March 2, 2026
In light of the recent military developments in the Middle East, several U.S. embassies and consulates across the region have implemented emergency protocols that are directly affecting visa services and U.S. citizen appointments. Below is a summary of the current operational status at key U.S. consular posts.
U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi & U.S. Consulate General Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
All visa and U.S. Citizen Services appointments scheduled from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4 have been canceled at both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
Personnel at both posts have been instructed to continue sheltering in place. Additional guidance regarding rescheduling of appointments is expected once normal operations resume.
U.S. Embassy in Qatar
The consular section has canceled all routine consular appointments for the week of March 1. The Embassy continues to maintain a shelter-in-place posture for all personnel.
At this time, applicants should anticipate delays in both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing, as well as routine U.S. citizen services.
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem & U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv (Israel)
Embassy Jerusalem and its Branch Office in Tel Aviv remain operational and are prioritizing services for U.S. citizens.
However, routine visa processing is currently unavailable. The Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice. Applicants should expect continued disruption to standard visa operations.
U.S. Embassy Amman (Jordan)
The U.S. Embassy in Amman has instructed all Mission personnel to continue sheltering in place and to avoid the Embassy compound, which may be considered a potential target.
While formal confirmation regarding visa services has not been issued, it is reasonable to expect that routine visa processing will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
U.S. Embassy Kuwait (Kuwait)
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has required all Mission personnel to return home and shelter in place. As with other posts in the region, visa services are likely to be unavailable until normal operations can safely resume.
What This Means for Visa Applicants and U.S. Citizens
Given the evolving security situation, applicants with pending visa appointments or cases at affected posts should anticipate delays and possible rescheduling. U.S. citizens in the region should continue monitoring official Embassy communications and adhere to local safety guidance.
Our firm is actively monitoring developments across all affected consular posts. If you have a pending visa matter, an urgent travel need, or questions about how these disruptions may impact your case, we encourage you to contact our office for guidance.
We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
*This information may not be fully updated. Please check each office’s website for the most up-to-date information.
