Media Notice
For Immediate Release                                                July 29, 2009

Consulate General sets aside Tuesday, August 11 exclusively for language interviews
 

Hyderabad: The American Consulate General in Hyderabad has set aside Tuesday, August 11, solely for interviews for people who do not speak English.

Consul General Cornelis M. Keur stated that, “We understand that many people who speak only Telugu, Hindi or Urdu are facing delays in getting appointments, and we want to make a special effort to make sure they get visa interviews on time.” 

The Consul General added that “we are here to serve all residents of Andhra Pradesh who wish to apply for visas,” and noted that he has two officers who speak Telugu, one Hindi/Urdu speaker and many translators. 

Starting August 1, the Consulate General will also increase the daily number of visa appointments to 500 appointments per working day.  These will be distributed for all categories, including business travelers, work visa applicants, students and tourists.

The Consul General also suggested people apply as early as possible for their visas.  Applicants who wait until just a few weeks before they want to travel may run into unexpected delays in processing, and may end up missing their trips.

As there is no parking near the Consulate General and there are limited facilities for those arriving early to wait for their appointed time, people should plan their trips to the Consulate General carefully so that they arrive on time, rather than several hours ahead.  Additionally, as there are no suitable waiting areas outside the Consulate General, applicants are encouraged to come alone.

Please note that the Consulate General does not permit the following items:  mobile phones, electronic personal digital assistants, cameras, audio or video recording devices, lap top computers, thumb drives, portable music players, remote keys, travel bags, back packs, brief cases, suit cases, cosmetics (including but not limited to spray perfume/cologne and talcum/baby powder), bottles of any kind, food items, liquids, and any sealed envelopes or packages.

Security staff may prohibit other items you bring with you.  The Consulate General cannot store prohibited items for you. If you bring prohibited items with you, you will have to dispose of them before entry.