Confusion about US online visa process clarified
Published: Mar 10, 2010 23:30 Updated: Mar 10, 2010 23:30
JEDDAH: US Consul General Joseph Kenny clarified on Wednesday a misconception in the local media that the US State Department’s electronic visa application process has only been in operation since Monday.
“As of Feb. 8, 2010, the US Embassy in Riyadh and the US Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran require applicants for tourists, students and other nonimmigrant US visas to use the new online visa application Form DS-160,” Kenny told Arab News.
A press release from a meeting on Saturday between the Asharqia (Eastern Province) Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the US Consulate in Dhahran stated the two parties had discussed the new electronic visa system and that it was expected to be up and running on March 8.
Kenny said that during the meeting with the Asharqia Chamber it was mentioned that the system had experienced some technical problems that were expected to be resolved by Monday. “It is now back to full operation,” said the consul general.
Some media reports had erroneously stated the system was launching on Monday.
Those wishing to apply online may do so by visiting the US Department of State’s website https://ceac.state.gov/genniv. Once the applicant completes the online form, then an appointment can be made at the following website: https://ksa-us.visaservices.com.
“The applicant must then use the confirmation number received upon submitting the DS-160 when scheduling the appointment,” said Kenny.
Regarding the implementation of the five-year multiple entry visas to the US, Kenny said that the five-year reciprocity agreement between Saudi Arabia and the US applies to visas for tourism, business and students.
“We urge all persons planning to travel to the US over the summer months to make their appointment and apply early,” Kenny said.
The new online visa system, which currently is being utilized by 85 countries worldwide, was initially introduced in February to coincide with the quieter winter months, when there is a reduced number of applications compared to the summer months.
“The implementation of the new DS-160 has proven to be a user-friendly process of facilitating the travel of persons around the world wishing to visit America,” Kenny said, pointing out that 96 percent of all Saudi Arabian citizens applying for a temporary visit visa to the US are being approved.