Visa and Passport Updates

Potential Processing Delays During Ramadan
Followers of Islamic faith began observing Ramadan on June 5, 2016 and will continue for the next 30 days. Consequently, the government and consular offices of countries that observe this religious time period will operate in shorter hours causing potential processing delays. We encourage any traveler with urgent travel plans to start their application today. We have the right tools and expertise to assist you.

Too Busy To Manage Your Visa Or Passport Application? 
Let an experienced Concierge specialist manage the entire process from start to finish. We’ll handle all required forms, ensuring your application is approved quickly. Experience the convenience of Concierge, our highest level of one to one, customized service. Learn more.

U.S. Second Passports Now Valid For 4 Years – Apply Today
Effective immediately, the U.S. Passport Office is now issuing second passports with 4 year validity instead of 2 years. Holding a second passport is especially beneficial if you travel abroad frequently since it allows you to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second is at a consulate waiting for your visa request to be processed. To obtain a second passport you must meet certain requirements. Visit our website to learn more.

Need A Document Legalized? We Have The Right Tools To Help You 
Legalizing a document can be a complicated and confusing task. Each country has its own requirements and procedures depending on the document being legalized. Our specialists work with official government agencies and embassies and have the experience needed to assure your documents are properly legalized. Learn more about our Legalization Services.

Not Sure If A Visa Is Required For Your Trip? Visit Our Visa Quick Check Page
Our Visa Quick Check page provides U.S. nationals visa information needed for their next trip abroad. Simply select your destination in the list provided and you will have access to the latest visa requirements and steps to obtain a visa. If a visa is not required, we’ll give you a brief overview of what documents you must hold to enter your destination. Check the requirements for your destination now.

Consulate of Afghanistan In Washington, D.C. – Processing Times
Effective immediately, the Consulate of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. has changed its processing time to 15 business days due to the high volume of visa requests. We encourage travelers to submit their application well in advance in order to avoid delays. Apply today.

Consulate Of China – New Requirements For Student Visas For Specific Jurisdictions 
The Consulates of China in Houston and Los Angeles now require travelers applying for student visas to submit a letter of acceptance from their Chinese based educational establishment for both long and short term stays. The Consulates in San Francisco and Chicago will require the same letter but only for stays longer than 90 days. Visit our website to start your application.

Upcoming Consular Closings For Russia
The Consulates of Russia throughout the U.S. will be closed on June 13, 2016 in observance of Russia Day. We encourage travelers with urgent travel plans to start their application today. Visit our Consular Closings page to see the complete list of closures.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of US closures.

Upcoming Consular Closings For Russia
The Consulates of Russia throughout the U.S. will be closed on June 13, 2016 in observance of Russia Day. We encourage travelers with urgent travel plans to start their application today. Visit our Consular Closings page to see the complete list of closures.

U.S. Second Passports Now Valid For 4 Years – Apply Today
Effective immediately, the U.S. Passport Office is now issuing second passports with 4 year validity instead of 2 years. Holding a second passport is especially beneficial if you travel abroad frequently since it allows you to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second is at a consulate waiting for your visa request to be processed. To obtain a second passport you must meet certain requirements. Visit our website to learn more.

Need A Document Legalized? We Have The Right Tools To Help You 
Legalizing a document can be a complicated and confusing task. Each country has its own requirements and procedures depending on the document being legalized. Our specialists work with official government agencies and embassies and have the experience needed to assure your documents are properly legalized. Learn more about our Legalization Services.

Not Sure If A Visa Is Required For Your Trip? Visit Our Visa Quick Check Page
Our Visa Quick Check page provides U.S. nationals visa information needed for their next trip abroad. Simply select your destination in the list provided and you will have access to the latest visa requirements and steps to obtain a visa. If a visa is not required, we’ll give you a brief overview of what documents you must hold to enter your destination. Check the requirements for your destination now.

Immunization – International Requirements
Many countries require travelers to show proof of International Certificates of Vaccination for a number of diseases when entering or exiting their country. In some cases, the consulate will require the certificate to be included with the traveler’s visa application. We recommend travelers check the requirements for their destination when planning their international trip. Stay informed, visit our Travel Resources page to learn more.

Consulate of Afghanistan In Washington, D.C. – Processing Times
Effective immediately, the Consulate of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. has changed its processing time to 15 business days due to the high volume of visa requests. We encourage travelers to submit their application well in advance in order to avoid delays. Apply today.

Consulate Of China – New Requirements For Student Visas For Specific Jurisdictions 
The Consulates of China in Houston and Los Angeles now require travelers applying for student visas to submit a letter of acceptance from their Chinese based educational establishment for both long and short term stays. The Consulates in San Francisco and Chicago will require the same letter but only for stays longer than 90 days. Visit our website to start your application.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of US closures.

U.S. Second Passports Now Valid For 4 Years – Apply Today
Effective immediately, the U.S. Passport Office is now issuing second passports with 4 year validity instead of 2 years. Holding a second passport is especially beneficial if you travel abroad frequently since it allows you to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second is at a consulate waiting for your visa request to be processed. To obtain a second passport you must meet certain requirements. Visit our website to learn more.

