2007 Press Releases

Press Release: Web-Based Appointment System for Visa Applications

U.S. Embassy Minsk
Consular Section
October 5th, 2007

On October 15th, 2007, the U.S. Embassy Minsk Consular Section will begin an online, internet-based system for making non-immigrant visa appointments.  The Department of State has tested the online NIV appointment system in several Embassies and is in the process of expanding the program worldwide.

The transition from a phone-based to an internet-based appointment system will assist the consular section to improve the visa services we provide our customers.  Moreover, it will allow applicants the opportunity to schedule or change their appointments at any time, any day of the week.  Appointments may be scheduled up to 120 days in advance.  In order to schedule a visa appointment, an applicant needs only their name, passport number, telephone number, and email address.

In order to use this system, visa applicants will need to access the Embassy website at http://minsk.usembassy.gov/.  Via this website, applicants will be able to make a new visa appointment, make changes to or cancel an existing appointment, and fill out the required Electronic Visa Application Form.  Since November 2006, the web-based completion of the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) has been mandatory, and now applicants will have the opportunity, if they desire, to both schedule their visa appointment and complete the application form at the same time.  Instructions are available in Russian and English.

We recommend that applicants go online to schedule their visa interviews as early as possible. It's best to apply at least one month before the date of intended travel.  It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that there is enough time to complete the visa application process before traveling to the United States.
The United States is committed to the policy of “secure borders, open doors,” by facilitating legitimate travel to the United States by international visitors while maintaining the integrity and security of our borders and our nation. The U.S. continues to work to ensure that access to our country is not impeded for legitimate international travelers.