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28 March 2024

US embassy in UAE restarts issuing visas

The new service costs £600 (about Dh2,700) in addition to the regular visa fee. (Shutterstock)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

The US embassy in the UAE announced it has fixed a “technical glitch” that had stopped the issuance of US visas since June 9.

Many travellers got their visa approved but were unable to travel because their visa could not be printed on their passports.

US embassies in other parts of the world were also experiencing similar issues.

“The Bureau of Consular Affairs reports that the database responsible for handling biometric clearances has been rebuilt and is being tested,” read an announcement on the official website of Embassy of the United States in Abu Dhabi.

“We anticipate full restoration of the system within the next week. Our team continues to work 24/7 to restore the systems to full functionality,” it said. The bureau adds that all visa-issuing embassies and consulates are now back online.

“We are scheduling visa interviews and issuing non-immigrant and immigrant visas,” it notes.

The post further explains the process for those who have already been approved and need to get the visa stamped on their passport.

Earlier, the embassy had reported delays due to technical problems.

“The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs is currently experiencing technical problems with our overseas passport and visa systems.

“This issue is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and are working urgently to correct the problem and restore full operability,” their online statement read.

“Applications for a US visa made after June 8, 2015, are also affected by this delay.”

An Indian family travelling to the US for the summer have had to cancel their holiday because of this issue.

“We have got the visa, but since it can’t be printed on our passport, we can't travel,” said the resident of Business Bay in Dubai.

[Image: Shutterstock]