The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) which oversees the visa adjudication process at U.S. Embassies and Consulates has not released any formal statement indicating that the 2019 Novel Coronavirus has resulted in the suspension of consular operations. A recent social media posting purported to be an official statement from the U.S. Embassy in Manila indicated that as a result of the Coronavirus, B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas applications were being suspended as of 10 February 2020. This posting was quickly rebutted by DOS as a hoax and reminded the public that there has been no change in the visa adjudication policy.
Screenshot of the false news source
Official statement from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
If you have any questions about U.S. Embassies and Consulates functions in Asia, contact us for clarification.