THE United States (U.S) Embassy announced, on Monday, that it will be offering appointments for emergency American Citizen Services (ACS) and limited processing of urgent visa cases, as Phase 1 of the resumption of its operations commences.

Since the COVID-19 spread in Guyana, the Consular Section of the Embassy had paused its operations offering limited emergency services for U.S. citizens and routine visa services suspension while Embassy staff mostly teleworked.

However, the Embassy has since announced the commencement of a three-phase process which begins with the Consular Section being opened on a limited basis for ACS and emergency cases. It should be clearly noted that routine visa operations remain closed in Guyana and U.S. Embassies worldwide due to COVID-19 restrictions. Phase 1 of the process will see some of the Embassy’s employees returning to facilitate the limited operations. “We will continue to prioritise emergency services for customers by appointment only. Customers must wear cloth face coverings in all common areas, including our lobbies, and observe strict social distancing,” the Embassy noted.

During this phase, it is recommended that customers contact the Embassy via email before attempting to visit the Embassy. When Phase 2 commences, most of the Embassy’s staff will return to offices and the resumption of more processing of U.S. passport applications and limited visa appointments will take place.

In Phase 3, all remaining staff will return to resume normal operations. However, a processing time commitment for routine services will be implemented in this phase. The Embassy advised, in advance, that persons should continue to schedule their appointments online. For those who had immigrant visa appointments scheduled during this time, the Embassy notified that these will be available for rescheduling when routine non-immigrant and immigrant visa interviews resume. It was also noted that U.S. President, Donald Trump, has signed a June 22 proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. for certain immigrants and non-immigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labour market following the pandemic.

The Embassy advised that the proclamation only runs up to December 31, 2020 and, unless continued by the President, U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and aliens who are or were inside the United States or those holding valid non-immigrant or immigrant visas on the effective date are not subject to the proclamation. Meanwhile, regarding American nationals or residents seeking flights out of the country, they have been advised to monitor the Eastern Airlines for repatriation flights that will also be outbound to the U.S.