CIBT And Most Consular Offices Closed May 30, 2016
The CIBT offices and most consulates will be closed on May 30, 2016 in observance of Memorial Day. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. If you have urgent travel plans we recommend that you start your application today. Our visa experts have the right knowledge and expertise to get you where you need to go.

Need A Document Legalized? We Have The Right Tools To Help You 
Legalizing a document can be a complicated and confusing task. Each country has its own requirements and procedures depending on the document being legalized. Our specialists work with official government agencies and embassies and have the experience needed to assure your documents are properly legalized. Learn more about our Legalization Services.

Not Sure If A Visa Is Required For Your Trip? Visit Our Visa Quick Check Page
Our Visa Quick Check page provides U.S. nationals visa information needed for their next trip abroad. Simply select your destination in the list provided and you will have access to the latest visa requirements and steps to obtain a visa. If a visa is not required, we’ll give you a brief overview of what documents you must hold to enter your destination. Check the requirements for your destination now.

Immunization – International Requirements
Many countries require travelers to show proof of International Certificates of Vaccination for a number of diseases when entering or exiting their country. In some cases, the consulate will require the certificate to be included with the traveler’s visa application. We recommend travelers check the requirements for their destination when planning their international trip. Stay informed, visit our Travel Resources page to learn more.

Consulate of Afghanistan In Washington, D.C. – Processing Times
Effective immediately, the Consulate of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. has changed its processing time to 15 business days due to the high volume of visa requests. We encourage travelers to submit their application well in advance in order to avoid delays. Apply today.

Consulate Of China – New Requirements For Student Visas For Specific Jurisdictions 
The Consulates of China in Houston and Los Angeles now require travelers applying for student visas to submit a letter of acceptance from their Chinese based educational establishment for both long and short term stays. The Consulates in San Francisco and Chicago will require the same letter but only for stays longer than 90 days. Visit our website to start your application.

Consulate Of India In Chicago – Visa Application Signature Requirements
The Consulate of India in Chicago reminds all applicants that all signatures on all forms that will be submitted need to be in the middle of the signature box. Documents not meeting this requirement might be rejected. Find the India visa application complex and time consuming? Let an experienced Concierge Specialist manage the entire application for you. We’ll handle all required forms, ensuring your application is approved quickly. Learn more and apply today.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of US closures.

CIBT And Most Consular Offices Closed May 30, 2016
The CIBT offices and most consulates will be closed on May 30, 2016 in observance of Memorial Day. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. If you have urgent travel plans we recommend that you start your application today. Our visa experts have the right knowledge and expertise to get you where you need to go.

Consulate of Afghanistan In Washington, D.C. – Processing Times
Effective immediately, the Consulate of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. has changed its processing time to 15 business days due to the high volume of visa requests. We encourage travelers to submit their application well in advance in order to avoid delays. Apply today.

Consulate Of China – New Requirements For Student Visas For Specific Jurisdictions 
The Consulates of China in Houston and Los Angeles now require travelers applying for student visas to submit a letter of acceptance from their Chinese based educational establishment for both long and short term stays. The Consulates in San Francisco and Chicago will require the same letter but only for stays longer than 90 days. Visit our website to start your application.

Let The Local U.S. Embassy Know Your Travel Plans 
The US State Department strongly recommends US citizens register with the US Embassy(s) in the countries they plan to visit. Feel more secure about your international travels by having CIBT register your trip with the US Department of State. Registration notifies the US Embassy in each country of your travel plans and enrolls you in the State Department travel advisory and warnings program. Learn more and register.

How To Replace Your Passport If Stolen Or Lost Abroad Or In The U.S.
If your passport is stolen or lost while you’re abroad, you must obtain a replacement before returning to the United States. Ensure to report it to police immediately and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. You can also ask a family member or friend in the U.S. to contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. If your passport was stolen or lost in the U.S. we can assist you. Learn more.

Not Sure If A Visa Is Required For Your Trip? Visit Our Visa Quick Check Page
Our Visa Quick Check page provides U.S. nationals visa information needed for their next trip abroad. Simply select your destination in the list provided and you will have access to the latest visa requirements and steps to obtain a visa. If a visa is not required, we’ll give you a brief overview of what documents you must hold to enter your destination. Check the requirements for your destination now.

Consulate Of India In Chicago – Visa Application Signature Requirements
The Consulate of India in Chicago reminds all applicants that all signatures on all forms that will be submitted need to be in the middle of the signature box. Documents not meeting this requirement might be rejected. Find the India visa application complex and time consuming? Let an experienced Concierge Specialist manage the entire application for you. We’ll handle all required forms, ensuring your application is approved quickly. Learn more and apply today.

Consulate Of Mozambique In New York – Proof Of Hotel Confirmation Now Required 
The Consulate of Mozambique in New York now requires travelers applying for tourism and business visas to include proof of hotel confirmation along with their visa application. Apply for a Mozambique visa today.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of US closures.