us travel docs appointment schedule

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to schedule US visa appointment: A step-by-step guide

Updated: September 21, 2023

After completing your DS-160, the next step in your visa application is to schedule US visa appointment. This requires paying the visa fee and selecting the location and date for your visa interview. Some countries require an additional appointment for biometrics at a Visa Application Center.

The US visa appointment available dates vary from country to country and location to location. You can check the current wait times for visa appointments at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

You can schedule US visa appointment anywhere in the world. If you are traveling and would need to schedule your US visa interview appointment in a third country, you can very well do so.

It is not mandatory to schedule your appointment in the same location as in your DS-160. You are expected to schedule your appointment at the same location. But if you have to attend your visa interview at a different location, you are still allowed to do so.

IMPORTANT You must complete the DS-160 form prior to scheduling your US visa appointment. If you haven’t yet, follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to fill DS-160 form online for US visa .

Table of Contents

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How to use this step-by-step guide?

There are multiple websites for scheduling US visa appointments. Which website to use depends on the country where you plan to schedule your visa appointment

This step-by-step guide is for using the CGI Federal (US Travel Docs) website. You must use CGI Federal to schedule US visa appointments in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

I have listed out all sections and questions in this guide. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered.

Before you start your visa appointment on CGI Federal, go through my comprehensive guide on US visa appointment to understand the eligibility, prerequisites and country-specific appointment portals for scheduling the visa interview.

Who Should Use CGI Federal (US Travel Docs) to Schedule US Visa Appointment

Determine the country where you plan to schedule your US visa appointment. If the country is in the below list, continue with the instructions here.

If the country is not in the below list, you may have to schedule your US visa appointment on AIS US Visa Info , NIV Appointment System or U.S. Visa Scheduling.

• Hong Kong (and Macau)
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka (and Maldives)
• New Zealand
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland (and Liechtenstein)

MIDDLE EAST

• Saudi Arabia
• Burkina Faso
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Egypt (and Yemen)
• Sierra Leone
• Tunisia (and Libya)

CENTRAL AMERICA

• El Salvador
• Dominican Republic

Steps to Schedule US Visa Appointment on CGI Federal (US Travel Docs)

Before you jump into creating your profile and filling out your appointment application, you must first read through the instructions thoroughly. Below are the steps to get to the instructions.

• Head over to the US Travel Docs website
• Select the country from the map where you would like to schedule your appointment
• Select “Yes” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
• Select “Nonimmigrant” to the question “Are you applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa?”
• Nonimmigrant visa information and instructions will be displayed
• Read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with the application, the steps and the payment options

01. New User Registration

After you read through the instructions, follow the below steps to register a new profile.

• Go to the US Travel Docs website
• Select “No” to the question “Is this your first time applying for a visa and/or visiting our site?”
• Click on “Create Account” button under “APPLY FOR A U.S. VISA”
• You will be taken to “New User Registration” section

Enter the following information in “New User Registration” section

• Select Country For Visa [ Comment: Country will automatically be displayed. This field is not editable ]
• Email [ Comment: Enter your email where you would like to receive communication ]
• First Name [ Comment: Enter your given name from the passport]
• Last Name [ Comment: Enter your last name or surname from the passport ]
• Password [ Comment: Enter a new password for your profile ]
• Confirm Password [ Comment: Enter the same password as you entered above ]
• I have read and understood the Privacy Policy [ Comment: Check this box ]
• Type in the characters displayed in the box below [ Comment: Enter the captcha ]

Click on the “Submit” button to register a new profile. Make a note of your username (your email) and password. You will need these credentials to save and come back to your application later.

Click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment” from the left side menu to start scheduling your appointment. When you click on “New Application/Schedule Appointment”, you will be taken to “Visa Type” section.

02. Visa Type

Enter the following information

• Immigrant Visa
• Nonimmigrant visa

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Location” section.

03. Location

• Please Select Your Country or State of Residence [ Comment: Select the location where you want to schedule your visa appointment ]

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Language” section.

04. Language

• Language Of Interview [ Comment: Enter the language in which you want to give your visa interview. You will be asked questions in this language ]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Category” section.

05. Visa Category

• Business/Tourism, Crew and All Other Visas
• Students and Exchange Visitors
• L1 (Blanket)
• H&L visas

Click on “Continue” to go to “Visa Class” section.

