Visas

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Travel restrictions implemented by the United States due to the outbreak of COVID-19 may impact the validity of an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA). Click here for more information: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Information About COVID-19 and Travel to the United States

We understand the current regulations regarding travel to the United States are complex. There are multiple Presidential Proclamations currently in effect that govern entrance into the United States. Please see detailed information published by the Department of State about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Please be sure to read the information below relevant to your specific circumstances. If you require further information, contact us at luxembourgconsular@state.gov.

Entry of foreign nationals who were physically present within the countries below during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is suspended, per Presidential Proclamations 9993 (Schengen Area) and Presidential Proclamation 9996 (the UK and Ireland):

  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe;
  • The Republic of Ireland;
  • The 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland);

The travel restriction does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the Presidential Proclamation. The Department of State recommends the CDC website for the most up-to-date information regarding quarantine regulations. There are a number of exceptions to each Presidential Proclamation. If you have an urgent need to travel to the United States, please review your category below for detailed information:

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Immigrant Visas

  • The U.S. Embassy Luxembourg Visa section does not process Immigrant Visas. See this page for more information.

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.

(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.).

Applicants should not make final travel plans, such as purchasing non-refundable tickets, until they have their visas. Under normal circumstances, it takes two business days to process a visa. In rare cases, additional processing can delay visa issuance.

Please click here for more information: How to Apply

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States.  We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known.  Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.

We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:

  • We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
  • We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
  • We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
  • We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
  • We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
  • We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
  • We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
  • We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.

Furthermore, if you are a:

  • Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
  • Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
  • Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:

  • Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
  • Complete your application fully and accurately.
  • Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
  • Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

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