Visa and Passport Updates

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 6pm ET on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the new year. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

Concierge Service
Don’t put your travel plans at risk. A dedicated Concierge Specialist will manage the entire process from start to finish, providing the expertise necessary to ensure your request is approved as quickly as possible. See more details. 

Travel Frequently? You May be Eligible for a Second U.S. Passport 
Having a second U.S. passport is beneficial if you travel abroad frequently. CIBT can obtain a second U.S. passport on your behalf. The benefit of having a second U.S. passport is that you will be able to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second remains at your home or office to be processed for your next trip abroad. To obtain a second U.S. passport, you must meet certain requirements. Visit our website to learn more.

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travelers that you support.

Traffic Light Bulletin – Skilled Migration List Review in Australia
After consultations with various stakeholders, including Newland Chase Australia, the Dept of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has released its Traffic Light Bulletin outlining proposed changes to Immigration's skilled occupation lists. Click here to learn more.

Brexit: Government Expected to Pass Withdrawal Agreement Bill
In the recent UK general election, the electorate gave the Conservative party a substantial majority, making it almost certain that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill will be passed by Parliament, and all but eliminates the risk of a no-deal Brexit with no transition period. Click here for more details. 

Business Visit Visa Regulations Extended in Kuwait
In an attempt to crack down on forged degree certificates submitted in support of business (commercial) visit visa applications, the Kuwait Ministry of Interior has introduced new regulations for all nationalities. Click here to read more.

Mozambique - Washington D.C. and New York City
The Consulates of Mozambique in D.C. and New York City are closed every Friday. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa needs. Click here to see your visa requirements for Mozambique.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

On Demand Webinar: To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices
Watch our To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices webinar on demand to hear our experts discuss an overview of successful business travel and immigration program best practices. Watch now.

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 5pm CT on December 24th and will remain closed on December 25th as well as closing at 5pm CT on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the holiday season. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

Immunization – International Requirements
Many countries require travelers to show proof of International Certificates of Vaccination for a number of diseases when entering or exiting their country. In some cases, the consulate will require the certificate to be included with the traveler’s visa application. We recommend travelers check the requirements for their destination when planning their international trip. Stay informed; visit our Travel Resources page to learn more. 

Embassy Registration for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is here and if you are traveling abroad, it's not too late to sign up for Embassy Registration. Our Embassy Registration service provides travelers with important information about safety conditions in the countries they are visiting and can help them make informed decisions about their travel plans. This service also allows the local U.S. Embassy to contact you should any unexpected event occur during your trip. Embassy Registration allows you to stay informed, connected, and safe. Learn more and register here.

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travelers that you support.

Electronic Registration for Upcoming H-1B Cap Season in the United States
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will implement its new electronic registration process for H-1B applications for the upcoming H-1B lottery. Click here to learn more. 

Ministry of Labor Cancels Yellow Nitaqat Band in Saudi Arabia
Effective 26 January 2020, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) has announced it will cancel the yellow band in its Saudization programme, Nitaqat.  Companies currently in the yellow band will move into the red band and will become non-compliant unless they improve their Nitaqat rating. Click here for more details.

Work Experience Relaxed for E7 Visa Applications in South Korea
Applicants for an E7 visa whose university diploma is not related to the position in the Korean company need to demonstrate three years of related work experience, rather than five years as previously required. Click here to read more.

Afghanistan – Washington, D.C.
The processing time for business and contractor visas has decreased from 18 business days to 13 business days for U.S. nationals. Click here to start your visa application to Afghanistan.  

Burundi – Washington, D.C.
A letter of invitation is now required when applying for a business visa to Burundi. Click here to see all of your requirements for a visa to Burundi.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 5pm CT on December 24th and will remain closed on December 25th as well as closing at 5pm CT on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the holiday season. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

Passport Validity 
Holiday season is here and U.S. nationals with international travel plans should ensure they have a passport with more than 6 months validity remaining. Many popular visa and non-visa destinations require a passport with at least six months validity, without which airlines may not permit boarding and government officials can deny entry upon arrival. CIBT can renew your passport in as little as a day. Avoid unexpected travel disruptions and uncertainty, renew your passport today.