06. Visa Class

• B1 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS
• B1/B2 – VISITOR FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE
• B2 – VISITOR FOR PLEASURE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT

Click on “Continue” to go to “Review” section.

• Please make sure all selected information is correct before continuing [ Comment: Review the information and make sure everything you have entered is correct so far ]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Personal Data” section.

08. Personal Data

• Passport Number [ Comment: Enter you passport number as in your passport and DS-160 ]
• Passport Issuance Date [ Comment: Enter your passport issue date ]
• Passport Issuance Place [ Comment: Enter your passport place of issue ]
• Passport Expiration Date [ Comment: Enter your passport expiration date ]
• Date of Birth [ Comment: Enter your date of birth as shown in your passport ]
• Nationality [ Comment: Enter your nationality ]
• First Name [ Comment: Enter your given name from your passport ]
• Last Name [ Comment: Enter your last name or surname from your passport ]
• Country of Birth [ Comment: Enter your country of birth ]
• Gender [ Comment: Enter your gender ]
• DS-160 Confirmation Number [ Comment: Enter your DS-160 confirmation number ]
• Phone Number [ Comment: Enter your phone number ]
• Mobile Phone [ Comment: Enter your mobile number ]
• Email [Comment: Enter your email ]
• Address Line 1 [ Comment: Enter your address ]
• City [ Comment: Enter your city ]
• State [ Comment: Enter your state ]
• Postal Code [ Comment: Enter your postal/zip code ]

Click on “Continue” to go to “Dependents” section.

09. Dependents

• Please click “Add by Name” or “Add Existing Applicant” if you have a group/family member (including a child) who needs to apply for a visa with you. [ Comment: Click on the “Add by Name” button to add the dependents that need to attend the visa interview with you ]

If you would need to add your dependents, click on “Add by Name” button and enter the following information.

• DS-160 Confirmation # [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s DS-160 confirmation number ]
• First Name [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s given name from the passport ]
• Last Name [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s last name or surname from the passport ]
• Gender [ Comment: Select your dependent’s gender ]
• Date of Birth [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s date of birth as shown on the passport ]
• Country of Birth [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s country of birth ]
• Nationality [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s nationality
• Passport Number [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport number ]
• Passport Issuance Date [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of issue ]
• Passport Issuance Place [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport place of issue ]
• Passport Expiration Date [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s passport date of expiration ]
• Primary Phone # [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s primary phone number ]
• Alternative Phone # [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s alternative phone number ]
• Email [ Comment: Enter your dependent’s email ]

Click on “Save” to save your dependent’s information.

If you have more than one dependent that needs to attend the visa interview with you, click on “Add by Name” to add more dependents.

When finished adding all your dependents, click on “Continue” to go to “Age” section.

• Are you (the visa applicant) under 14 years or age? [ Comment: Click “No” to continue ]
• Are you (the visa applicant) 80 years of age or older? [ Comment: Click “No” to continue ]

11. Previous Visas

• Do you have a previous B-1/B-2 visa (visitor visa)? [ Comment: Click “No” to continue. Click “Yes” if you had a previous B1/B2 visa ]

NOTE If you select “Yes” to the above question, you will be asked a few questions to determine if you qualify for the visa renewal and interview waiver.

12. Documentation Delivery

• Pick Up [ Comment: Select this option if you would like to pick up your passport from visa application center or courier head office ]
• Delivery [ Comment: Select this option if you would like to receive your passport by mail to your home ]

Click on “Continue” to go to the “Payment Options” section.

13. Payment Options

On this screen, you will see different payment options. Click on each option to see the instructions on how to make the visa fee payment.

At this point, the visa application is already saved. Familiarize yourself with the payment options and pick the payment method that works best for you.

Available Payment Methods

• Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account
• Cash payment at a designated local bank
• Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)

a. Electronic fund transfer (ETF) from a local bank account

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by electronic fund transfer

• On this screen, select Electronic Fund Transfer
• A unique account number will be displayed
• Make a note of this unique account number as you will need this to make your visa appointment
• Make an electronic fund transfer to this unique account number from your local bank account

You will be able to schedule your appointment on the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.

NOTE If more details such as bank name, bank address, etc are required to make an electronic fund transfer, those details will also be displayed along with the unique account number.

