To the chagrin of many travelers, the process of applying for a tourist visa to the U.S. has become more complicated and expensive in the last few weeks, just as the peak travel season is set to begin.
In May, the American Institute in Taiwan, Washington’s unofficial embassy in the ROC, announced that beginning June 1 each visa applicant must submit an electronic application form. Though the form can be completed online, it is so lengthy that it can be completed in no fewer than 75 minutes, according to AIT estimates.
Upon completion of the form, applicants receive a code that entitles them to an interview, which usually comes three weeks after the form has been submitted.
Beginning June 4, the application fee for the least expensive business and travel visas, known respectively as B1 and B2 visas, was increased to US$140, up from the previous US$131.
“The process is the most expensive and the most troublesome it has ever been,” said a disgruntled applicant, who wished to remain anonymous.
AIT spokesman Thomas Hodges acknowledged that the institute has received numerous complaints from the Taiwan public. He noted that the visa section has hired eight new staff members to process applications more expeditiously, and that many staff members have been working overtime.
The institute has also tried to make as many interview opportunities available as possible, he pointed out, noting that the electronic application system allows AIT to inform applications whenever an unexpected vacancy becomes available.
“The global economic recovery has led to a boom in local tourists who want to travel to the U.S.,” Hodges said.
The spokesman advised applicants to carefully follow instructions when filling out the application forms online. He urged them to save their applications frequently in case their Internet connection is interrupted. More details can be found at the AIT website, Hodges said. (HML-HZW)