The United States embassy has announced new requirements for those seeking entry visas to the US. As of Tuesday 16 December, applicants must go through a new procedure, and can expect to wait as long as 17 weeks for an appointment with a consular official. Prospective travelers are therefore advised to make their plans well in advance. After paying the US$100 fee in pesos at the equivalent exchange rate, applicants need to buy a PIN (personal identification number) at the bank. Next, they must call the visa information service at (809) 200-3232 and arrange for an appointment for travel, study, business and transit visas. There are two types of PINs: one costing US$5.25 and another which costs US$16 and which allows the applicant an extended telephone conversation time of 15 minutes.