The switch to a new provider and new facilities at the Sambil Mall on the same Av. John F. Kennedy in Santo Domingo will bring more interview windows to expedite the process and reduce the long lines. Likewise, a new online platform for appointment scheduling is being introduced. Among other changes is a new bank for fee payments. The new center will be in operation as of 23 September 2024.
In a press conference, US Consul General Greg Segas gave everyone more good news. People will be able to enter the Visa Application Center with their cell phones. The cell phones still will not be able to be used to receive or make calls or videos.
Regarding the relocation, Segas explained that 20 September will be the last day for appointments and passport pickups at the Galería 360 VAC. Applicants with appointments scheduled after the 23rd should simply go to Sambil Plaza.
The Consul General emphasized that there will be no changes to the visa fees or the overall application process. He also noted that there will be a period from 13 to 20 September when appointments can be rescheduled, but existing appointments remain valid.
The US Embassy is expecting there will be a 50% reduction in wait times for immigrant visas over the past year. Some 160,000 visas to Dominicans were issued in the past 12 months, placing the Dominican Republic second in the world for the highest number of residency visas, behind only Mexico. The country is also among the top 10 countries in terms of visitor visa issuance.
“In the last year, we are among the top 10 countries that have issued the most visitor visas. Other countries that join us are Brazil, Mexico and Chile. There is no other country the size of the Dominican Republic that has such a high demand for visas,” Segas stated.
The Dominican Republic has a large expat population in the United States. Likewise, Dominicans in the Dominican Republic are big on traveling. For Dominicans, having a US visa expedites the process when applying for visas for other countries.
The US Embassy encourages citizens with upcoming travel plans or visas that expired less than four years ago to renew their visas. “Now is the time to review your visa, if you have plans to travel during the holiday season,” they advised, noting that there are currently no wait times and the renewal process takes approximately 10 days for those with valid visas or visas that expired less than four years ago.
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US Embassy
Listin Diario
Hoy
11 September 2024