Thank you for your email.
It is crucial that you read the above webpage in full. This is because if your question is covered on the webpage, we will be unable to reply to your email.
If you have a question about a future visa application or an application that has been in process since before March 20, 2020, please be aware that we are unable to provide further guidance at this time beyond what is covered in these FAQs or on the Embassy’s website. We ask that you continue to monitor our website for updates, and contact us again only after normal visa services have resume
*********************************
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
The U.S. Embassy London is monitoring the current situation in the United Kingdom. The U.S. Embassy London is aware of the hardship border closures are creating for U.S. citizens who need to get United States. We are exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions. If you have not done so, please enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so U.S. Embassy London can contact you with updated information and in an emergency.
Due to the possibility of an extended disruption, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations for the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
Visit our Embassy webpage for information on conditions in the United Kingdom.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page for the latest information.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for information on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
We would like to reassure you that we will update U.S. citizens on this current situation as quickly as possible, and strongly urge you to refer to our website for the latest updates.
Visa Services
Important information for visa applicants:
Presidential Proclamation 10014: On April 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants who present risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 23 and expires in 60 days, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those holding valid immigrant visas on the effective date of the Proclamation, are not subject to the proclamation. No valid visas will be revoked under this Proclamation. Routine visa services have been suspended at U.S. posts worldwide, but as resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services for applicants who are not subject to this presidential proclamation. Please review the full text.
Presidential Proclamation 9996: Entry is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation, of non-LPR foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the United States. If you reside in, have traveled recently to, or intend to transit or travel to China, Iran, the Schengen Area (which includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe, or Republic of Ireland prior to your planned trip to the United States, we recommend you postpone your visa interview appointment until 14 days subsequent to your departure from the subject country(ies). Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information.
Presidential Proclamation 9996 does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. The Department of Homeland Security will direct those who have been in the Schengen Area who are exempt from these restrictions, including American citizens, to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. Travelers are advised to visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for further guidance on U.S. travel restrictions.
UPDATE: In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Embassies and consulates have canceled all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020, but will continue to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services as resources and local conditions allow. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Please see these notices which contain detailed information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Please see our Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) for important information.
Additionally, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you are strongly encouraged to postpone your appointment by at least 14 days. There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid.
