U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

09/22/2023

Hurricanes impact more than just coastal shores. Have a plan to evacuate out of the path of a storm. Don’t wait until it’s too late – it is better to ensure your safety than to bet against a storm. www.travel.state.gov/crisis

09/21/2023

Passport 📷 Tips:
✅ 2"x 2"
✅ Recent (within the last six months)
✅ In color
✅ Taken with a white background
🚫Selfies
🚫Glasses
🚫Filters or retouching tools (you look great without them!)
More photo tips at travel.state.gov/photos

09/20/2023

It's true: one size does NOT fit all! When it comes to safety and security, there are many ways to stay informed and ensure you're getting the right updates for you. Learn about how to receive our Travel Advisories and Alerts and choose the method that's right for you: https://ow.ly/Lg3Z50PNUbk

09/19/2023

We're hiring more passport specialists! If you're a recent graduate and in the San Francisco area, join us on September 27 for a hiring fair! https://usajobs.gov/job/746365400

WE'RE HIRING! | Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, from 8 am to 5 pm PDT at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94102.

WHO CAN APPLY: U.S. citizens who graduated within the last two years with a qualifying degree (September 27, 2021‐September 27, 2023)

WHAT TO BRING: Bring your resume, transcript, one form of government-issued photo ID (i.e. Driver’s License, Identification Card, or Passport), Veteran Documents (if applicable) such as a DD‐214

WHAT TO EXPECT: On-site interviews and security clearance screening

Starting salary of $51,934 (GS-07, Step 1) Job duties include examining passport applications and determining authenticity.

If you are unable to attend or would like more information, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/746365400


U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

09/19/2023

Planning a trip can be stressful (we know!). Make sure all your ducks are in a row by running through our Traveler’s Checklist early in the planning process: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html

09/18/2023

Remember to include your e-mail address on your passport application. This will allow us to contact you faster if we need additional documents or if an error was found in your application. If you don't include an e-mail address, we must contact you by snail mail and, frankly, we don’t need any more pen pals 🤣. travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/top-mistakes.html

09/15/2023

Today marks the beginning of , when we recognize the vital role that Latin and Hispanic-Americans play in our communities across the U.S. This month we celebrate the many leaders who continue to make our nation more equitable, secure, and prosperous.

09/15/2023

Planning international travel? Get your passport first, then book your trip! It's best to apply for your passport at least 6-9 months ahead of time to have plenty of time to plan the rest of your trip. Learn more at travel.state.gov/passports.

09/14/2023

Border between the Dominican Republic & Haiti: The Government of the Dominican Republic has announced the closure of air, sea, and land borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti effective Friday, September 15 at 06:00am.

U.S. citizens planning to cross the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic will not have the ability to do so and will need to make alternate arrangements. The U.S. Embassy is not able to facilitate entry into Haiti or the Dominican Republic through a closed border crossing. More at https://ht.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-port-au-prince-haiti-september-14-2023/

09/14/2023

During a crisis, our top priority is assisting U.S. citizens on the ground. Help us focus on those needing assistance by informing friends and family that you are safe after a disaster. travel.state.gov/crisis

09/13/2023

We issue Travel Advisories to protect U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad. To see the complete list, go to travel.state.gov/traveladvisories. Click on our color-coded world map at travelmaps.state.gov for a global view.

09/13/2023

Passport specialists work at the intersection of national security, travel, and tourism and they make a concrete difference every day in getting passports out to U.S. citizens. We're excited to get some new team members on board following yesterday's hiring fair in Seattle. Stay tuned for another hiring fair coming to San Francisco soon!

09/12/2023

Border Between Haiti & the Dominican Republic: The Government of the Dominican Republic has announced the possible closure of air, sea, and land borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti as of Thursday, September 14. This is in addition to the currently closed Dajabón-Ouanaminthe and Elias Piña-Belladere land border crossings.

If the closure occurs, U.S. citizens planning to depart Haiti for the Dominican Republic on or after September 14 will not have the ability to do so and will need to make alternate arrangements. The U.S. Embassy is not able to facilitate entry into the Dominican Republic through a closed border crossing.

