US visa appointments now available online

THE US Consulate has launched its Online Visa Information Service, which allows travellers to obtain visa information and schedule their visa appointment on the web. To make the appointment travellers will be required to pay US$10 to receive a PIN giving them access to either the Call Center or the Online Service. This PIN is valid for 180 days from the date of payment if no appointment is scheduled, but once an appointment is made the PIN is valid until two days prior to the appointment date. Applicants will be able to reschedule or cancel the appointment twice. More information can be found at www.usvisa-southafrica.com. Chana Viljoen (chanav@nowmedia.co.za)