Several U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the Middle East have suspended routine visa processing due to ongoing U.S. combat operations involving Iran. This suspension has led to numerous applicants receiving unexpected interview cancellation notices.
Key Details:
- UAE: All visa and U.S. citizen services appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai canceled from March 2–4.
- Qatar: Routine appointments in the consular section canceled for the week of March 1.
- Israel: Embassy Jerusalem and Branch Office Tel Aviv are operational but prioritizing U.S. citizen services; routine visa processing unavailable.
- Jordan: Personnel instructed to shelter in place; visa services expected to be unavailable.
- Kuwait: Embassy personnel directed to shelter in place; routine visa services likely suspended.
The U.S. Department of State has also reinforced its third-country national policy, complicating the situation for expatriates in the Gulf region, particularly those on temporary work authorization. Many may find it challenging to return to their country of citizenship for visa applications due to regional airspace disruptions and security concerns.
This situation poses significant access issues for foreign nationals with pending immigrant visa interviews or urgent travel needs, urging them to reassess their timelines and strategies.
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Source: Julia Sverdloff