U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Announces New Visa Application Center and Updated Appointment System
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is set to introduce significant improvements to its visa processing system on September 28. These changes include the opening of a new Visa Application Center (VAC), the launch of an enhanced visa appointment system, and the expansion of call center services for U.S. citizens residing in the Philippines.
New Visa Application Center (VAC)
The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. Beginning on September 28, all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants with interview appointments will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning. These procedures must be completed prior to the applicant’s interview at the U.S. Embassy located on Roxas Boulevard. Appointments at the VAC will be scheduled using the new online system.
Applicants who have already scheduled visa interviews before September 28 will not be affected by these changes and should attend their appointments directly at the Embassy.
Updated Visa Appointment System
The U.S. Embassy is also launching a redesigned visa appointment system on September 28, which will feature a secure, user-friendly interface for applicants. This new system will be available at ustraveldocs.com/ph. Applicants with existing accounts in the current system will need to log in using their registered email addresses to access their profiles, which include payment receipts and appointment details.
VAC Operating Hours
The VAC will offer appointment slots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Applicants do not need an appointment to pick up passports or drop off interview waiver visa applications and other required documents. These services are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Expanded Call Center Services for U.S. Citizens
In addition to the visa system updates, the U.S. Embassy will expand its call center services for U.S. citizens with general, non-emergency inquiries related to American Citizen Services (ACS). U.S. citizens can reach the consular hotlines at:
- (+632) 7792-8988 (Philippines)
- (+632) 8548-8223 (Philippines)
- (703) 520-2235 (for callers in the U.S.)
These services cover questions related to passports, citizenship, and notarial services.
The U.S. Embassy will also launch a dedicated website at ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/american-citizens-services and an email service at support-acs-philippines@usvisascheduling.com for ACS inquiries starting September 28. For inquiries not related to passport, citizenship, or notarial services, U.S. citizens should continue to contact the ACS unit directly at ACSInfoManila@state.gov.
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