NOTE You must transfer the correct amount. Incorrect amounts can lead to delays.

b. Cash payment at a designated local bank

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by cash at a designated local bank

• On this screen, select Cash at Bank
• A link to download/print the visa application deposit/collection slip will be displayed
• Print the visa application deposit/collection slip
• Fill all the necessary details on the deposit/collection slip
• Take the deposit slip with you to the bank and make the visa fee payment
• You will be given a receipt, save the deposit slip and receipt

c. Country-specific local payment options (mobile payments, wallets, etc)

Follow the below steps to pay your visa fee by a local payment option such as mobile payment, wallet, etc. These options differ from country to country.

• On the payment screen, select your country specific local payment option (such as mobile, wallet, etc)
• Instructions on how to make the payment will be displayed
• Make the visa fee payment and make a note of the receipt or transaction number

You will be able to schedule your appointment the next business day after the visa fee payment is made.

After the payment, come back to the website and login with your credentials. You will see a “Continue” option on the left side menu. When you click this “Continue” option, you will be taken directly to the “Payment” screen.

Enter the following information on the “Payment” screen

• Receipt Number [ Comment: Enter the receipt number of your visa fee payment ]

Click “Continue” to schedule your visa appointment.

NOTE If your receipt has become active, you will be taken to the schedule appointment screen. If not, you will be shown an error saying that the receipt number is not valid. In that case, try again after some time. Remember that the receipt number becomes active on the next working day of your payment.

NOTE If you are renewing your previous visa, you may see an additional screen asking to select your visa priority. You may see 2 options – “Regular” and “No Show”. You must select “Regular”. “No Show” is for those who couldn’t make it to their previous appointment but using the same visa fee receipt number to schedule another appointment.

14. Schedule Fingerprints and Photo Appointment (applicable only in some countries)

On this screen, pick the date and time for your fingerprints and photo appointment.

Click on “Continue”.

Print your fingerprints and photo appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of this appointment confirmation for your fingerprints and photo.

NOTE Appointment for fingerprints and photo is ONLY REQUIRED in certain countries such as India, Mexico , etc. The appointment for fingerprints and photo must be scheduled at least 1 day ahead of your actual visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

15. Schedule US Visa Interview Appointment

On this screen, pick the date and time for your visa interview appointment.

Print your US visa interview appointment confirmation. You will need a copy of your appointment confirmation for your visa interview.

NOTE The appointment for visa interview must be scheduled at least 1 day after your fingerprint and photo appointment.

NOTE The US visa appointment available dates can vary greatly from location to location. There may be several days wait in certain countries and cities. Before you book US visa appointment, I recommend checking the current wait times at the Bureau of Consular Affairs website to get an idea on when you can find an available slot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I need to travel urgently. How can I apply for an expedited appointment?

If need to travel to the US urgently, you may qualify for an expedited US visa appointment. Keep in mind that you must have a strong reason and must be able to provide documentary evidence to prove it.

The following reasons are generally considered eligible for expedited appointments.

– Medical care for self or companion – Death or funeral of an immediate family member – Business related emergency travel – Students starting or resuming study

You must first schedule your appointment for the earliest available date. After which, you will see a menu item in your dashboard called “Emergency Request” or “Expedited Request”. Fill and submit the expedited request. If you qualify for an expedited appointment, you will be notified via email with instructions to schedule your expedited appointment.

We are traveling together as a family. How do I schedule a family appointment?

If you are traveling as a family, you can schedule one visa appointment for the entire family.

Follow the instructions below.

1) Create just one profile/account for yourself (primary applicant) in the appointment system. Add your family members as “dependents”

2) On the payment page, you will be given a single receipt number and the total visa fee amount (for the entire family) to be paid

3) You must make the total visa fee payment for that receipt number

4) When the receipt number becomes active, you will be able to schedule a single appointment for the entire family

5) On the day of the appointment, you all have to arrive at the consulate at the scheduled time and everyone in the family will be interviewed together

I cannot log into my account. It says my account is frozen and wait for 72 hours. What should I do?

If the appointment system notices that your activities are suspicious, it freezes your account for 72 hours. Once your account is frozen, you will not be able to log in for 72 hours.

