FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko (pictured) has welcomed the revised terms of the B-l/B-2 Visitors Visa announced by the US Embassy.
The revised B-l/B-2 Visitors Visa for Papua New Guineans travelling to the United States is now valid for a maximum of six months with single entry, starting Wednesday April 17, 2024.
The US Embassy in its recent announcement confirmed that this is a revision from previous terms of the visa, of one-month validity with singe entry.
This update is reflected in the Revised Visa Reciprocity Schedule.
Any visas issued prior to April 17, 2024 will not be impacted by this update.
“We thank and extend our gratitude to the Department of State and the United States Government through the US Embassy for the vote of confidence, and window of greater opportunity,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
“In the face of rising geopolitical tensions, this is a token and another step for our relations with the United States.
“This revised visa and its extended terms is a giant leap at our people to people level bases with the US, in terms of regular exchange and dialogue, and integration in business, social and the wider scope of inter relations.”
Minister Tkatchenko said the arrangements compliment the recently signed DCA (Defence Cooperation Agreement) with the US, as both governments build on relations.
The US Embassy is its official statement said that the change will bring immediate, tangible benefits to Papua New Guineans visiting family members, attending conferences, and engaging in tourism in the United States, with terms enabling PNG nationals to apply for their visas several months in advance of their travel.
“This change will also enable U.S. Embassy Port Moresby’s consular section to make visa interview appointment times available for applicants to schedule more than a month in advance.”
Visitor visas valid for 12 months with multiple entry will remain an option only for qualified short-term business visa (B-l ) applicants for an additional fee.
As of April 17, 2024, 12-month, multiple entry visas are no longer available for tourist visa (B-2) applicants.
Through visa services to millions of customers each year, the Department of State promotes travel and tourism, facilitates the flow of regulated labor, enables business travel and investment, protects national security, and contributes to key U.S. economic sectors and supports thousands of U.S. jobs.
