Welcome to US Embassy Doha’s “Ask the Consul” column. The US Embassy’s Consular Section will answer common queries about visas and consular services.
Q. Is the U.S. Embassy in Doha currently open for visa interviews?
A. The U.S. Embassy in Doha is currently open for all routine services. This includes visa services as well as services for American citizens, including passports and notarial services. We continually monitor the COVID-19 situation and adjust our appointment capacity to ensure both our staff and visitors are safe. To schedule an appointment, go to qa.usembassy.gov.
Q. I am a foreign national, and I plan to travel to the United States. Do I need to be fully vaccinated in order to travel?
A. Starting November 8, foreign nationals traveling to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States, with only limited exceptions. You will also need a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that for purposes of travel to the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines. See www.cdc.gov for more information.
For more information on the United States’ new international air travel policy, visit: https://go.usa.gov/xeqyy.
Q. What are the testing requirements for children under the November 8 air travel policy?
A. Children between the ages of 2 and 17 are required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. If a child is traveling with a fully vaccinated adult, they can show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before departure. If an unvaccinated child is traveling alone or with unvaccinated adults, they will have to show proof of a negative test within 24 hours of departure. While children under 2 years of age are excepted from the testing requirement, the CDC recommends a pre-departure test for these children whenever possible.
Visit https://go.usa.gov/xeqyy for more information on the United States’ new international air travel policy.
Q. I am a Qatari citizen with a valid U.S. visa, but it is about to expire and I want to travel soon. Do I have to come in for an in-person interview?
A. Qatari citizens with valid U.S. visa may qualify for our interview waiver or dropbox service and may be able to renew their visa without an interview. Requirements include:
• None of the applicants’ most recent visa interviews resulted in a refusal for any reason.
• None of the applicants have ever held citizenship of a country different than the passport from which they are applying.
• None of the applicants have been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.
To learn more about the interview waiver requirements, go to https://ustraveldocs.com/qa/
Q. I have a valid U.S. visa, and I want to travel with my new baby. Do I need to schedule a visa interview for my baby?
A. Children under the age of 14 that have at least one parent with a valid, current B1/B2 (tourist) visa qualify to use our interview waiver or dropbox service. They do not need to come in for an in-person interview. To learn more about the interview waiver requirements, go to https://ustraveldocs.com/qa/qa-niv-visarenew.asp
Q. At the end of my visa interview I was told that my case will undergo administrative processing. What do I do now?
A. Administrative processing means that your case needs additional time for review. If you applied for a visa and your case is undergoing administrative processing, do not apply again. This will cause delays in your application. The U.S. Embassy will contact you via e-mail or phone if we need more information from you. It is important that you list your contact information correctly on the DS 160, or visa application form. If you are using a travel agency to fill out your application, make sure they list all information, including your phone number and email address, accurately.
