Aussies face delays on US visas
As US consulates across the world are still struggling to overcome a systems outage which caused a backlog of visa and passport applications, Australians are finding their US visa processing delayed.
The State Bureau of Consular Affairs performed a software update to the Oracle-based US consular consolidated database (CCD) on 20 July, however this resulted in the system going down for three days.
While the system is back online, it is only at a limited capacity with it estimated weeks before normal operations resume.
The issue has affected US consulates worldwide, resulting in travellers being unable to obtain visas, passports or consular reports of birth abroad.
Travellers are being warned that while the system is operating at around 50% of its normal capacity, visa applications for non-immigrant visas could take an extra 14 days to process.
Travellers have been informed that applicants who interviewed with a US consulate after 21 July are able to request to have their passport returned to them without the US visa.
Those seeking urgent visas to travel to the US can submit a request however the US Embassy warned only "true emergencies of an extraordinary humanitarian nature" would be considered.
People with previously-issued valid visas are not affected, nor is anyone travelling under the US visa waiver program.
Latest News
While we have the now infamous Raygun, US Olympic breaker B-Boy Jeffro will show us how it’s done
There were actually some legit breakers at the first and last appearance of this 'sport' at the Olympics.
Today is your last chance to enter Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about entering this year’s Women in Travel Awards, then now is your time to make the leap. The Women in Travel Awards highlights the incredible work of women within the travel industry and is open to female-identifying talent across all levels of their careers. It takes just 10 […]
Renaissance Tours launches culture packed 2025 program
From ballet to the opera or perusing amazing art gallery's, you might come from tour back with an expensive taste.
QantasLink’s next generation Airbus A220 aircraft lands in Launceston today
With 20 per cent more overhead locker space, does that mean people will try to stuff even more into their carry-on?
Capella Sydney collabs with Fluidform for wellness membership
We can concur that sticking to a wellness regime whilst travelling is no easy feat.
Cruise Month puts a focus on the growing popularity of expedition cruising
Expedition cruising is next tender off the rank for Cruise Month, but we are looking forward to Luxe which is next!
NSW Tourism Minister John Graham: ‘A decade of lockouts, lockdowns and over-regulation did enormous damage’
A decade on, green shoots are showing, but lack of consistency across agencies is still a nightlife killer.
Dorsett Melbourne: Redefining accessible luxury accommodation for all
In the bustling heart of Melbourne, Dorsett Hotel is quietly making waves as a leader in accessible luxury accommodation. With a blend of thoughtful design and a commitment to inclusivity, the hotel is setting new standards in how we view accessibility in the hospitality industry. “Accessibility has evolved significantly,” said general manager Stephen Cane, reflecting […]
FAMIL: With destinations jaded by overtourism, the Solomon Islands offers a chance to build differently
While there's a history of headhunting, ceremonial skulls and war zones, we prefer languid afternoons by the beach.
Austrian allure: A carousel of concerts, celebrations and charm in 2025
The splendor of Austria is celebrated in music, history, scenery and sport, from the lakes to its mountain tops.
Canuckiwi appoints Peri McCardle as account director for Australia and New Zealand
We know there's no better way to kick your week off than seeing your headshot in a news story. You're welcome Peri!
First look: Inside the 4,000 square metre ‘Bluey’s World’ experience
If you've got a fear of big stuffed animals, this could be a great chance for exposure therapy!
Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties
With a hotel that looks like this you'll be forgiven for not leaving your bedroom.
The best way to spend three days in San Francisco with Infinity Holidays
Three days will never be enough time in San Fran, but with the help of Infinity Holidays, you can give it a good nudge.
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
Royal Caribbean unveils its latest Perfect Day Mexico adventure
Royal Caribbean: Building the biggest ships in the world one day, buying islands the next.
Salter Brothers acquires iconic Bannisters luxury retreat hotels in Mollymook and Port Stephens
$100m is a lot of pricey Rick Stein fish, chips and mushy peas. As long as someone else pays...
Women in Travel: Carnival’s Kara Glamore on the one person you need to make happy in your career
In the same way people say take love over money, Kara's saying take your happiness over money. We're happiest with both!
20,000 Supercross fans descend on Moreton Bay ahead of adrenaline filled weekend
We're not sure of the nutritional value of this seafood feast as a pre-race meal, but we do know it would be delicious!
South African Airways ramps up Perth service with up to five flights a week by January
We are almost certain there will be an increase in local kangaroo boerewors production given the numbers coming in.
After Perth success, WTTC’s Global Summit heads to the Eternal City in 2025
Perth was a blast, but sadly we had to catch the red-eye back his morning to launch this newsletter.
Much-delayed Villa Vie Residences life at sea concept sets sail on inaugural voyage aboard MV Odyssey
You'd want to make sure you didn't get seasick before you boarded this little sea jaunt.
Escape This brings Australia’s best-rated escape rooms to George Street
Just in time for a spooky end to the month. That's Halloween for anyone not reading between the lines!
APT announces the return of Queensland Expedition Cruising
Daylight savings or not, these expedition cruises are coming back with vengeance.
Luxury Escapes unveils winners of inaugural LuxList Awards
There's a lot of luxury talk going on at the moment, but this list is your one stop shop!
Robert Irwin’s plea to travel industry: Spend tourism dollars on supporting the planet
If there's any name we're going to listen to on this topic, it is Irwin!
Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds
Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]
Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs
Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]
Famous Northern Territory fishing contest lures $35m+ from out-of-town hopefuls
This competition always catches our attention, even with our lack of patience... There's $1m swimming around up there!
Expedia Group says affluent Asian travellers will boost global travel industry
Turns out Crazy Rich Asians was pretty on the money with this growing travel trend.
Travel DAZE Speaker Dee Madigan tackles polarisation at DCA debate
If you've ever found yourself knee-dip in a Facebook feud with some dude that lives in Ohio then this is for you.
La Tour d’Argent reveals menu for the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
If you travelled to Vietnam for Vietnamese food then you'll be disappointed!
TAG partners with SXSW Sydney 2024 as preferred travel partner
With a load of big wigs in town it'll be easy to miss the travel sessions you're supposed to be at. Just look for TAG!
The new Oyster at Byron Bay’s Hotel Marvell set to catch seafood lovers this summer
If we couldn't come up with a fishing-related pun for this headline it may of been time to hang up the joke book.
More than 2500 flights cancelled as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton
Scary headlines coming out of the US today, thoughts with the many people impacted.
Globus family of brands picks Allianz as insurance partner
Whilst some accuse Allianz as being a 'pick-me girl' you can't deny that it worked out here.