I assume that the following activities can trigger an account freeze –

1. Going into the appointment page too often on a given day. You will be shown a warning message if you have accessed the schedule appointment page too often – “You are approaching the maximum number of times you may view this page. Please complete your transaction at this time.”

2. Leaving the appointment page open in other tabs/browsers while you do other work.

If your account is frozen, there is not much you can do. You will have to wait for a good 72 hours to be able to access your account again.

There are no available appointments. My travel dates are approaching. What should I do?

If you are not finding any available appointments and your travel dates are approaching, trying the following.

1) Keep an eye on the current wait times in your location and also at all other locations in your country. When you see a drop in the wait times in any of those locations, check for available appointments in that location. You may be able to find an earlier appointment that way.

2) Try checking for available appointments after midnight or early morning. There will be fewer people on the system, so it would be easy to find an appointment during those times.

3) Attend your interview in another country. Look up the current wait times in other countries that are easy for you to travel to. You will have to pay the visa fee in that country again as the fee is not transferable between countries.

I want to schedule my appointment in a different country than the country in my profile. How do I change this?

The country on your account defaults to the country where you have created your account for the first time. This is fine if you create an account and schedule your appointment in the same country.

The system also uses the name, date of birth and passport number to look up any duplicate accounts. So, if you create a new account, the system will flag it and will ask you to merge.

If you need to change the country on your account or merge your new account with the old one, you must contact USTravelDocs customer service. They have the ability to change the default country on your profile or merge your old account with the new one. Their customer service is very helpful in fixing such issues.

I don’t want to schedule my appointment. Can someone else use my visa fee receipt number?

When you make the visa fee payment, the receipt number (also referred to as MRV number, CGI number) will become active. Once you use this receipt number to lookup available appointments, it’s then associated with your profile. You cannot transfer the visa fee to another applicant.

If you have never used the receipt number in your profile, you can have other applicants use it for scheduling their appointment.

NOTE: The visa fee is valid for 1 year from the payment date. It can only be used to schedule an appointment in the country where the payment was made.

I can’t make it to my appointment. The system says I cannot reschedule anymore. What should I do?

An appointment can be rescheduled for only 1) a certain number of times and 2) until certain days before your appointment.

If you are approaching the number of times you are allowed to reschedule, you will see a warning. At this point, you cannot reschedule any more. If you continue, your appointment will be canceled and your receipt number becomes unusable. You have to pay the visa fee again to schedule your appointment.

I’m renewing my visa. Do I qualify for interview waiver?

If you are renewing your visa, you may qualify for an interview waiver if the following conditions are met.

1) You are applying for the same type of visa as the previous visa 2) You are applying at the same location as your previous visa 3) Your previous visa is still valid or expired in the last 1 year

If you qualify for an interview waiver, you can use the dropbox facility to submit your documents at the visa application center.

The procedure to renew a visa is the same as scheduling a new appointment. While scheduling your appointment, you will be asked questions about your previous visa. If you qualify for the interview waiver, the system will prompt you to use the dropbox submission. Instructions and required documentation are sent to your email.

My visa was neither approved nor denied. I was told that my case requires administrative processing. What should I do?

If the visa officer is not convinced with your answers during the interview, they may issue you a Section 221 (g) and put your case in administrative processing. Administrative processing is required if additional background checks or verification of information is necessary.

If your case requires administrative processing, the visa officer will give a yellow paper (referred to as Section 221 (g)) and will ask you to check the status of your case online. Administrative processing usually takes 4-6 weeks, but in extreme cases, it can take several months.

NOTE: Do not check your visa status right after your visa is approved. It will usually be administrative processing and it can cause panic. This is quite normal and US consulate would need to do some final checks before attaching the visa sticker in your passport.

My visa was approved but the online status stays it’s in administrative processing. What should I do?

Do not check your visa status right after your visa is approved. It will usually be in administrative processing and it can cause panic.

Administrative processing after visa is approved is quite normal. US consulate would need to perform some final checks before attaching the visa sticker in your passport. During this time, your case status will be administrative process/review.

I couldn’t attend my visa appointment. Can I use the same visa fee receipt to schedule another appointment?

Yes. You will be considered a “No Show” applicant. You can use the same visa fee receipt number to schedule a new appointment.

After your visa interview date, your visa fee receipt number gets deactivated. You have to wait two working days for the visa fee receipt number to become active again. After which, you can schedule your appointment.

