July 23, 2003

Press Release

Announcement on New Visa Procedures

Beginning August 1, 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn - and every U.S. diplomatic mission worldwide -- will start requiring a personal interview for virtually all applicants for non-immigrant visas (including tourist, business, student, seaman/crew and exchange visitor visas). Very limited exceptions may exist for applicants who are aged 60 and above, aged 16 and younger, and for people who are have previously been issued visas.

A comprehensive review of U.S. visa policies took place following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This change in visa interview policy is one of many new regulations designed to provide greater U.S. border security. All U.S. Embassies and Consulates have been instructed to make this change. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn is adding a consular officer to its staff in order to accommodate the increased number of visa interviews.

Basic procedures for submitting a U.S. visa application will change somewhat. Visa applications and supporting documents may be dropped off at the Embassy during normal business hours. At that time, the applicant (or his/her representative) will be offered a range of dates for their personal interview. Following the personal interview, an applicant can expect to receive his/her visa within 1-2 working days. In creating this appointment-based system, the Embassy hopes to minimize any inconvenience caused by the new regulations, while also maintaining the ability to respond to emergency cases.

Additional information, application guidelines and application forms are available on the Embassy's website at www.usemb.ee. Comprehensive information about American visas is also available on the Internet at www.unitedstatesvisas.gov