U.S. Services in Turkey and Cuba Suspended
On Sunday, October 8th, the U.S. State Department (DOS) announced that effective immediately, the issuance of nonimmigrant visas to Turkish citizens will be halted.
The U.S. Mission to Turkey has suspended nonimmigrant visa services at all U.S. diplomatic facilities in Turkey. This decision came after the arrest of a U.S. consulate employee in Istanbul and it is not clear when this suspension will be lifted.
In response to this decision, Turkish authorities have suspended visa processing for U.S. citizens travelling to Turkey, including the issuance of physical "sticker" visas at border posts and the online Turkish electronic visa (e-visa).
This action by DOS comes on the heels of a decision to suspend most visa processing in Cuba, effective as of September 29, 2017. U.S. Embassy staff remaining in Havana will carry out core diplomatic and consular functions, including providing emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Cuba. The Embassy in Havana cancelled all previously-scheduled nonimmigrant and immigrant visa interview appointments. Cuban applicants for nonimmigrant visas are eligible to apply at another U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.
We urge any company representative or foreign national seeking guidance on these matters to immediately contact an MVA team member.