The US Mission in South Africa has encouraged all residents of the country who intend traveling to the United State to make their visa applications “at least three months before the planned travel date,” else they stand the risk of extended wait times.
“All visa applications at US Consulates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are processed as efficiently as possible, and the US Mission aims to keep the wait time for appointments at a minimum,” an embassy statement stated on Wednesday.
“However, heavy demand for US visas has currently led to a longer than usual wait time in South Africa.”
“We encourage all potential travellers to apply for their visas at least three months before the planned travel date.”
The embassy also said that while it makes every effort to accommodate humanitarian situation and emergency travel, not all the requests for expedite appointments will be accepted.
“For those already with valid visas, a renewal application can be submitted at any time, and we encourage these travellers not to wait until their current visa has expired to apply for a new one. “If a visa is still valid or has expired within the last 12 months, the traveller may be eligible to renew by mail without an interview.”