group travel visa

• Immigration

Group Travel Visa Application Process for the U.S.

Applying for a group travel visa to the u.s. consists of several steps. first, the designated group leader needs to complete the online application form (ds-160) for each member. next, the group coordinator should schedule a group visa appointment at the nearest u.s. embassy or consulate. during the appointment, all members must bring the required documents, such as passports and supporting materials. following the interview, the visas will be processed, and upon approval, collected by the group leader..

Quick Glance:

• Learn about group travel visa eligibility for the United States, including the number of people required and purpose of travel.
• Follow specific steps to apply for a group travel visa, such as designating a group leader, completing the DS-160 form, and scheduling an interview.
• Tips for a smooth application process, including organizing early, documenting accurately, and preparing for the interview. If you’re planning a trip to the United States with a band, sports team, or simply as a group of friends or family members, understanding the process of applying for a group travel visa is essential. Applying for a group travel visa, namely the Group Tourist Visa category under the B-2 Tourist Visa, involves a few specific steps that differ from individual visa applications. Let’s break down the process so you can embark on your American adventure with ease.

Understanding Group Travel Visa Eligibility

First things first, it’s important to understand who qualifies for a group travel visa. Generally, to apply as a group, you need 10 or more people traveling to the U.S. for the same purpose and for a limited period of time. This might include organized tours, cultural exchanges, or larger family events. Tour guides and chaperones can also be included in the group visa application.

Steps to Apply for a Group Travel Visa

• Designate a Group Leader: Each group must have a designated group leader who will handle the communication with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This person is responsible for submitting the required information for all members of the group.
• Fill Out Form DS-160: Each group member must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. Ensure that every question is answered truthfully and that the form is submitted correctly for each individual. Keep a note of the application ID and bring the confirmation page to the interview.
• Schedule an Interview: Visa interviews are normally mandatory for applicants between 14 and 79 years of age. The group leader can schedule a block of appointments for all members who require an interview. It’s advisable to arrange this as soon as possible due to high demand for visa appointments.
• Compile Required Documents : Every applicant must have a valid passport, a photo that meets the requirements, and the Form DS-160 confirmation page. The group leader should also carry a list of names of all group members traveling. Additional documents might be required depending on the purpose of travel.

• Attend the Visa Interview: On the day of the interview, group members should reach the consulate or embassy together, early and prepared. Be ready to answer questions regarding your trip’s purpose, plans in the U.S., and your intent to return home.
• Pay the Visa Fees: There will be a non-refundable visa application fee that each group member needs to pay. Some groups may qualify for a reduced fee, so it’s worth checking with the embassy for any fee exemptions.

The process may vary slightly from country to country, so it’s essential to consult the official U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the most accurate and updated information.

Also of Interest:

Top 10 visitor visa interview questions for parents visiting usa, h-1b amended petitions: top 20 faqs.

After the Interview

If your group’s visa applications are approved, you might have to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. The embassy or consulate will inform you on how and when you can get your passports with the visa and any other next steps.

Tips for a Smooth Group Visa Application Process

• Organize Early: Start gathering information and begin the application process well in advance of your travel dates.
• Document Carefully: Keep records organized, and ensure all information is accurate across all group members’ applications.
• Prepare for the Interview: Have a clear itinerary and a demonstrated intent to return home to ensure the interview goes smoothly.
• Follow Up: Keep in touch with the embassy or consulate on the status of your visa processing.

Applying for a group travel visa doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined and preparing properly, your group can look forward to creating unforgettable memories in the United States. Remember, for any questions not covered here, you can always reach out directly to the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country for personal assistance. Safe travels!

And there you have it, the group travel visa process demystified! Who knew organizing a group trip to the US could be so straightforward? Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you’ll be navigating the application process like a pro. But hey, if you want even more insider tips and expert advice, head on over to visaverge.com. It’s your one-stop shop for all things visa-related. Bon voyage and happy travels, my friend! 🌎✈️ #visaverge

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: Who qualifies for a group travel visa to the United States?

