United States: US, Turkey resume limited visa services November 6 /update 1

Event

The US Embassy in Ankara announced on Monday, November 6, that it will resume processing non-immigrant visas at diplomatic facilities in Turkey on a limited basis, after these services were suspended on October 8 due to diplomatic tensions. The Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, announced that it will also resume processing visa applications from US citizens on a “limited basis.” The announcement comes one day before Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim​ is scheduled to arrive for a visit to the US on Tuesday, November 7.

Context

The US and Turkey issued reciprocal visa service suspensions on October 8. The US suspended non-immigrant visa services in Turkey following the arrest of an employee of the US Consulate in Istanbul on September 4 on charges of being linked to the Hizmet (Gülenist) movement, which the Turkish government blames for planning last year's failed coup attempt. The Turkish government retaliated soon after, suspending non-immigration visa services at diplomatic offices in the US.

The US Department of State has reportedly received assurances from the Turkish government that local staff at US diplomatic facilities will not be detained or arrested for performing official duties in Turkey. Additionally, Turkish authorities will inform the US government of any intention to arrest or detain members of local staff.

Advice

Individuals present in the United States should contact their local diplomatic missions for more information.