U.S. Department of State Releases "Visit America" Video as Visa Interview Wait Times Remain Low
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
June 13, 2012
The U.S. Department of State continues to streamline the visa process to encourage international visitors, build cultural ties, and strengthen our economy. Today, the State Department is welcoming visitors and sharing facts about the visa process through release of a new video, “Visit America: It’s Easier Than You Think.” The video’s release coincides with Global Economic Statecraft Day; U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide will hold events on June 14 to highlight our commitment to place economics at the center of U.S. foreign policy.
Available through the Department of State’s YouTube channel, the video combines imagery of the incomparable natural wonders of America, its vibrant cities, and diverse people, with an overlying narrative describing the straightforward steps to apply for a visa.
The State Department continues to invest in the security and efficiency of the visa process. We are processing visas in record numbers, for tens of thousands of visa applicants each day at our embassies and consulates around the world, while keeping wait times short. In China and Brazil, visa interview wait times are currently one week or less. With this video, we will encourage more international visitors to come to America to tour, study, and do business. This effort helps fulfill the goals of President Obama’s January 19 Executive Order on visa processing and complements the National Tourism and Travel Strategy.
The State Department is translating the video into several foreign languages, and will also share it with partners in government and the travel and tourism industries. We encourage media outlets to link the video to their travel websites, Facebook timelines, and Twitter feeds.
For more information about the visa application process, please visit travel.state.gov.
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