To qualify for a group travel visa to the United States, you generally need to have 10 or more people traveling together for the same purpose and for a limited period of time. This could include organized tours, cultural exchanges, larger family events, or even sports teams and bands. The group visa application can also include tour guides and chaperones.

FAQ 2: What are the steps to apply for a group travel visa?

To apply for a group travel visa, the following steps need to be followed:

• Designate a Group Leader: Each group must have a designated group leader who will communicate with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and submit the required information for all members.
• Fill Out Form DS-160: Each group member must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, with truthful answers. The confirmation page should be brought to the interview.
• Schedule an Interview: The group leader can schedule a block of appointments for group members between 14 and 79 years of age who require an interview.
• Compile Required Documents: Each applicant needs a valid passport, a photo meeting the requirements, and the Form DS-160 confirmation page. The group leader should also carry a list of all group members’ names. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel.
• Attend the Visa Interview: Group members should arrive together, early and prepared, to answer questions about the purpose of their trip, plans in the U.S., and their intent to return home.
• Pay the Visa Fees: Each group member needs to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. Some groups may qualify for a reduced fee, so it’s worth checking for fee exemptions.

FAQ 3: What are some tips for a smooth group travel visa application process to the United States?

Here are some tips for a smooth group travel visa application process:

• Organize Early: Start gathering information and applying well in advance of your travel dates.
• Document Carefully: Ensure all information is accurate and consistent across all group members’ applications.
• Prepare for the Interview: Have a clear itinerary and be prepared to demonstrate your intent to return home to ensure a smooth interview.
• Follow Up: Keep in touch with the embassy or consulate for updates on your visa processing status.

Remember, it’s also important to consult the official U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website or your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the most accurate and updated information regarding the group travel visa application process.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: To apply for a group travel visa to the United States, you need at least 5 people traveling together for the same purpose and a limited period of time.
• Which document must each group member complete as part of the group travel visa application process? a) Form DS-160 b) Form DS-260 c) Form DS-156 d) Form DS-2019
• What is the role of the designated group leader in the group travel visa application process? a) Pay the visa application fee for all group members b) Schedule the visa interviews for all group members c) Fill out Form DS-160 for all group members d) Attend the visa interviews on behalf of all group members

Did you Know?

Did you know.

False. To apply for a group travel visa to the United States, you generally need 10 or more people traveling together for the same purpose and for a limited period of time.

a) Form DS-160. Each group member must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, with truthful answers. The confirmation page should be brought to the interview.

c) Fill out Form DS-160 for all group members. The designated group leader is responsible for submitting the required information for all members of the group to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Did you know that the U.S. offers special visa categories for groups, such as sports teams, bands, and cultural exchange programs? These visa categories recognize the unique nature of group travel and allow for easier application processes.
• Did you know that the U.S. Department of State provides a website where you can check the most accurate and updated information regarding the group travel visa application process? It’s always a good idea to consult this official source for the most reliable information.
• Did you know that the U.S. visa application process can vary slightly from country to country? It’s essential to check the requirements and procedures specific to your home country. Consulting with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country can provide personal assistance and guidance.
• Did you know that some group travel visa applicants may qualify for a reduced visa application fee? It’s worth checking with the U.S. embassy or consulate for any fee exemptions that your group might be eligible for.
• Did you know that the group travel visa application process can be initiated well in advance of your travel dates? Organizing early and starting the application process early gives you ample time to gather information and complete the necessary steps.

Learn Today: Key Terms Explained

Group travel visa: A visa that allows a group of people, usually 10 or more, to travel together to the United States for the same purpose and for a limited period of time. This visa category is known as the Group Tourist Visa under the B-2 Tourist Visa.

Group leader: A designated person within the group who is responsible for communicating with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and submitting the required information for all group members during the group travel visa application process.

