US embassy in Thailand launches new visa support system
A new online support system for US visa services will be launched by the US Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand this Saturday, September 28.
As the transition takes place, several services, including the online appointment system and call centre, will be unavailable today and tomorrow, September 27. Additionally, fee payment services are temporarily suspended from September 25 to 27.
On the same day as the new system launch, DHL eCommerce will take over as the new document delivery services vendor, handling document submission, pick-up, and delivery. Any documents sent through other providers will not be accepted.
Applicants with appointments scheduled from September 25 to 27 must still attend their appointments as planned. Those with interviews today and tomorrow will receive specific instructions on how to retrieve their passports during the transition.
From tomorrow onwards, the login page, profile, and appointment scheduling system will have a new look. Applicants will need to visit the new system to log in.
Detailed instructions on passport retrieval after visa processing will be sent via email to those with appointments scheduled before the transition but occurring after tomorrow. Applicants who paid their visa fee before tomorrow in the old system but have not yet associated their payment receipt to their profile can sign up in the new system to claim their receipt by entering the payment details.
Enhanced US visa services
Document pick-up and submission locations will change starting tomorrow. There will be a premium charge for selecting document delivery or a premium location for pick-up or submission if the passport is released by the embassy or Consulate General.
An exclusive interview by TPN News at the US Embassy in Bangkok with Vice-Consuls Amyre Brandom-Skinner and Samuel Tueller Dearden focused on streamlining US visa services and enhancing consular support for American citizens and expatriates in Thailand.
Dearden explained that the embassy has introduced a colour-coded system to improve efficiency. The green line, marked with triangle icons, is for immigrant visa applications, while the red line with circle icons guides non-immigrant visa applicants. The blue line with square icons is designated for American Citizen Services (ACS).
These clear floor guidelines have reduced waiting times by separating queues and simplifying the process for all visitors. The embassy also provides an accessible path for disabled individuals and a dedicated waiting area for pregnant women, the elderly, and disabled individuals.
The embassy features 15 service booths, including interview stations for visa applications related to study, work, and other services for US citizens. An on-site photo booth is available for applicants whose visa photos are outdated (older than six months).
During the interview, Brandom-Skinner discussed the embassy’s outreach to older and disabled American expats, particularly those living outside Bangkok. The embassy offers special consular services for those unable to travel to Bangkok due to mobility issues.
These services include adult passport renewals, minor passport renewals, first-time adult passports (for those aged 16 and above), and notary services. However, these services are limited to US citizens and expats.
The US Embassy in Bangkok is currently constructing a new building that will integrate both Thai and US officials. The project is expected to be completed within two years, further enhancing service delivery for both Thais and Americans, reported Pattaya News.
