US Makes Clarification on Visa Issuance on Ethiopia

By Dipo Olowookere

Rumours that limitations have been placed on the issuance of visas in Ethiopia are false and we continue to process visa applications as usual, the United States Embassy has said.

In a statement issued by the Embassy, it said applicants whose visa expired less than 12 months ago are still eligible to reapply through the interview waiver program, but stressed that they will be subject to the same rigorous security screening and may need to appear for an interview if requested by a consular officer.

“All other applicants between the ages of 14 and 79, with the exception of certain classes of official visas, must apply in person. Foreign nationals from the seven countries subject to restrictions under Executive Order 13769, which did not include Ethiopia, may also continue to apply for visas as usual as the State Department has complied with the federal court order barring enforcement of several provisions of the Order. We will provide further updates if new information becomes available,” the US said.

The American government concluded that the Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring the security of US borders and the American people.