While scheduling your new appointment, right after you enter your receipt number, you will be asked to select the visa priority – “Regular” or “No Show”. You must select “No Show” and continue scheduling your new appointment.

That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to schedule US visa appointment. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, feel free to comment here or email me.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Supporting Documents

Restrictions to changing appointments, more actions.

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Citizens of qualified countries may be also able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program . If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. You must schedule an appointment for that interview, either online using this website or through the call center .

To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application (mandatory) ;
• Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt (mandatory) ;
• Your DS-160 confirmation page (mandatory) ;
• Your e-mail address; and
• If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petition-based visas; more information about visa types and information about each can be found here ).

Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay another visa application fee.

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Facing issues with the new USTravelDoc Portal while booking Visa Appointments? This article may help

Key points:.

• On July 29, 2023, the US embassy in India launched a new online platform for scheduling US visa appointments, aiming to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• The platform, accessed through https://www.usvisascheduling.com/ , is tailored for Indian nationals, offering features like profile creation, fee payment, and appointment scheduling.
• Despite initial promises of retaining appointments, users with prior bookings had to recreate profiles after the transition, while those who paid fees before July 29 had to redo their profiles as well.
• Challenges emerged, including discrepancies in reflecting paid fees, technical glitches during form filling, and unresponsive customer service.
• The system's potential is notable, with suggestions for improvement including swift technical issue resolution, enhanced customer support, and user education through guides and tutorials.
• The system's transformational promise to revolutionize visa appointment scheduling and provide a user-centric approach requires ongoing attention, as seen in the need for continuous refinement and improvement.

Introduction:

Modernization is a constant pursuit across all sectors, and the realm of visa application processes is no exception. The US embassy in India embraced this spirit by introducing an innovative online platform for scheduling US visa appointments on July 29, 2023. This transition, from the erstwhile USTravelDocs and VFS Global systems, was aimed at offering a more user-friendly and efficient experience to applicants. However, like any major transformation, this shift has come with its own set of hurdles, underlining the significance of continuous improvement.

The Unveiling of the New System:

The new online platform, accessible through https://www.usvisascheduling.com/ , exclusively caters to Indian nationals applying for US visas. This revamped system enables users to log in, access their dashboard, make visa fee payments, and schedule interview appointments. Furthermore, the introduction of a dedicated customer service email ( [email protected] ) offers much-needed assistance to applicants navigating the new interface.

For those who had already secured appointments through the previous system, reassurance was provided that their appointments would remain intact. However, they were required to recreate their profiles on the new platform after the July 29 transition. Additionally, individuals who had already paid their visa fees before the shift were directed to recreate their profiles on the new system. These measures were put in place to facilitate a smooth data transfer process and minimize disruptions for applicants.

Challenges and User Feedback:

The objective behind the new system was to streamline the visa appointment scheduling process. However, feedback from users has shed light on a range of issues and concerns. Some of the challenges reported by applicants include:

• Paid Fees Not Reflected: Numerous applicants have expressed frustration due to paid fees not being accurately reflected in the new system. This discrepancy has not only led to confusion but has also left users in a state of limbo after completing the payment process.
• Form Filling Bugs: Users have encountered technical glitches while filling out forms, preventing them from successfully completing their scheduling process. These bugs not only disrupt the user experience but also hinder the timely submission of accurate information.
• Unresponsive Customer Service: Reports indicate that the customer service team associated with the new system has been unresponsive and unhelpful when users attempt to report issues. This lack of support has left applicants feeling stranded and unsupported.
• Migration of Old Accounts: Some users have faced challenges in migrating their old accounts to the new system. Unclear instructions have resulted in difficulties while setting up profiles.

Path Towards Improvement:

Despite its initial setbacks, the new online US visa appointment scheduling system holds immense potential. Addressing the reported issues is paramount to delivering a seamless experience to all applicants. Here are some potential improvements and solutions:

• Technical Issue Resolution: Swift identification and rectification of technical glitches and bugs are essential. Regular system checks and updates can help preempt these issues from disrupting users' experience.
• Enhanced Customer Support: Strengthening the responsiveness and effectiveness of the customer service team is crucial. Clear communication channels and prompt resolutions to user queries can mitigate frustration.
• User Education: Providing comprehensive step-by-step guides and video tutorials can aid users in navigating the new system and comprehending its features. This can significantly reduce confusion during the transition.
• Transparency: Regular updates and notifications to users about system improvements, issue resolutions, and upcoming changes can build trust and keep applicants informed.
• Feedback Mechanism: Implementing a robust feedback mechanism can empower users to report issues and suggest improvements. This continuous refinement process can be invaluable in enhancing the system based on user experiences.