Form DS-160: The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form that each group member must complete as part of the group travel visa application process. It is important to answer all questions truthfully and accurately, and the confirmation page should be brought to the interview.

Visa interview: A mandatory interview for group members between the ages of 14 and 79 years. The group leader can schedule a block of appointments for all members requiring an interview. It is essential to prepare for the interview by having a clear itinerary and demonstrating the intent to return home.

Required documents: Documents that each group member must possess for the group travel visa application, including a valid passport, a photo meeting the requirements, and the Form DS-160 confirmation page. The group leader should also carry a list of all group members’ names. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel.

Visa fees: Non-refundable fees that each group member needs to pay as part of the group travel visa application process. It is worth checking if the group qualifies for a reduced fee or any fee exemptions.

U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: The official government department responsible for issuing visas and providing information related to travel to the United States . Consult the department’s website or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website for accurate and updated information regarding the group travel visa application process.

Visa issuance fee: A fee that may be required to be paid if the group’s visa applications are approved. The amount and payment method will depend on the applicant’s nationality. The embassy or consulate will provide instructions on how and when to obtain the passports with the issued visas.

Organize early: A tip for a smooth group travel visa application process, involving starting the information gathering and application process well in advance of the travel dates.

Document carefully: A tip for a smooth group travel visa application process, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and consistent across all group members’ applications.

Prepare for the interview: A tip for a smooth group travel visa application process, involving having a clear itinerary and being prepared to demonstrate the intent to return home during the visa interview.

Follow up: A tip for a smooth group travel visa application process, suggesting keeping in touch with the embassy or consulate for updates on the visa processing status.

True or False: A question type that requires the reader to determine the accuracy of a statement.

Form DS-260, Form DS-156, and Form DS-2019: Answer options provided for a question. In this case, the correct answer is Form DS-160, which each group member must complete as part of the group travel visa application process.

Role of the designated group leader: The responsibility assigned to the group leader during the group travel visa application process, which includes communicating with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, scheduling visa interviews, and submitting the required information for all group members.

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U.S. Tourist Visa and Group Travel

1. what documents are required to apply for a us tourist visa, 2. what is the best way to apply for a us tourist visa, 3. how long is a us tourist visa valid for, 4. how much money do i need to show for a us tourist visa application, 5. what is the processing time for a us tourist visa application, 6. can i extend my us tourist visa if my trip takes longer than expected, 7. what documents should i bring to an interview at the consulate when applying for a us tourist visa, 8. can i travel with my family on a us tourist visa, 9. are there any restrictions on how long i can stay in the us on a tourist visa, 10. what is the difference between a us visitor visa and a business visa, 11. how soon before my trip should i apply for my group’s us visas, 12. are there any special requirements for group visas to the us, 13. can i buy tickets and make hotel bookings before my group’s visas are approved, 14. is it possible to get a waiver from certain requirements for group visas, 15. how do i contact the consular officer in charge of group visa applications, 16. are there any fees associated with group visas to the us, 17. how many people can travel together on one group visa to the us, 18. is there anything else i need to do once our group’s visas are approved, 19. are there any limits on how many times i can enter and exit the us on a group visa, 20. is it possible to add or remove people from our original group visa application.

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You are here: Home / Group Appointments

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How to Apply

At least five or more applicants applying for the same visa classification, purpose of travel and will travel on the same date are encouraged to apply together as a group. To request a Group Appointment, follow the steps in this Group Appointments page. Examples of groups include but are not limited to sports team, school groups, groups travelling for competitions, and service organizations.

Family members traveling together are not eligible for group appointments

A designated group coordinator uses the online appointment system to click onto request a group appointment.

