US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia have switched to a new online appointment system for obtaining visa information, scheduling visa applications and paying application fees.
The US Embassy in Riyadh and Consulates General in Dhahran and Jeddah have switched to the new online system and have canceled appointments through Visapoint,” the earlier system of visa appointment, officials at the public affairs department at the US Embassy in Riyadh told Arab News yesterday.
The embassy in Riyadh has begun using new services and applicants seeking these services must use the new system, which has been activated, an embassy official at the press center said.
The consular sections at the US Embassy and consulates in the Kingdom have also begun using the new online system for visa information and appointment, he said.
He added that the US Embassy began using new service on Aug. 21 for certain visa application processes. Some applicants have experienced difficulties initially in applying for visas under the new system, but which have now been resolved, he said.
“We appreciate the patience of visa seekers during this transition period,” the official said.
Earlier, the public affairs department also stated that appointments must be scheduled using the new online appointment system by visiting www.ustraveldocs.com/sa.
Applicants will be instructed to pay the visa application fee by printing the deposit slip and taking it to any SAMBA branch.
Applicants must wait at least 24 hours after making payment through SAMBA before being permitted to schedule an appointment. This allows the bank to verify the funds, it said.
The new online system, implemented by the US diplomatic missions, is part of an ongoing effort to improve customer service and offer an alternative method for scheduling visa appointments.
The new system will offer flexibility in scheduling and can be accessed 24 hours a day around the year. It also allows applicants to view a wide range of available interview dates and times.
All non-US citizens, including Saudi citizens, require visas to travel to the United States.
US missions in KSA switch to new online visa appointment system
