DOS Provides Update on U.S. Embassy Kabul – All Embassy Operations Suspended

According to the Department of State (DOS) announcement of August 31, 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended all operations, and the U.S. government has withdrawn all personnel from Kabul. The Embassy will continue to provide information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  Nonimmigrant visa appointments remain unavailable and all immigrant visa appointments, including Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), at the Embassy have been cancelled. Consular services remain available outside Afghanistan and assistance is available for U.S. citizens and their families in Afghanistan from Doha, Qatar. 

DOS’s first priority is U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States, along with eligible family members.  DOS is also prioritizing several other categories of people, including locally employed DOS staff; personnel from partner nations and international organizations with whom DOS has agreements; Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and applicants; certain immigrant visa applicants; Afghans who would be eligible for P1/P2 refugee programs; and certain Afghans at risk.

Immigrant visa applicants, including Special Immigrant Visa applicants, should continue monitoring official U.S. Government websites, including travel.state.gov, for updated information.  Immigrant visa applicants outside of Afghanistan may request their case be transferred to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete processing.  To request a case transfer, please submit a request to the National Visa Center via the form found here. 

DOS is accelerating efforts to process and relocate those Afghans who have worked with the U.S. government or on the U.S.’s behalf over the years.  Afghan nationals who are eligible for the SIV program who have not yet done so, are encouraged to submit one complete application package to the National Visa Center (AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov) to facilitate processing in an expeditious manner. 

Please refer to Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans - Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government (state.gov) for more information regarding the SIV process and who to contact with questions.

General inquiries about the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program can be directed to +1-606-526-7594 or AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov. This contact information is for general SIV inquiries only. DOS cannot provide any evacuation or emergency assistance at this phone number or email. Individuals seeking to leave Afghanistan should refer to the Embassy Kabul website for the most up to date information.