The Group Coordinator is the appointment profile of one of the group members. Before clicking the Group Scheduling Request button, ensure that all the rest of the group members' appointment profile have been added under the Group Coordinator as dependents, and the supporting documents below are included to the Group Appointment request as attached files:

•  Invitation letter that indicates the purpose, and the start and end date of travel. 
• List of group members in MS Word file following this format:
• Comprehensive travel itinerary (to include travel details, daily schedule/activities, etc.) 
• For groups applying for employment-based visas (H, O, P ), the Group Coordinator must also attach a clear scanned copy of the approved I-797 (Notice of Action) in PDF file.

 Once the request is submitted, wait for a response from the Embassy via email.

Reminders before submitting a request:

• All group members should not have any existing appointments from the submission of the request to its fulfillment.
• Do not assign more than one (1) group coordinator per group, as this causes system glitch at the time of appointment scheduling if the group appointment request has been approved.
• The members in the submitted list is final. Substitution of member(s) is not allowed.
• A group request that is incomplete will be rejected, and the requester can no longer submit another request.

If the Embassy approves the request, then the Group Coordinator/Requestor will receive an email alerting him/her to schedule appointments for each member of the group. The center cannot schedule appointments, but agents are able to assist if questions arise. Should the Embassy deny the request for a group appointment, the Group Coordinator will be notified of the denial by email and each group member must schedule individual appointments.

Note: The email confirming or denying the group request will come from [email protected] . Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If the Group Coordinator has not received the email notification, look for the message in junk and spam email folders.

Each group member must pay the  visa application fee .

Each group member must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form  and print the confirmation page

Group Coordinator must schedule an appointment using the online appointment system  and clicks on the button

to begin scheduling the group's appointments. He or she should have on hand three pieces of information about each group member. Please note that scheduling an appointment for a group member who already has a scheduled interview appointment is not possible. Prior to scheduling group appointments approved by the Embassy, you need to cancel the individual appointment first. 

• The group member's passport with the applicants' full name, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date and other important data located on the passport's biographical page
• The group member's visa application (MRV) fee receipt number.
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from their DS-160 confirmation page ( e.g., AA00ABCD56 )

The group coordinator selects the approved group appointment request corresponding to the correct group, as in the example below:

If the group coordinator frequently schedules group appointments, it is important to select the correct group request.

Each group member is added as a "Dependent" to the group coordinator's profile. The group coordinator must be a member of the group.

The group goes to the  U.S. Embassy  onthe date and time of their visa interviews. Each member must have a printed copy of the appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, a current passport and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment (MRV fee) receipt. Applications without these items will not be accepted.

Note:  If you have additional questions on group scheduling, please visit  Tutorial for Scheduling Group Appointments  for more detailed instructions.

Important Points to Remember:

• Once the group request has been approved, the group has a limited time to complete steps one through six. Normally a request is valid for seven days, but the group coordinator should check the confirmation received via email. If the request is expired, the group coordinator must contact the call center for assistance.
• The group coordinator should perform steps 1, 2, 3 and 5 for group members. Each applicant must complete his or her own Form DS-160.
• If a group member has already scheduled an appointment, it is necessary for them to cancel that appointment before they can proceed with scheduling a group appointment.
• If the applicants are applying as a group under an approved I-797 petition, such as H2A, H2B, or H3 visa applicants, in Step One the group coordinator must upload a readable copy of the approved I-797 attached to the group request

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Baguhin ang Wika: Change to Tagalog

Apply for a U.S. Visa

In the philippines.

Important Notice! Insert Message Here

• Bank and Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Security Regulations
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• Pay My Visa Fee
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• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Holidays and Closures
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Group Appointments

On this page:

How to Apply

Five or more applicants applying for the same purpose of travel or visa classification, and will travel on the same date are encouraged to apply together as a group. To request a Group Appointment, follow the steps in our Group Appointment website. Examples of groups include but are not limited to sports team, school groups, groups travelling for competitions, and service organizations. Family members traveling together do not qualify for group appointments.

A designated group coordinator uses the online appointment system to click onto request a group appointment.

It is not possible to submit a request through an agent. Once the request is submitted, wait for a response from the Embassy which will come via email.