Haiti’s Travel Advisory is Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” meaning that any U.S. citizen still in Haiti should depart immediately as safely as possible via commercial means.
More at https://ht.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-port-au-prince-4/

09/12/2023

We know you know most of this stuff, but we’re reminding you anyways, because a) it’s our job and b) we care about you. Follow our Smart Travel Tips for your next international trip!
travel.state.gov/destination.

09/12/2023

Greece: A 24-hour nationwide strike for all categories of ships, including ferries, has been announced for Wednesday, September 13th. Monitor www.apergia.gr and local media for strike notifications and contact your ferry company or travel company directly for assistance. More at gr.usembassy.gov/demonstration-alert-maritime-strike/

09/12/2023

Make passport applications as painless as possible by using our Form Filler tool to fill out your application. We promise you, we truly love your elaborate handwriting, but let’s all save some heartache from having to go back to ask what it is you actually wrote. Here are our hot tips: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/top-mistakes.html

09/12/2023

Reminder -- Hiring fair today in Seattle!

WE'RE HIRING! Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, from 8 am to 5 pm PDT at Federal Center South, Seattle WA 98134.

WHO CAN APPLY: U.S. citizens who graduated within the last two years with a qualifying degree (September 12, 2021‐September 12, 2023)

WHAT TO BRING: Bring your resume, transcript, one form of government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License, Identification Card, or Passport), Veteran Documents (if applicable) such as a DD‐214

WHAT TO EXPECT: On-site interviews and security clearance screening

Starting salary of $51,934 (GS-07, Step 1) Job duties include examining passport applications and determining authenticity.

If you are unable to attend or would like more information visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/746365400


U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

09/11/2023

Libya: We are monitoring the effects of Storm Daniel in northeastern areas of Libya that caused severe weather conditions, strong winds, and significant infrastructure damage. Displacement of families and a number of deaths and casualties have been reported. There is currently no U.S. Embassy in Libya. Questions may be addressed to the Libya External Office located in Tunis or the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. More at https://tn.usembassy.gov/safety-alert-libya-flooding-from-storm-daniel-september-11-2023/.

09/11/2023

While we highly recommend NOT losing your overseas records in the first place, even if you do the Department of State has your back. If a U.S. embassy or consulate issued your documents — like birth, death, and marriage records — you can get copies. Requests can take 11 weeks from application date, so plan ahead. Learn more at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications.html

09/11/2023

Today we honor the nearly 3,000 people – parents, colleagues, and friends – who lost their lives to terrorism 22 years ago. And we honor the ordinary Americans who responded in extraordinary ways that day.

09/09/2023

Morocco: Earthquake response is ongoing. Airports and local transportation are open and functioning. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy by phone or email. Avoid affected areas and follow police instructions. https://ma.usembassy.gov/safety-alert-update-regarding-september-8-earthquake-in-morocco/

09/09/2023

Morocco: An earthquake 60 miles SW of Marrakech has been felt throughout Morocco. Exercise caution for the next 24 hours in case of aftershocks. Tsunami warning also in effect for coastal areas. https://ma.usembassy.gov/safety-alert-an-earthquake-has-struck-12-km-from-imintanoute/

09/08/2023

Dominican Republic: According to the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Lee is now a dangerous category 5 hurricane. While most models of the storm’s track indicate that it will pass north of the Dominican Republic, hurricanes are unpredictable and may change direction rapidly and without warning. Dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents may occur. https://ow.ly/Qar850PJvwa

09/08/2023

Chile: From Sept. 9-11, possible protests related to the 50th anniversary of Chile’s Sept. 11, 1973, military coup in the Santiago Metropolitan Region and outlying communities. Prior protests have been spontaneous & mobile, with incidents of violence. https://ow.ly/TG8p50PJvl6

09/08/2023

Look, we all do our best to be smart, responsible travelers, right? But life throws us curveballs. What if you’re the victim of a crime overseas? Our consular officers can help! Find info on the U.S. Citizen Services page of the U.S. Embassy website for your travel country. https://www.usembassy.gov/

09/07/2023

Get your passport before you book international travel! Know when your passport expires and apply 6-9 months ahead. Many countries require six months of passport validity, so apply early to be prepared. travel.state.gov/passport 📸 Kristyna Rabassa

09/07/2023

The Department of State has issued all available diversity visas (DVs) for the 2023 Diversity Visa Program. We know the conclusion of the 2023 program may be disappointing to selectees who were unable to receive a visa.

