US visa validity extended

By HANNAH NERO
THE United States government has extended for Papua New Guinean citizens the validity of a visa to enter that country from one month to six months.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Port Moresby said this month, a visitor’s visa (B1 and B2) issued to PNG citizens travelling to the US would be valid for a maximum of six months on a single entry.
It used to be valid for only one month.
“This change will bring immediate, tangible benefits to Papua New Guineans visiting family members, attending conferences, and engaging in tourism in the United States by enabling them to apply for their visas several months in advance of their travel.”
The change will also enable the US Embassy Port Moresby’s consular section to make visa interview appointment times available for applicants more than a month in advance.
“Visitor visas valid for 12 months with multiple entry remain an option only for qualified short-term business visa (B-1) applicants for an additional fee.
“As of April 17, 2024, the 12-month multiple-entry visas are no longer available for tourist visa (B-2) applicants.
“Please see the revised visa reciprocity schedule on travel.state.gov for more information.”
Through visa services to millions of customers each year, the State Department romotes travel and tourism, facilitates the flow of regulated labour, enables business travel and investment, protects national security, contributes to key US economic sectors and supports thousands of jobs.