Passport & Visa News 3

Passport & Visa News

February 22, 2010

BLIZZARD OF 2010- The Washington, D.C. area is back to normal (relatively speaking) after a record snowfall that shut the area down a few weeks ago. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we worked through what was truly an unprecedented event! Thank you-

ALBANIA- Now requires a personal appearance when applying for a visa.

AUSTRALIA- The application for tourist and business visas has changed and is available on our website. Please note this does not concern those nationals eligible to apply for the ETA visa. Only those nationals who must apply for a visa through the Embassy are concerned.

CAMEROON- The minimum processing time for Cameroon is now 7 business days. Visas cannot be issued faster than this. Please plan accordingly.

CHINA- Please remember a copy of the information page of the applicants passport is required.

INDIA- IMPORTANT:

Birth Certificate: Applicants must submit a copy of their birth certificate when applying for a visa.
Processing time: Continues to be an issue at some consulates. In all cases you should allow a minimum of 5 business days for processing. In some cases the processing time can be as long as 10 business days. It is very difficult to determine the exact processing time due to the inconsistency of the consulate or embassy. The Indian Consulate in Houston in particular should be noted.

INDONESIA- The Embassy will be closed on February 26, 2010. Please plan visa processing accordingly.

-As a reminder: Restricted Travel Regions:

· There are regions in Indonesia that the foreign national is not allowed to visit without special written permission and approval. The four regions are: Maluku, Poso, and Irian Jaya/West Papua. The Applicant who wishes to enter the restricted regions must obtain special authorization from Indonesian authorities. Important: Please advise to the Embassy/ Consulate Generals about the intention to visit restricted regions. · To initiate and to expedite the process of the Authorization, it is advisable that the sponsor/individual/organization in Indonesia submit the request for the applicant's authorization from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia. · As there would be considerable amount of time needed for the process, we strongly suggested that the applicant apply for a visa as early as possible. It may take two weeks or longer before such permission been granted (or denied). Visitor who enters these regions without permission is subject to arrest, detention, and will be prosecuted according to Indonesian law.

JORDAN- The Jordanian Embassy will no longer offer multiple entry visas to non U.S. citizens. If you are a non U.S. citizen and require a multiple entry visa you may make this request however, the processing time may take up to a month or longer as approval is required from Jordan before the visa is issued. There is no guarantee the visa will be granted.

LIBERIA- The Embassy of Liberia has a new visa application which can be found on our website.

RUSSIA-. The Embassy will be closed: February 23- Day of Russian Army, March 8-

International Woman's Day, May 1 and 2- Labor Day, May 9- Victory Day, June 12- Independence Day, November 4- Unity Day. Please plan your visa processing accordingly.

UGANDA- A recent change to how the visa is issued: The Uganda visa is typically issued for a single entry, valid for 90 days from the date you state you will enter Uganda on your visa application.

- The Embassy has finally received replacement visa stamps for the 6 month multiple entry visa. As a result this visa is now available.

UKRAINE- The Ukrainian Embassy now requires applications to be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state the applicant resides in. Passport Visas Express.com can assist you with this process. For more information please contact us.

VIETNAM- The Embassy of Vietnam has reduced and increased its visa fee in most cases by $5 +/-. Please see our website for complete details.