Problems continuing with US visa systems

The Bureau of Consular Affairs in the United States continues to experience technical problems with its visa systems, a release from the US Embassy said yesterday.

It said that all Guyanese applicants who were asked to pick up their visas today or Monday, June 22nd, should not go to the Embassy to get their passport.

“We cannot print visas at this time. We will provide additional guidance on pick-up times when systems are back online. Applicants are also encouraged to check the Consular section’s Facebook page for updated information as it becomes available: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Consular-Section-US-Embassy-Georgetown/140095222235”, the release said.

“This is a global issue, and we are working around the clock to fix it.  More than 100 computer experts from both the private and public sectors across the United States are working on this problem 24/7”, the release said.

However, the Bureau of Consular Affairs does not expect the system to be online before next week.  It said that the problem stems from a hardware failure in a State Department facility in the United States on June 9.  That problem is preventing the Department from processing and transmitting biometric data checks gathered at visa-issuing embassies and consulates.

“We cannot bypass the legal requirements to screen visa applicants before we issue visas for travel.  Each visa decision is a national security decision, and we take our obligation to protect the United States seriously”, the release said.

The release said that the Bureau will continue to post regular updates on its website, travel.state.gov.