If the Embassy or Consulate approves the request then the Group Coordinator will receive an email alerting him/her to schedule appointments for each member of the group. The center cannot schedule appointments but agents are able to assist if questions arise. Should the Embassy or Consulate deny the request for a group appointment, the Group Coordinator will be notified of the denial by email and each group member must schedule individual appointments.

Note: The email confirming or denying the group request will come from [email protected]. Some email applications have rules which filter unknown senders into a spam or junk mail folder. If the Group Coordinator has not received the email notification, look for the message in junk and spam email folders.

Each group member must pay the  visa application fee .

Each group member must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form  and print the confirmation page

Group Coordinator must schedule an appointment using the online appointment system  and clicks on the button

to begin scheduling the group's appointments. He or she should have at hand three pieces of information about each group member: 

• The group member's passport with the applicants full name, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date and other important data located on the passport's biographical page
• The group member's visa application fee receipt number.
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from their DS-160 confirmation page

The group coordinator selects the approved group appointment request corresponding to the correct group, as in the example below:

If the group coordinator frequently schedules group appointments, it is important to select the correct group request.

Each group member is added as a "Dependent" to the group coordinator's profile. The group coordinator can choose to be a member of the group or not.

The group goes to the  U.S. Embassy  on the date and time of their visa interviews. Each member must have a printed copy of the appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation page, one photograph taken within the last six months, a current passport and all old passports, and the original visa fee payment receipt. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Note:  If you have additional questions on group scheduling, please visit   Tutorial for Scheduling Group Appointments  for more detailed instructions.

Important Points to Remember:

• Once the group request has been approved, the group has a limited time to complete steps one through six. Typically, it is a timeframe of seven days, but the group coordinator should refer to the confirmation received by email. In case the request expires, the group coordinator must start over and submit a new request
• The group coordinator should perform steps 1, 2, 3 and 5 for group members. Each applicant must complete his or her own Form DS-160
• If a group member has already scheduled an appointment, he or she is no longer eligible to be a group member. He or she must attend the visa interview alone
• If the group's applicants are applying under an approved I-797 petition, such as H2A, H2B, or H3 visa applicants, in Step One the group coordinator must upload a legible copy of the approved I-797 as part of the request

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• Archived Content In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
• National Media Release

Groups of Travelers Can Now Submit Multiple ESTA Applications

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced that the Electronic System for Travel Authorization web application has been updated to allow for multiple applications to be submitted and paid for in one transaction. The new online application will be available Wednesday, August 15.

Applicants must enter biographic data and an email address to create a Group ID that will allow a family or group the ability to input up to 50 ESTA applications and complete the transaction in a single credit card payment. This change will allow efficiencies for both families and group travel by reducing the redundancy of having to submit each application in a separate transaction with the previous system.

All payments for ESTA applications must be made by credit card or debit card when applying for or renewing an ESTA . Applications will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that all nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. This travel authorization has been mandatory since Jan. 12, 2009.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel however CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours prior to departure to ensure smooth processing. Once approved, authorizations are generally valid for multiple entries into the U.S. for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires or other specific circumstances give rise to a need to reapply, whichever comes first. The VWP is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and enables eligible nationals of 36 VWP designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Additional information regarding the VWP is available on the attached website.

For more information about ESTA, please visit the attached website .

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Group Travel Special Pricing

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with ease, as Passport & Visa Advisors takes care of all the logistical details, ensuring you step into the experience of a lifetime without any hassle.  Take the chance to explore the world with our exclusive Group Travel Special Pricing, tailor-made for churches, interest groups, clubs, class reunions, destination weddings, or family reunions.

In our commitment to facilitating seamless international group travel, Passport & Visa Advisors has set up special pricing options. Designed with flexibility in mind, we collaborate with group leaders and organizers to craft a program that may encompass on-site support, application workshops, individualized guidance, and more. Take advantage of discounted rates available for groups of 10 or more travelers.

