Waiting Time for US Visa Appointments for Turkish Citizens Reaches 20 Months

Waiting times for tourist and business (B1/B2) visas, which Turkish citizens need to travel to the United States, have reached record levels. According to data from the US Department of State, the earliest available appointment date in Istanbul is now about 20 months later.

At the US Embassy in Ankara, the situation is similarly marked by long waiting times.

Similar Situation Worldwide

The problem is not unique to Turkey—US visa appointments are also heavily backlogged worldwide. Waiting times are around 16.5 months in Toronto, 18 months in Abu Dhabi, and 15 months in Lagos. Istanbul has become one of the centres with the longest appointment delays.

Application Process and Documents

The US visa process begins with completing the DS-160 form and paying the $185 MRV fee. However, with appointments being scheduled so far into the future, applicants face serious difficulties.

Required documents include:

• DS-160 confirmation page

• MRV fee receipt

• Valid passport

• Biometric photo

• Documents showing financial situation and ties to Turkey

After the interview, approved visas are returned with the passport within a few days.

Statement from the US

A spokesperson for the US Consulate General in Istanbul stated that despite the high volume of applications, the process is being carried out with care:

“We are working diligently to maintain a secure, efficient, and effective visa process that protects America’s safety.”

The spokesperson also urged applicants to follow the process through official websites.