❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The Embassy provides a range of consular services including visa issuance, passport services, citizenship verification, legalization of documents, and study abroad program facilitation. We serve citizens of our country residing abroad and foreign nationals seeking to visit or study in our country.

The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The consular section handles walk-in services from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Appointments are recommended for afternoon sessions. The Embassy is closed on local public holidays and national holidays of our country.

For urgent matters during business hours, please call our main line or visit in person. For after-hours emergencies involving citizens in distress, please call our 24-hour emergency hotline listed on the Contact page. Email inquiries are typically responded to within 2 business days.

Yes! All applications (visa, passport, study abroad) can be tracked online. After submission, you will receive a unique application code (e.g., VI-2026-XXXXX). Use this code on our "Track Application" page to check the real-time status of your application, including any required actions from your side.

Standard visa processing takes 2-4 weeks from the date of submission. Expedited processing (1-2 weeks) is available for an additional fee. Processing times may vary during peak travel seasons (summer and holiday periods). We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.

Required documents include: (1) Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, (2) Two recent passport-size photos (35x45mm, white background), (3) Completed application form, (4) Proof of financial means (bank statements for last 3 months), (5) Travel itinerary and hotel reservations, (6) Travel insurance covering the duration of stay, (7) Proof of employment or enrollment.

The standard tourist visa fee is $60 USD. Business visa fees are $80 USD. Transit visa fees are $30 USD. Expedited processing adds an additional $40 USD to any visa type. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Payment can be made online via PayPal or bank transfer during the application process.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason for rejection. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, or unverifiable information. You may re-apply after addressing the noted issues. There is no waiting period for re-application, but the fee must be paid again.

Visa extensions may be granted for valid reasons such as medical emergencies, extended business needs, or unforeseen circumstances. You must apply for an extension at least 7 days before your current visa expires. Extension applications are submitted through the local immigration office, not through the Embassy.

To apply for a new passport, submit an application through our online portal. You will need: (1) Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or previous passport), (2) Valid government-issued photo ID, (3) Two passport photos meeting ICAO standards, (4) Completed application form. After online submission, you may need to visit the Embassy for biometric data collection.

Standard passport processing takes 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing (2-3 weeks) is available for an additional $30 USD fee. Emergency passports for documented urgent travel can be issued within 3-5 business days. Passport renewals typically process faster than new issuances.

Report the loss immediately to local police and obtain a police report. Then contact the Embassy to apply for an emergency travel document. You will need: the police report, two passport photos, proof of identity (any available ID), and your travel itinerary. Emergency travel documents are typically issued within 1-3 business days.

We recommend renewing your passport at least 9-12 months before expiration. Many countries require at least 6 months of passport validity for entry. If your passport has fewer than 2 blank pages, you should also consider renewal. Children's passports are valid for 5 years; adult passports are valid for 10 years.

To apply for a study visa: (1) First, secure an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in our country, (2) Submit a study abroad application through our portal, (3) Provide proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses, (4) Submit academic transcripts and educational certificates, (5) Provide health insurance documentation. Study visas are typically valid for the duration of your program plus 30 days.

Yes, the Embassy offers several scholarship programs for international students. The Government Scholarship covers full tuition and provides a monthly stipend. The Cultural Exchange Scholarship covers 50% of tuition. To apply, select "Apply for Scholarship" during your study abroad application. Requirements include: minimum 3.0 GPA, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.

Study visa holders are permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms and full-time during official vacation periods. You must obtain a work permit from the local immigration office before starting any employment. On-campus employment at your institution does not require a separate work permit.

Most programs taught in the national language require a B2 or higher certificate in language proficiency. Programs taught in English require IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+. Some universities offer preparatory language courses for accepted students who need to improve their language skills before starting their main program.

We accept payments through PayPal (credit/debit cards through PayPal), direct bank transfer, and in-person cash payments at the Embassy. Online applications process payments through our secure PayPal integration. All fees are charged in USD. Currency conversion rates are determined by your bank or payment provider.

Application fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted and processing has begun. If you withdraw your application before processing starts (within 24 hours of submission), a full refund may be requested. For duplicate payments or technical errors, please contact our support team for a refund within 30 days.

Study abroad applications with tuition fees may be eligible for installment payment plans. Contact the Embassy directly to discuss payment plan options. Standard visa and passport fees must be paid in full at the time of application. We do not offer installment plans for consular service fees.

All applications require ICAO-standard photographs: 35mm x 45mm, white background, head centered, neutral expression, no glasses, ears visible. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Digital photos for online applications must be at least 600x600 pixels in JPEG format, under 5MB.

All supporting documents must be submitted in English or in the official language of our country. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified translations from an authorized translator. Notarized copies are required for original documents such as birth certificates and academic transcripts.

Financial documents should include: bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds, employment contract or business registration, tax returns for the previous year (if applicable). For study visas, you must demonstrate ability to cover tuition plus approximately $1,000 USD per month for living expenses throughout your study period.

If incorrect or incomplete documents are submitted, your application will be placed in "Update Requested" status. You will receive a notification detailing which documents need to be corrected or added. You will have 30 days to provide the correct documents before your application is automatically withdrawn. No additional fee is charged for document corrections.