Frequently Asked Questions – Routine Consular Services

  1. When will the Embassy reopen for visa appointments?

All routine consular services, including visa services, are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we do not currently have an estimate as to when routine consular services will resume. When routine services resume, we will make an announcement on our website and social media.

 

  1. What is the status of the Diversity Visa lottery program?

You can check on the status of the Diversity Visa lottery program here: https://dvprogram.state.gov/

 

  1. My Immigrant Visa is going to expire before I can fly to the U.S. What should I do?

You will likely need to renew the visa but we do not have information on that yet. You should make all efforts to depart Egypt before your Immigrant Visa expires. If you are not able to do so, please email CairoIV@state.gov

 

  1. I paid the fee for a tourist visa but am now not able / not interested in traveling. Can I get a refund?

There are no refunds for visa application fees. The fee is valid for one year should you wish to apply later.

  1. I am eligible to renew my visa by mail. Can I send my passport to the Embassy to do that?

We are currently unable to renew visas by mail. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimate as to when this service will resume. When we can again accept mail-in visa renewals, we will make an announcement on our website and social media.

 

  1. I need to renew my U.S. passport.

All routine consular services, including routine passport services, are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimate as to when routine consular services will resume. When routine services resume, we will make an announcement on our website and social media. If you have an emergency situation, please email ConsularCairoACS@state.gov

 

  1. I need to have something notorized / need DNA verification / need a birth certificate, etc.

All routine consular services are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimate as to when routine consular services will resume. When routine services resume, we will make an announcement on our website and social media. 8. I am a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident, came to Egypt to visit, and got stuck here. My Green Card is going to expire. What do I do?

You should make all possible efforts to return to the United States as soon as possible in order to maintain your Legal Permanent Resident status. If you are unable to do so, please email CairoIV@state.gov.

 

  1. I am planning to study in the U.S. Should I go ahead and pay the SEVIS fee, or wait till I can apply for a visa?

All routine consular services, including student visa services, are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimate as to when routine consular services will resume. When we  resume routine services, we will make an announcement on our website and social media. Please wait to pay your SEVIS fee until we resume interviews and you have an appointment.

  1. Is the American Center at the Embassy open?

The American Center at U.S. Embassy Cairo is currently closed to visitors due to precautions related to the coronavirus. When we are able to reopen, we will announce that on our website and social media. In the meanwhile, we are offering a number of virtual programs. To find out more, see: https://eg.usembassy.gov/education-culture/acc/

 

  1. What are the latest curfew measures in Egypt related to the coronavirus?

The latest information on curfew measures and other precautionary measures taken by the Government of Egypt to respond to the coronavirus can be found here: https://eg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

 

  1. I am a U.S. citizen in Egypt. How can I vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election or other elections?

If you are a U.S. citizen residing in Egypt and wish to vote in a U.S. election, please see the information here: https://eg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/