The DV Program is limited to issuing approximately 55,000 visas each fiscal year. Selection does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa interview or a visa. Selection merely means the person may be eligible to participate in the DV program and may potentially apply for a visa.

Given that some of the first 55,000 persons selected will not qualify for visas or ultimately choose not to participate in the program, more individuals are selected to participate each year than visas available. This is done to ensure we are able to issue the maximum number of visas available under the DV program in any given year.

The 2025 Diversity Visa Program entry period will open on October 4, 2023, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply, including selectees who were unable to obtain a visa during a prior program year.

09/06/2023

The following locations are Level 4 – Do Not Travel:
⛔Afghanistan
⛔Belarus
⛔Burkina Faso
⛔Burma
⛔Central African Republic
⛔Haiti
⛔Iran
⛔Iraq
⛔Libya
⛔Mali
⛔Niger
⛔North Korea
⛔Russia
⛔Somalia
⛔South Sudan
⛔Sudan
⛔Syria
⛔Ukraine
⛔Venezuela
⛔Yemen
Read the full Advisories at travel.state.gov/traveladvisories

09/05/2023

Gabon: Borders are now open. The Libreville airport is open for domestic and international flights. Travelers should keep boarding passes on hand if arriving during curfew, which remains in effect between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice. https://ga.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-libreville-gabon-sept-5-2023/

09/05/2023

Is your passport about to expire? Be sure you check before you book international travel! Find out how to renew your passport now. Travel.state.gov/passports 📸 Kari Jaksa

09/05/2023

Take the time before you leave for your vacation to enroll in STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You’ll get up-to-date security alerts, including weather alerts, sent to your inbox. STEP.state.gov

09/04/2023

This , we recognize the contributions and achievements of hardworking Americans, including colleagues serving our country around the world.

09/04/2023

Uganda: We are following reports that police located and defused an improvised explosive device in the Rubaga division of Kampala, & unconfirmed reports of potential addt'l devices. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large gatherings. https://ug.usembassy.gov/security-alert-embassy-kampala-september-03-2023/

09/01/2023

Victims of Hurricane Idalia are eligible for passport fee waivers when replacing valid passports that were lost or damaged in the disaster. For more information and a list of other disasters that qualify for fee waivers, visit http://travel.state.gov/disaster.

09/01/2023

Niamey, Niger: Demonstrations have been announced for downtown Niamey, the National Stadium, and Air Base 101, expected to occur September 1 to 3. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas with crowds regardless of location. https://ne.usembassy.gov/demonstration-alert-u-s-embassy-niamey-niger-3/

09/01/2023

The summer travel season may be ending, but our U.S. passport teams continue working hard to decrease application processing times! Thanks to the satellite office, teams of passport specialists, new Foreign Service Officers, retirees, and consular fellows and staff who are helping meet demand and keep us on track to issue a record-breaking number of passports this fiscal year.

09/01/2023

Gabon: An imposed curfew remains in effect between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice. The U.S. Embassy has received reports the borders are currently closed. The Libreville airport is open for domestic flights; international flights remain suspended. Between September 5 and 8, the U.S. Embassy will accept walk-in American Citizen Services between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. https://ga.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-libreville-gabon-september-1-2023/

09/01/2023

WE'RE HIRING! Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, from 8 am to 5 pm PDT at Federal Center South, Seattle WA 98134.

WHO CAN APPLY: U.S. citizens who graduated within the last two years with a qualifying degree (September 12, 2021‐September 12, 2023)

WHAT TO BRING: Bring your resume, transcript, one form of government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License, Identification Card, or Passport), Veteran Documents (if applicable) such as a DD‐214

WHAT TO EXPECT: On-site interviews and security clearance screening

Starting salary of $51,934 (GS-07, Step 1) Job duties include examining passport applications and determining authenticity.

If you are unable to attend or would like more information visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/746365400


U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

09/01/2023

Time is running out! If your visa application fee was paid before October 1, 2022, you have until September 30 to schedule an interview appointment before your payment expires. Note: the date of the interview can be after September 30, 2023.

08/31/2023

Planning to study, work, or live overseas? You may need your official documents authenticated. The Office of Authentications can provide signed certificates of authenticity for the various documents needed when living abroad. Requests must be mailed and take 11 weeks from the date received. Learn more at https://ow.ly/ITse50PGrc2