Championing the Online Visa Experience:

The evolution of visa application processes exemplifies the relentless pursuit of efficiency and user satisfaction. While the introduction of the new online US visa appointment scheduling system faced its initial trials, the dedication to overcoming these challenges underscores its significance. With the commitment to continuous improvement, this system has the potential to transform the way visa appointments are scheduled, offering a seamless and user-centric approach. In an era dominated by digital innovation, the path forward demands unwavering attention to user needs and a determination to provide the best possible experience.

Some Troubleshooting Ways:

Contact information for visa appointments:.

If you're planning to apply for a U.S. visa and need to schedule an appointment, there are several contact options available:

U.S. Department of State: You can reach out to the U.S. Department of State to schedule a visa appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 . Their service hours are from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time.

USCIS Contact Center: For visa-related inquiries, you can also contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 . Their assistance is available from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time.

If your travel plans are imminent, requiring international travel within 14 calendar days, or if you need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days, it's advisable to make an appointment to ensure timely processing.

U.S. Embassy or Consulate: You have the option to directly contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate for appointment scheduling. If you're calling from the U.S. or Canada, dial 1-888-407-4747 . If you're calling from overseas, you can reach them at +1 202-501-4444 .

Utilizing these contact options will help you secure the necessary appointments for your U.S. visa application process.

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Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Citizens of qualified countries may be also able to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program . If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

Applicants for U.S. visas are required to appear in person for a visa interview at the U.S. Consulate General. You must schedule an appointment for that interview, either online using this website or through the call center .

To schedule a nonimmigrant visa appointment, you must have the following information and documents available:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt;
• Your DS-160 confirmation page;
• Your e-mail address; and
• If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petiticn-based visas; more information about visa types and information about each can be found here ).

Applicants are limited as to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay another visa application fee.

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5 Important Appointments You Shouldn’t Forget to Schedule Before Traveling

Angela Ruth

Business Tips , Calendar , Schedule

Sunday, May 26th, 2024

The weeks leading up to a big trip can be incredibly exciting. It’s fun to imagine all the places you’ll go, things you’ll experience, and memories you’ll grow to cherish. Don’t let all that excitement distract you from your obligations, however. You don’t want to be in the mountains or on the beach and realize you’ve forgotten something vital. So schedule these five important kinds of appointments before you set out on adventure.

1. Medical Checkup

The saying, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything,” is, perhaps, even more true abroad than at home. You don’t want to come down with an illness brewing now when you’re exploring an unfamiliar place. Schedule a general checkup before you depart so your doctor can clear you for a healthy voyage.

Additionally, check up on your destination’s vaccination requirements. Some countries have diseases that aren’t a significant part of the illness ecosystem in the U.S. You may need to vaccinate to cross your destination’s borders in the first place. And even if you don’t, it’d be better not to fly to Asia just to spend two weeks in bed with Typhoid.

Finally, schedule a medical checkup after you return home. While getting a checkup before traveling is more common, many neglect their health after that. You’ll be exposed to foreign viruses and bacteria when traveling to a foreign country. While you’ll probably be fine, don’t risk something unsavory developing within you. Schedule a return checkup before you leave so you know you’ll be in good hands when you return.

2. Visas and Passport

Regarding travel requirements, ensure your visa(s) and passport are in order. Many countries require some form of visa to enter their borders. Some will simply give a temporary travel visa to someone with a U.S. passport upon arrival. But that’s not the case with all countries. It’s also not the case with all types of visas.

If you’re planning to work in the country you’re traveling to in any capacity, you’ll need the proper visa. If you’re young enough, usually under 30, you can apply for a working holiday visa in some countries. This is a great option for traveling the world while working odd jobs. If you’re traveling to a country specifically to work there, you’ll absolutely need that country’s work visa. These visas can take a long time to process, so get the ball rolling well in advance.

