The United States Embassy in Uganda has announced a temporary suspension of all visa operations in Uganda, citing concerns related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy said the suspension, which took effect on May 18, is applicable for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services. This includes applications for tourist, business, student, exchange visitor and other travel categories.
According to the embassy, all affected applicants have already been notified, and no new visa appointments can currently be scheduled. The statement quoted theUnited States Department of State as saying that the move is part of efforts to maintain “the highest standards for U.S. public health and safety” during the outbreak. “In light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, the Department is temporarily pausing all visa operations at U.S. Embassy Kampala,” the statement said.
The embassy emphasized that the suspension does not affect visas that have already been issued and remain valid. Travelers who already possess valid U.S. visas can continue using them under existing conditions, the embassy clarified.
However, applicants whose interview appointments were canceled due to the suspension will have to wait until operations resume. The embassy said applicants will be contacted directly with rescheduling information once services restart.
MG/abj/APA