XZkW50Mub6x

01/18/2023

Timeline photos

In 2022, our locations in issued 27% more than we did in 2021, and have now returned to adjudicating pre-COVID numbers! Great to see so many U.S. citizens traveling throughout Japan and proud to serve those that need help with U.S. passport issues!

01/18/2023

We're finding innovative ways to facilitate travel while always safeguarding national security. Nearly half of the almost seven million nonimmigrant visas the Department issued in 2022 were processed without an in-person interview.

01/17/2023

If your spring or summer plans include international travel, submit your passport application now. Reduce stress and save money by getting this done at least 6 months before you plan to travel. Visit http://ow.ly/IbUG50Mt6xa.

01/16/2023

Today we honor the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His powerful words continue to inspire Americans and people around the world in the fight for equality and social justice.

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Learn how to get involved at: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day.

01/15/2023

Peru: 30-day State of Emergency extended in selected areas of Peru. The affected areas include the departments of Cusco, Puno, Lima, and the province of Callao. Avoid crowds and demonstrations and comply with instructions from authorities. http://ow.ly/RvSI50Mrf2n

01/13/2023

Peru: Rail services between Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Hidroelectrica have been suspended until further notice. Peruvian National Police expect large protests in Cusco throughout the day. Demonstrations and roadblocks continue to affect security in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. http://ow.ly/i1Pb50MqIpZ

01/13/2023

Tunisia: Local media indicate there will be a number of protests and demonstrations throughout Tunisia on January 14 and through the rest of the month. Avoid protests and demonstrations, maintain vigilance, and practice good situational awareness. http://ow.ly/EiTc50MqHRu

01/12/2023

Our efforts to reduce visa wait times are making a difference, without compromising national security. We issued 20% more visitor visas in Mexico and 30% more visitor visas in Brazil in 2022 than 2019.

01/12/2023

Are you going on an international trip this spring or summer? It’s time to start planning! Check your passport expiration date and apply 6 months before travel. Check current processing times at travel.state.gov/passports and apply early.

01/11/2023

The “E” Risk Indicator in a Travel Advisory stands for “Time-limited Event” and means that a short-term event, such as elections, sporting events, or other incidents that may pose safety risks. http://ow.ly/meLo50Mo3X3

01/11/2023

Human trafficking victims are often hidden in plain sight. Foreign nationals who are temporary workers in the U.S. may be susceptible to exploitation or abuse. We encourage reports of any violations or abuses. Learn more: http://ow.ly/eQtz50Mof25 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Office

01/11/2023

Peru: Significant, sometimes violent, demonstrations and roadblocks continue in Puno. Puno is under a curfew from January 10-12 between 8PM - 4AM. Demonstrations and roadblocks continue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and surrounding areas. http://ow.ly/AXeE50Mo8Vy

01/11/2023

Brazil: In light of the violent anti-democratic demonstrations that occurred in Brasilia on January 8, U.S. citizens are reminded that any demonstration can quickly become violent. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid demonstrations of any type at all times. http://ow.ly/ckGA50Mo8NL

01/11/2023

Security Alert - U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh: Bishwa Ijtema will occur Jan 13-15 and 20-22, on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. The gathering point is 3 kms north of Hazrat Shahjalal Intl Airport. 4 million attendees are expected. The event will have a major impact on traffic throughout Dhaka.

Location: Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh, and surrounding areas. Event: Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest Muslim gathering, will occur in Bangladesh

01/09/2023

We’re working hard to welcome tourists who need visas, while also protecting national security. In FY 2022, the 10 largest visa-processing embassies & consulates issued 90% of their 2019 visa volume and expect to exceed that in 2023.

