June 12, 2003
NEW VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE AT U.S. CONSULATE: VISA LINES TO END
Beginning July 4, 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest will introduce a new appointment system for visa applicants that will significantly shorten the wait for visa interviews.
Applicants will now be able to simply pay their $100 visa fee at any branch of Banca Transylvania in Romania and receive an appointment date and time that is automatically generated, using the information supplied at the bank. This is an application fee and is non-refundable. The date and time of the interview will be posted on the U.S. Embassy website ( www.usembassy.ro ), which applicants should check two business days after paying their fee. Applicants without Internet access are encouraged to ask a friend, relative or travel agent for assistance in this regard. As a last resort for applicants unable to obtain Internet access, a visa appointment help line will also be established.
Applicants may reschedule their assigned appointment dates and times if they do so sufficiently in advance. During peak travel periods, there may be a delay of some weeks between the date of payment and the appointment date, so travelers are asked to consider visa processing time when making travel plans and they should never purchase non-refundable tickets until a visa has actually been issued to them.
Almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants must appear for an interview and should do so at the time of their scheduled interview. Several categories of visa applicants may still come to the Consulate on any business day (Monday-Thursday) at 9:00 am without an appointment. These include people renewing student or exchange visitor visas, and those applying for employment and crewmember visas. Applicants must present the relevant support documentation to qualify for these visas at that time.
The Embassy notes that these changes are being made for the specific benefit of those traveling to the United States. Please watch the U.S. Embassy website ( www.usembassy.ro ), or refer to the public message board outside the consular section at Str. Nicolae Filipescu #26 in Bucharest for more information on the introduction of this new visa appointment system.