CIBT – Group Travel Solutions 
Arranging international group travel is complicated whether it’s for a professional meeting, an incentive program, or even a wedding. CIBT is the industry leader in group travel solutions for travel anywhere in the world. Let our team handle the complexities of ever-changing visa and entry requirements. We have the tools, solutions, and years of experience handling international corporate events, conferences, and groups of all sizes. Relying on our experience with groups means that you can focus on what matters. We offer customized and flexible solutions, dedicated resources, and you’ll benefit from our unparalleled global presence and preferential pricing. Visit our website or contact our Account Managers at acctmgmt@cibt.com today for more information about how we can solve your group travel challenge.

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travelers that you support.

Biometrics Now Required for Certain In-Canada Applications
Applicants within Canada for work permit, study permit, and visa extensions, as well as for permanent residence, must now give their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated Service Canada location. Click here to learn more. 

Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds for 2020 in Belgium
Effective January 1, 2020, minimum gross annual salary levels for foreign employees will be increased in the three Belgian regions. Click here for more details.

Assignment Letter for Intra-Company Transfer Permits in Spain
The immigration authorities have established new requirements for assignment letters in support of all intra-company transfer permit applications, both those under EU Directive 2014/66 and those under the Spanish Entrepreneur’s Law. Read more. 

Angola – Houston
The Consulate of Angola in Houston is experiencing technical difficulties, which will result in visa processing delays. The Consulate is expected to resume normal operations after December 16, 2019. Click here to see your requirements for a visa to Angola. 

Bahamas – New York City
Travelers applying for a tourist visa to the Bahamas must show proof of sufficient funds in the form of their most recent bank statement. Click here to see if you need a visa to travel to the Bahamas. 

Indonesia – San Francisco
The Consulate of Indonesia in San Francisco is experiencing processing delays due to high seasonal volume. Apply for your visa to Indonesia today. 

Singapore – New York City
Applicants must provide their actual passport when applying for a visa to Singapore. A photocopy will no longer be accepted. Click here to start your visa application to Singapore.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

Essential Holiday Travel Tips 
There are many precautions that travelers can take to minimize the risk of disruption or delay to their travel during the holidays. If you are traveling this season, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months, make copies of your travel documents and keep them separate from the originals in case they are lost or stolen, and anticipate longer lines and wait times at the airport. CIBT is here to help you navigate the busy season and can assist you in renewing your passport, archiving a digital copy of your visa, and even signing you up for Embassy Registration so that you are informed about safety conditions in the countries you are visiting. We are dedicated to ensuring your holiday travel experience is safe, seamless, and enjoyable.

CIBT Webinar - To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices
We’re hosting a special webinar focused on the latest China inbound and outbound visas and immigration landscape – offering an overview of successful business travel and immigration program best practices. For convenience, we’ve scheduled two sessions, one specifically for APAC and again for Americas/EMEA.

Two live sessions to accommodate attendees across all time zones:

      •  Wednesday, December 11 at 10 am China Standard Time/Tuesday, December 10 at 9 pm ET
      •  Wednesday, December 11 at 9 am ET / 2 pm GMT / 10 pm China Standard Time

Learn more and register today.

Digital Photo Service – Your Photo Could Influence Your Visa Approval
Consulates have very strict rules when it comes to photo specifications and requirements, and will deny a visa application if their guidelines are not met. Specific requirements can range from head angle, expression, background, lighting, accessories, and size, and can vary based on destination and jurisdiction. With CIBT’s Digital Photo Service, simply upload your photo to our website and we take care of the rest to ensure your photo meets government and consular requirements. Click here to learn more. 

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travelers that you support.

Skilled Occupation List Review in Australia
Our immigration experts at Newland Chase recently met with two representatives from the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, regarding the upcoming changes to the skilled occupation lists used by Immigration. Click here to see what they learned.

Work Visit Visa Eliminated in Saudi Arabia
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has privately confirmed that the Work Visit Visa (WVV) is no longer available. The Business Visa now replaces it. Those currently in the Kingdom under a WVV can stay until the expiry date. Click here for more details. 

Japan – Houston
Business visa applicants traveling to Japan must provide an original letter of invitation. A copy will not be accepted. Click here to see all of your requirements for a visa to Japan. 

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.