Clients have had to delay, or cancel trips to the US after the US Embassy was unable to process visa applications before the date of travel due to appointment delays.
One agent, who spoke to eTNW on the condition of anonymity, said that when her client failed to receive her visa in time for travel, the client visited the embassy in person and was told that the visa application was not yet in process. “My client’s passport was then returned.”The client applied a month in advance of travel and attended the appointment a week before departure.
Visa companies canvassed by eTNW confirmed that high demand for US tourist visas had seen clients cancel, or delay travel as a result of delayed processing at the embassy.
US visa appointments have had notably long waiting periods this year and are, at present, delayed by four weeks. These waiting periods have, at times, resulted in clients flying to different cities to secure earlier appointments.
The US Consulate confirmed that the delays are due to high demand and advised agents to monitor booked appointments on the website in case an earlier date opens up and they can rebook their client.
We need to include how far in advance of travel the application was made. How far in advance was the appointment made? i.e. when did she schedule the appointment and when was the appointment.
