A New US Visa Rule Could Mean Longer Wait Times—and Fewer Visitors

The US government has announced a new visa rule that could lead to longer wait times and fewer visitors from certain countries. The change is expected to impact travelers from nations like India, Brazil, and China, where visa interview wait times can exceed a year. The new policy requires in-person interviews for all visa applicants, regardless of their age or previous visa history. This is a departure from the previous rule, which allowed consular officers to waive the interview requirement for certain low-risk applicants. The move is intended to enhance security measures and better vet visa applicants. However, it could create significant logistical challenges for consular offices, leading to increased processing times and reduced visa availability. The potential impact on tourism and business travel is a concern, as longer wait times and fewer visas could discourage potential visitors from these key markets. The US government has acknowledged the issue and stated that it is working to address the challenges, but the implementation of the new rule may result in disruptions in the short to medium term.