Message from the US Embassy...

Embassy Takes Precautionary Measures

Mexico City, April 25, 2009 – Mexico and the United States are cooperating closely together as Mexico works to contain the current outbreak of H1N1 influenza. At the invitation of the Mexican government, a team of experts from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has arrived in Mexico to work with their counterparts to identify and limit the outbreak of H1N1 influenza. The United States has imposed no additional constraints or limitations on travel between the United States and Mexico. Travelers are encouraged to comply with suggestions by Mexican public health officials and to practice good health and sanitation.

In accordance with measures announced by the City of Mexico to limit the congregation of large crowds, the Embassy in Mexico City has decided to suspend processing of the approximately 5100 non-immigrant visa appointments scheduled Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29.

In addition, our services to American citizens will be limited to citizenship requests (passports and consular reports of birth abroad, or CRBA) and emergency assistance only. Notarial and other routine services will not be available; those holding passport or CRBA appointments are encouraged to reschedule for a later date. Also, the Federal Benefits Unit is encouraging all persons to postpone interviews on Social Security claims. Finally, the Benjamin Franklin Library will be closed to the public next week. These are precautionary measures only, taken to best assure the well-being of our clients and staff.

Our offsite visa appointment scheduling center will call or e-mail all of the applicants affected to reschedule their appointments for after May 5, 2009. Visa applicants may also call 01-800-719-2525 to reschedule their appointments without charge. If there are emergency visa issues please email visas_mexico@state.gov for assistance.