To get a visa, you’ll need a valid passport first. And many countries won’t accept yours within six months of its expiration date. Your passport is valid for ten years if you’re over 15. So check and see if you need to renew your passport if you haven’t done so in a while. Like a specialized visa, this process can take some time, so set a calendar reminder to book your appointment today.

3. International Driving Permit

The list of essential papers isn’t over yet! If you’re ever going to drive on international trips, you should have an international driving permit. This document contains your name, photo, and driver’s info translated into multiple languages. And thankfully, unlike a specialized visa or passport renewal, it’s actually relatively easy to get.

To get an IDP first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You typically must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Then, locate the relevant issuing authority, which could be an automobile club like AAA or similar organization. Complete the application form, provide your driver’s license, two passport-sized photos, and possibly proof of identity and residency. Don’t forget to pay the associated fee, and once your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive your IDP.

Remember, it’s only valid for one year from the issue date and must accompany your regular driver’s license when driving abroad. Be sure to research any specific requirements for the country you plan to visit. As a U.S. citizen, you can’t get an IDP in any other country than the States. So make sure to schedule an appointment to get yours before you leave. Even if you don’t plan on driving now, keep the door open for spontaneity when it comes knocking! You never know what cool ATV or motorcycle rentals might entice you.

4. Pet Care Arrangements

Traveling with a friendly companion? Then there are a few appointments you’ll want to schedule to prepare in advance. While traveling with a pet can be fun, executing correctly’s a careful process.

Just like with your own health, you must ensure your pet is in good condition to travel. Most airlines require a certificate of health no older than ten days for your pet to be eligible to board. Your pet will likely need various inoculations to receive that health certificate depending on where you’re going. As you can tell, this is a multi-step process, so schedule the necessary appointments ahead of time.

On the flip side, you must also prepare accordingly if you’re not bringing your pet with you. Start by perusing the bulletin board at your local vet’s office or asking your social network if they know anyone who is reliable to pet sit. There are many good-hearted people out there who want to ensure your pet is safe and sound while you’re traveling. Book interviews with potential sitters well in advance so you have ample time to choose the best one.

5. Co-Planning With Co-Travelers

One of the best parts of solo travel is that you get to do whatever you want whenever you want. One of the worst parts is how lonely it can get. Share the fun and make great memories by traveling with friends or family. Just plan well enough in advance so everyone’s on board.

Set up a time for your travel crew to meet in person or online. During this planning appointment, brainstorm where to stay, eat, and enjoy yourself. Give each ample time to express their wishes and expectations for this joint adventure. Then, with everyone’s desires clearly voiced, Google Maps can be used to see how everyone’s needs can most closely be met.

Keep in mind that not everyone will get what they want, as traveling with others involves compromises. However, if each individual is willing to compromise, then the group as a whole can thrive. Make this planning philosophy clear to your group from the get-go. With everyone on board, you can make the most of your exciting adventures together.

Prepare Now to Enjoy Your Travels to the Fullest

It’s funny how much work it can take to just move your physical location from one place to another for a couple of weeks. But all that work can be well worth it once you’re finally there and don’t have to think about it anymore. Do your best to frontload everything so you can enjoy your trip as worry-free as possible.

If you’re struggling to keep tabs on everything, organize and track that information on your digital calendar. If you’re not using one already, there are some great options, like Calendar , Google Cal, and Apple Calendar. Take advantage of these calendars’ amazing planning features to make the most of your next trip.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Chanaka Madushan Sugathadasa; Pexels

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My name is Angela Ruth. I aim to help you learn how Calendar can help you manage your time, boost your productivity, and spend your days working on things that matter, both personally and professionally. Here's to improving all your calendars and becoming the person you are destined to become!

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Life-or-Death Emergencies

Courier and Expeditor Companies

• Life-or-Death Emergency  (appointment required)
• Urgent Travel  (appointment required)
• Routine      
• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

Expand the options below to learn more about the four types of service we offer.

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  if you have not applied, make an appointment online . your appointment at a  passport agency or center  must within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  if you have already applied, call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 6-8 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

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• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Traveling in Less Than 2-3 Weeks

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

Traveling in Less Than 8 Weeks

Expedite a first-time application or a child's application.

Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Follow the steps on how to apply in person
• Include your $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Find an  acceptance facility  near you to submit your application

Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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