U.S. Visa Processing in Turkey Suspended Amid Security Concerns; Turkey Responds in Kind
The U.S. Mission to Turkey has announced that it has suspended all nonimmigrant (temporary) visa processing at posts in Turkey. This includes all nonimmigrant visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul. The move apparently stems from concerns about the security of U.S. Mission facilities in Turkey and an effort to limit the number of visitors. U.S. consular facilities in Turkey remain open and will continue to provide services for U.S. citizens in Turkey. The government’s announcement does not mention immigrant visa processing or whether there will be any change to these services in Turkey.
In response to the shutdown of U.S. visa processing in Turkey, the Turkish government has likewise suspended all visa processing for U.S. citizens. This includes the issuance of border-processed visa stickers and online electronic visa processing.
Citizens of Turkey needing to apply for U.S. visas may be able to apply for visas in other countries, but should check with the intended post in advance of making any travel arrangements.
The information currently available on this situation is quite limited, but Mintz Levin will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, please contact your Mintz Levin immigration attorney with any questions.
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