Question: Cairo Embassy Closure

[UmBrighton 2]

I have a question for those of you who went through the visa process during the revolution in 2010....or those of you who know someone that did.

The US Embassy in Cairo cancelled appointments this past Tuesday, cancelled today's late appointments, and have cancelled the appointments set for this Sunday, Dec 2nd. My question is: Even though they have cancelled appointments and have "closed", do they still have employees working inside? My husband had his interview last Sunday and was approved and told the visa will come within 2 weeks. Do they continue to process the visas and ship them out? Or is it on hold until they are "fully operational" again?

If you were (or know someone that was) approved before the revolution started and were waiting on your/their visa to arrive...please let me know what happened: if is was received as planned, or if it was delayed/put on hold.

Thanks so much!

[ginapb77 6]

I am wishing the best of luck to you!!

[UmBrighton 2]

Thanks so much

[NY_BX 397]

I have a question for those of you who went through the visa process during the revolution in 2010....or those of you who know someone that did.

The US Embassy in Cairo cancelled appointments this past Tuesday, cancelled today's late appointments, and have cancelled the appointments set for this Sunday, Dec 2nd. My question is: Even though they have cancelled appointments and have "closed", do they still have employees working inside? My husband had his interview last Sunday and was approved and told the visa will come within 2 weeks. Do they continue to process the visas and ship them out? Or is it on hold until they are "fully operational" again?

If you were (or know someone that was) approved before the revolution started and were waiting on your/their visa to arrive...please let me know what happened: if is was received as planned, or if it was delayed/put on hold.

Thanks so much!

When this happened last year, everyone was 'evacuated.' They even flew personnel back into the US. If, it's the same tactic, then no, there may be minimum personnel working just for emergencies for any Americans in Egypt.

[Heba&Mando 1]

Hi all...I was definitely wondering the same thing as we just had our interview too a couple weeks ago. I do know that the press release saying that the embassy was evacuated is false. The embassy posted on Facebook one hour ago updating saying this:

"Update on the Status of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Press reports indicating that the U.S. Embassy in Cairo closed yesterday are incorrect, as are reports that the embassy has authorized an evacuation of personnel. The embassy had staff working throughout the day and evening yesterday. In response to clashes between rioters and police in the vicinity of the embassy, the embassy reduced staffing and closed for non-emergency public consular services in order to minimize the risk to people who might have been trapped inside the chancery by demonstrations.The embassy intends to open for normal operations as usual on Sunday, although previously scheduled appointments for consular services are being rescheduled"

SO, I am assuming this will be good for us, in that some personnel were still working, and most likely with limited distractions, so they were able to process things faster than on a normal day with appointments. Here's to hopeful thinking!

Edited November 30, 2012 by Heba&Mando

[UmBrighton 2]

Hi all...I was definitely wondering the same thing as we just had our interview too a couple weeks ago. I do know that the press release saying that the embassy was evacuated is false. The embassy posted on Facebook one hour ago updating saying this:

"Update on the Status of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Press reports indicating that the U.S. Embassy in Cairo closed yesterday are incorrect, as are reports that the embassy has authorized an evacuation of personnel. The embassy had staff working throughout the day and evening yesterday. In response to clashes between rioters and police in the vicinity of the embassy, the embassy reduced staffing and closed for non-emergency public consular services in order to minimize the risk to people who might have been trapped inside the chancery by demonstrations.The embassy intends to open for normal operations as usual on Sunday, although previously scheduled appointments for consular services are being rescheduled"

SO, I am assuming this will be good for us, in that some personnel were still working, and most likely with limited distractions, so they were able to process things faster than on a normal day with appointments. Here's to hopeful thinking!

Oh, that sounds like awesome news! I was curious, because they never said they actually closed in the security messages...it only makes mention of cancelling appointments, not letting anyone in or out, or making it an early release day for employees. Hopefully they are still able to work inside and get those visas processed Thanks so much for the update...I just woke up from a nap and haven't been on facebook yet lol. I'll go check out the message now!

[Louza 10]

Hi all...I was definitely wondering the same thing as we just had our interview too a couple weeks ago. I do know that the press release saying that the embassy was evacuated is false. The embassy posted on Facebook one hour ago updating saying this:

"Update on the Status of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Press reports indicating that the U.S. Embassy in Cairo closed yesterday are incorrect, as are reports that the embassy has authorized an evacuation of personnel. The embassy had staff working throughout the day and evening yesterday. In response to clashes between rioters and police in the vicinity of the embassy, the embassy reduced staffing and closed for non-emergency public consular services in order to minimize the risk to people who might have been trapped inside the chancery by demonstrations.The embassy intends to open for normal operations as usual on Sunday, although previously scheduled appointments for consular services are being rescheduled"

SO, I am assuming this will be good for us, in that some personnel were still working, and most likely with limited distractions, so they were able to process things faster than on a normal day with appointments. Here's to hopeful thinking!

Oh thank you for that update! I stopped checking their Facebook page since I read they cancelled the (Thursday) afternoon appointments; I just assumed they had closed completely. Here's to hoping we all get our passports back quickly.

Good luck everyone

Edited November 30, 2012 by Louza

[UmBrighton 2]

Hey y'all, I just wanted to give an update! Peter's visa left the embassy this morning and should arrive tomorrow Guess that proves they were still hard at work despite the protesting and appointment cancellations. Given the circumstances, I must say: Way to go Cairo Embassy! Good job! heehee

[ginapb77 6]

Yahooooooo!!!