Effective May 18, 2026, the U.S. Embassies in Juba, South Sudan; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Kampala, Uganda have temporarily paused all visa services. This pause includes applications for immigrant visas as well as nonimmigrant visas for tourists, business travelers, students, exchange visitors, and all other nonimmigrant categories. Affected visa applicants have been notified. We will update our website when appointment scheduling resumes and inform applicants whose appointments were rescheduled.
Can I schedule an appointment?
At this time, no visa appointments can be scheduled at U.S. Embassy Juba, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, or U.S. Embassy Kampala. We will update our website when appointment scheduling resumes and inform applicants directly when they can reschedule.
Why are appointments being cancelled?
The Department of State is committed to ensuring that its visa process upholds the highest standards for U.S. public health and safety. In light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak, the Department is temporarily pausing all visa operations in South Sudan, the DRC, and Uganda.
Does this affect my current valid visa?
No. This does not affect any currently valid visas.
Can I get a refund if my existing appointment is affected by the pause?
No. Appointment scheduling will resume after the pause is lifted. At that time, appointments affected by the pause will be rescheduled, and the applicants will be notified. Nonimmigrant visa application fees are valid for 365 days from the date of receipt issuance for applicants to schedule their interview appointments. The interview appointment itself may occur later than the 365-day cutoff date, as long as the scheduling is completed within 365 days.
