US Embassy in Manila. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The United States Embassy in the Philippines has canceled all scheduled immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews until May 31.
This announcement came after the government extended the imposition of an enhanced community quarantine all over Luzon in a bid to control the further transmission of the novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
“The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is canceling all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews scheduled through May 31 due to the extension of the Philippines’ enhanced community quarantine measures to reduce the spread of #COVID19,” the embassy said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time,” it added.
But the US Embassy advised applicants that once the quarantine period ends, they may reschedule their visa interviews through +63 (2) 7792-8988 and +63 (2) 8548-8223, or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph.
It assured that applicants would not be charged for their appointment change, even noting that visa application fees are “valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid.”
President Rodrigo Duterte approved Friday the extension of the strict quarantine in Metro Manila, and other areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that are considered “high-risk” for the spread of the new virus.