“The U.S. The travel industry deeply appreciates the work of Senators Klobuchar, Cornyn, Booker, Moran, Rosen and Sullivan to drive progress at the State Department to reduce excessive visitor visa wait times".
The State Department implemented a “Super Saturdays” initiative where embassies and consulates open on Saturdays to process visas.
“While we appreciate State’s efforts, much work remains to bring interview wait times down to an acceptable level” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
“There are no better voices to tell the personal toll of America’s de facto border closure than the people, families and American businesses directly impacted by egregious visa wait times,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
To put this burden into perspective, check out what travelers could do in the time it will take them to get a visa to visit the U.S.:
One full year since reopening U.S. borders to inbound air travelers, 400+ day wait times for first-time visitor visas is resulting in de facto border closure
USA to Reduce Wait Times For Visitor Visas
“The travel community appreciates the action by the State Department to streamline the visa application process. It is a step in the right direction and comes at a critical time for rebuilding international travel. The severe backlog in visa applications will require additional focus and resources to help restore inbound travel to its pre-pandemic levels.”
Politicians and academics have criticised a decision to withdraw US visas from foreign students whose courses move fully online.
