State Department Reopening For Tourist Visas Confusion

[cjsm19 3]

Hi everyone. I know I have posted before, but as I see more updates and posts I become even more confused about what’s going on. 
 
I just saw an article online saying that the State Department would start opening up in phases. Is this a hopeful thing for those wanting to obtain travel visas? Or could this drag on for months? I understand the importance of keeping everyone safe, but it’s just so frustrating to not know. My boyfriend is planning on visiting in December. Could they be up and running before then? 

 

I keep seeing some people on here saying that travel is not banned, it just is suspended until consulates reopen. Then recently, I saw another user saying that the borders will be closed to all travel for the foreseeable future, and will possibly be closed up until next year. Both statements contradict themselves and I’m very confused. Should I call off the plans with my boyfriend or is there hope? Sorry for being so repetitive - I am prone to high anxiety and all of this nonsense going on in the world is just making it worse. Thanks for listening.

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

Well, you need to take a deep breath.  it’s probably confusing becasue you’re rolling a bunch of things into one. Yes, some countries have closed their borders. The US is not one of those. You haven’t said where your boyfriend is so maybe he is in one of those countries. And yes things will not all reopen at the same instant because different countries are at different stages and will have different rules for reopening at different times. Really no point stressing about things you can’t control. Just focus on the relevant news for his country and keep an eye on when his embassy starts allowing visa appointments again. 

[cjsm19 3]

10 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

Well, you need to take a deep breath.  it’s probably confusing becasue you’re rolling a bunch of things into one. Yes, some countries have closed their borders. The US is not one of those. You haven’t said where your boyfriend is so maybe he is in one of those countries. And yes things will not all reopen at the same instant because different countries are at different stages and will have different rules for reopening at different times. Really no point stressing about things you can’t control. Just focus on the relevant news for his country and keep an eye on when his embassy starts allowing visa appointments again. 

Thank you so much for commenting. I’ve been definitely rolling everything into one - I really should be practicing media distancing along with social distancing - journalists are so doom and gloom about everything. He is from the Ukraine which was not part of the initial European travel ban, which is hopeful. He says they have been easing restrictions and are continuing to do so, which is hopeful. 
 

So from what you’ve said, am I understanding correctly that once his country has fully reopened, it is likely they’ll start taking visa appointments and he should be able to come?

[SalishSea 16,851]

9 minutes ago, cjsm19 said:

So from what you’ve said, am I understanding correctly that once his country has fully reopened, it is likely they’ll start taking visa appointments and he should be able to come?

No one knows.  This global pandemic is unprecedented - we haven't been through it before.  Best advice is for you to keep apprised of the situation in Ukraine by watching for updates on the embassy's website.

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

38 minutes ago, cjsm19 said:

Thank you so much for commenting. I’ve been definitely rolling everything into one - I really should be practicing media distancing along with social distancing - journalists are so doom and gloom about everything. He is from the Ukraine which was not part of the initial European travel ban, which is hopeful. He says they have been easing restrictions and are continuing to do so, which is hopeful. 
 

So from what you’ve said, am I understanding correctly that once his country has fully reopened, it is likely they’ll start taking visa appointments and he should be able to come?

You’ll need both of the DoS instructing embassies to reopen where possible, and local regulations allowing it I guess.
 

 

[cjsm19 3]

15 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

You’ll need both of the DoS instructing embassies to reopen where possible, and local regulations allowing it I guess.
 

 

Oh gotcha! So the Department of State here as well as in the Ukraine? The article said they’re slowly opening up so maybe that’s a good sign. I can’t imagine they’d be closed for the rest of the year...it would contribute to the devastation of the economy. Gotta stay hopeful I guess. Thanks for responding!

[cyclone27 710]

Then you have to wait on the airlines to get their act together. (Another stumbling block)

[cjsm19 3]

1 hour ago, cyclone27 said:

Then you have to wait on the airlines to get their act together. (Another stumbling block)

Even by December? I can see how summer tourism would be iffy, but could it still be suspended by late November/early December? It just seems so unreasonable. lol 

[kris&me 572]

Since a tourist visa does not require a medical exam i would think it would be the last visa to open up but who really knows.  not me. 

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

17 hours ago, cjsm19 said:

Even by December? I can see how summer tourism would be iffy, but could it still be suspended by late November/early December? It just seems so unreasonable. lol 

Some models call for a peak in cases in November/December so no one can give you an answer. We may have to go through this all again in a few months.

[cjsm19 3]

51 minutes ago, Luckycuds said:

Some models call for a peak in cases in November/December so no one can give you an answer. We may have to go through this all again in a few months.

Wow I guess there’s no hope at all lol