All the latest news from American Visa Service
India Consulate fees are going up on June 30, 2008. One-year visas for US Passport holders will be $160; Five-year will be $240. Non-US Passport holders will pay $120 for One-year visas and $200 for Five-year. Six-month visas will no longer be available.
Beginning June 2, 2008 all payments for BRAZIL VISAS must be in the form of a Postal Money order. $210 for US Passports getting a Business visa; $150 for US Passports getting a tourist visa. Non-US Passports should call us. As of August 18, all Visa Processing times are extended. There are other changes for Brazil visas; see the Brazil page for details.
As of 4/14/08 the Chinese Consulate is requiring proof of Hotel reservations and an itinerary and/or copy of tickets for ALL VISAS. See the China page for details.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
20 December 2007
The U.S. State Department has recently announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada, and Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. All U.S. citizens who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the U.S for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This initiative will be rolled out in phases:
- December 31, 2006
Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico, Canada, Central and South American, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
- January, 2008
Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings. The State Department has started to issue a "Passport Card" which is between a passport and a State ID. American Visa is not processing these but contact us for more info.
More detailed information on the State Department website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
The U.S. State Department has delayed implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative; it was originally to have started on December 31, 2005.
