US embassy in Uzbekistan announces visa procedure changes
UzReport
October 10The Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Tashkent would like to inform people wishing to travel to the United States about some changes in the visa application process and provide general information on consular procedures.
The new system was introduced on 9 September 2002 and has already proved to be convenient both for the public and the embassy, particularly for those who reside outside [the Uzbek capital] Tashkent, according to a US Embassy announcement. In order to obtain a visa, all applicants must be interviewed by a United States consular officer. Visa interviews are conducted on an appointment basis only and must be arranged in advance by telephone, fax or e-mail.
"The Consular Section will no longer make appointments at the embassy itself. The Consular Section now has a new Information Unit that schedules visa appointments and handles all questions related to our visa and consular services. Visa appointments may be made by telephone (Tel: 120-5444 or 120-5449), fax (Fax: 120-5448) or e-mail: consular@usembassy.uz. We also welcome all questions related to visas and other consular-related matters - including the Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery).
"Consular personnel answer telephone calls every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. [0500-1200 gmt]. If an applicant chooses to use fax or e-mail to make an appointment, he or she will receive a faxed or e-mailed confirmation with the time and date of the appointment. While scheduling the appointment an applicant should provide his/her full name and passport number. Visa application forms can be obtained - free of charge - at the main entrance in front of the embassy," the announcement said.
The Consular Section still continues to provide free consultations, application forms and consular handouts every Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. [1000-1200 gmt] at the main entrance of the embassy. Application forms and consular handouts are distributed throughout the day. No appointment is required for this service.