01/09/2023

Honduras: The government of Honduras has expanded the state of exception for a further 45 days, from January 6, 2023. During this time, there may be restrictions on freedom of movement and other rights in the named neighborhoods. http://ow.ly/9iVL50MlSkG

01/09/2023

Do you need to apply for your U.S. passport? Keep in mind it takes 6-9 weeks for routine processing, and 3-5 weeks for expedited processing ($60 extra fee). Plan ahead to avoid last minute stress! http://ow.ly/tSMP50MlEPj

01/09/2023

Sofia, Bulgaria: On Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a demonstration is planned in front of the U.S. embassy in Sofia. No disruptions to consular services are expected. Monitor local media for updates. For more information, see: http://ow.ly/olgW50MlsgC

01/08/2023

Brazil: Media and police report that an antidemocratic protest has turned violent and is now occupying areas of central Brasilia. U.S. citizens are warned to avoid the area until further notice. For more http://ow.ly/N60p50MkTpR

01/08/2023

Sinaloa, Mexico: In-person consular services at the U.S. Consular Agency in Mazatlan will remain suspended on Monday, January 9, 2023. This is a continuation of the suspension in services previously announced on January 5, stemming from the violence across Sinaloa. U.S. citizens in need of a passport who plan to fly from Sinaloa to the United States in the next week should email the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit at the U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo. More at http://ow.ly/ocuf50MkIi7

01/06/2023

Peru: Operations at the Inca Manco Capac Airport (JUL) in Juliaca have been suspended as of the afternoon of Jan. 6 due to the security situation. Maintain contact with airlines for updates on rescheduling flights. More assistance information at http://ow.ly/EelY50MkoI3

01/06/2023

ในปี พ.ศ. 2565 สถานทูตสหรัฐฯ กรุงเทพฯ ได้พิจารณาคำร้องวีซ่ามากที่สุดนับตั้งแต่ปี พ.ศ. 2539 แผนกกงสุลสหรัฐฯ ประจำประเทศไทยมีความภูมิใจที่ได้โปรโมตการค้าและการเดินทางระหว่างประเทศไทยและสหรัฐอเมริกา

In 2022, U.S. Embassy Bangkok adjudicated more visas applications than any other year since 1996! Consular Team Thailand is proud to support trade and travel between Thailand and the United States.

01/06/2023

the majority of tourists visit the United States on the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Waiver Program or on a previously issued 10-year, multiple-entry visa? Currently, there are more than 55 million travelers with valid tourist visas and border crossing cards who can visit the U.S. at any time.

01/05/2023

Sinaloa, Mexico: Reports of gunfire, roadblocks, and fires throughout the cities of Culiacan, Los Mochis, and Guasave. Sinaloa Governor called for the public to shelter in place. Remain alert for potential violence throughout the state. More at http://ow.ly/yB6250MjlV8

01/05/2023

Peru: Demonstrations continue to take place throughout the country, including sporadically in Lima. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling on the Pan American Highway south of Lima at this time. There are multiple roadblocks limiting movement. More at http://ow.ly/7Ab350Mjlea

01/05/2023

The following locations are currently Level 4 – Do Not Travel:
⛔ Afghanistan
⛔ Belarus
⛔ Burkina Faso
⛔ Burma
⛔ CAR
⛔ Haiti
⛔ Iran
⛔ Iraq
⛔ Libya
⛔ Mali
⛔ North Korea
⛔ Russia
⛔ Somalia
⛔ South Sudan
⛔ Sudan
⛔ Syria
⛔ Ukraine
⛔ Venezuela
⛔ Yemen
For more information: http://ow.ly/MObV50MjkhP

01/04/2023

We're reducing delays for those traveling to the U.S. for the first time, while streamlining the visa process for known and repeat travelers and never compromising national security. Nearly half of visitor visas issued in 2022 did not require an interview. http://ow.ly/EjH050MiBe7

01/04/2023

Nassau - State Magazine

U.S. citizens make up more than 80% of the six million tourists visiting the Bahamas each year? Our consular team at U.S. Embassy Nassau is there to help U.S. citizens in need. Read more about U.S. Department of State's work in the Bahamas at http://ow.ly/y3aZ50Miqny.

Nassau’s Paradise Island, as seen from above, is a popular tourist destination in The Bahamas. Photo by Tokar Story by Isaac D. Pacheco Renowned for its pristine beaches, blue waters, and glowing hospitality, The Bahamas is a sought after destination for millions of tourists each year, particularl...

01/04/2023

FIJI: An active trough of low pressure remains slow moving to the west of Viti Levu and continues to affect local areas with widespread heavy rain and possible flooding. Localized flash floods are possible. http://ow.ly/Kls250MhV0Z