PRESS RELEASES 2007

U.S. Embassy Offers Visa Hints for Summer Travel

May 8, 2007

With the onset of the summer, the U.S. Embassy expects an increase in requests from Lebanese who wish to visit, study, or conduct business in the United States.  Consistent to its dedication to provide excellent service to all bona fide visa applicants, the U.S. Embassy offers the following information—all of which is also available on the U.S. Embassy website at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov 

Here are four useful hints for Lebanese visitors planning on travel to the United States this summer:

Helpful hint #1:  Plan ahead!  There is currently a 45-day waiting period for visa applicants.  To take an appointment, visit any branch of Crédit Libanais Bank to pay the US$100 visa application fee and receive an interview date.

Helpful hint #2:  Complete an electronic visa form (EVAF) at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.  Handwritten applications are no longer accepted. 

Helpful hint #3:  Bring all required documents to the visa interview.  Answer all questions fully and truthfully.  Know your specific travel plans.

Helpful hint #4:  Visit our website at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov for quick answers to your visa questions or email BeirutNIV@state.gov.  The heavy volume of telephone calls for visa information often causes long waits on hold or can make it difficult to reach.  Check the website first before calling.

Following, in detail, is helpful information for travelers to the United States:

To apply for a U.S. visa, visit any branch of Crédit Libanais Bank and pay the US$100 visa application fee.   

Electronic visa application forms (EVAFs) are required for interview.  They can be completed online. These forms are located at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.   Both DS-156 and DS-157 forms are required.  Upon completion of the EVAF, print all pages including the bar code page. Applicants who appear on their interview date without a properly completed EVAF and bar code page will be turned away.

Because of increased interest from Lebanese nationals and residents to visit the United States, there is currently a 45-day waiting period for visa appointments. Current wait times are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php.

The waiting period may increase with the summer tourism season demand. Applicants are urged to consider travel plans carefully and apply within four months or less of planned travel. 

Requests for an expedited appointment will only be considered for students, temporary workers, and medical or other legitimate emergencies.  To request a change of appointment, please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy via email (BeirutNIV@state.gov ).  When requesting a change of appointment, please include the bank receipt number.  Appointments cannot be changed without paying the application fee at the bank and can only be changed by the Consular Section.  Crédit Libanais Bank cannot change appointment dates.

On the day of the visa interview, present evidence that demonstrates ties to Lebanon, ability to pay for visit and/or education, and intention to return to Lebanon.  If applying for a student visa, bring transcripts from previous schools that demonstrate eligibility to be a student.

Children under the age of 14 are not required to be present for a visa interview; bring a copy of family extract instead.

Each applicant’s situation is different, thus there is no definitive list of required documents.  The American consular officer has the discretion to review all or none of the documents during the interview or require additional information.

Visa processing normally takes two to seven working days although some visas may take longer due to administrative processing.  The interviewing officer will inform the applicant when the visa will be ready. 

General information about visas and travel to the United States can be found at http://travel.state.gov.