PRESS RELEASES

Apply Early for  Summer Travel to the United States

Ankara, April 14, 2008 

The U.S. Embassy expects to process a record number of visas this summer and strongly encourages Turks who may want to travel to America this summer to schedule visa appointments as early as possible.  During last summer’s travel season, the longest waiting time to obtain an appointment for a tourist visa interview was approximately 21 days.  This year the waiting time for an appointment is already approximately 20 days.  The Embassy anticipates a waiting time for an appointment of more than 40 days in the busiest months of May, June and July. 

Travelers may want to consider applying for a visa even if they have not booked specific travel dates.  While being able to demonstrate firm travel plans makes it easier to qualify for a visa, such plans are not necessary as long as an applicant can explain the potential need to travel, as well as demonstrate their ties to Turkey.  The U.S Government continues to welcome travel to the United States and will do its utmost to facilitate it.
To obtain more information about obtaining a nonimmigrant visa, please visit our website at http://ankara.usembassy.gov.  To book a tourist visa appointment, call the Visa Information Service at 0212-340-4444.