Relax and entrust the details to us. To learn more about the diverse offerings within our Group Travel packages, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your journey begins with Passport & Visa Advisors.

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CIBTvisas provides group and incentive travelers with an effective and streamlined process to alleviate the confusion associated with travel visa and passport processing.  CIBTvisas creates a personalized CIBTvisas Application Kit to customers participating in group and incentive travel.  CIBTvisas’s Application Kit provides travelers with the necessary entry requirements and application forms for each country they plan to visit during their group holiday.

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CIBTvisas’s Unique Services For Group and Incentive Travel Include:

CIBT Visa Application Kits.   CIBTvisas creates and distributes custom Visa Application Kits for travel groups with the necessary entry requirements for each country they plan to visit.

Travelers are often unfamiliar with visa requirements and processing procedures when preparing to travel abroad. Travelers who may not have applied for visas in the past can easily follow the simple steps outlined in the CIBTvisas Visa Application Kit. Designed in an easy to read format, it is an efficient method of delivering visa requirements to travel groups. The Visa Application Kit includes all visa applications, requirements, processing times, and useful information specific to a travel group’s destination.

The Visa Application Kit can be tailored to cover multiple countries on a travel group’s itinerary.  CIBTvisas can also customize the kit with your group travel logo to offer you an additional opportunity for branding.

CIBTvisas provides discounted rates to travel groups using the Visa Application Kit and can also provide commission at the travel group’s request.   Other payment options include building the cost of the visa into the total tour cost and providing the Visa Service as “Inclusive” or as partial payment of fees by the travel group. The group organizer can sell the traveler this service at point of sale to maximize commissions and ensure all travelers obtain visas for their destination.

• Proprietary Database.   CIBTvisas customers and clients can access a proprietary, state-of-the-art database that contains specific travel requirements for nearly every destination in the world.  CIBTvisas provides each traveler with a customized Visa Application Kit that contains simple and complete instructions specific to their travel visa or passport needs.
• Dedicated Customer Care Team.   CIBTvisas is the only industry provider that operates a dedicated customer care team with agent support available 12 hours a day.
• Same Day Submittals. CIBTvisas can process travel visas and passports in as little as a day.  Applications received in our office by 8 a.m. are submitted to the appropriate embassy or consulate the same day that we receive them.  Work is never placed on hold or delayed regardless of the deadline.
• Global Coverage.  CIBTvisas has over 60 offices in 27 countries and is the market leader in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.
• Embassy Closures and Updates. CIBTvisas distributes a ‘Weekly Update’ email alert which advises clients about important consular changes and issues.
• Commission Opportunity.   CIBTvisas has developed a program to reward travel partners for referring visa and passport request to us. Contact us to learn more.

Would you like to receive a confidential quote from CIBTvisas for your business?

Steve Diehl is available to talk with you about your needs.

Téléphone: 212-949-6340 Ext. 25511 [email protected]

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Through our expertise, in-depth knowledge and integrity we commit to delivering an exceptional experience to customers each and every time they use our service.

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CIBT Inc. and Virgin Atlantic Ltd. announced a strategic relationship to provide the airline's customers with a comprehensive line of travel document services including visas and passports.

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Travisa provides group and incentive travelers with an effective and streamlined process to alleviate the confusion associated with travel visa and passport processing.  Travisa creates a personalized Travisa Application Kit to customers participating in group and incentive travel.  Travisa’s Application Kit provides travelers with the necessary entry requirements and application forms for each country they plan to visit during their group holiday.

If you would like to learn more about our corporate solutions; including custom solutions for complex business requirements, please complete this form .

Travisa’s Unique Services For Group and Incentive Travel Include:

CIBT Visa Application Kits.   Travisa creates and distributes custom Visa Application Kits for travel groups with the necessary entry requirements for each country they plan to visit.

Travelers are often unfamiliar with visa requirements and processing procedures when preparing to travel abroad. Travelers who may not have applied for visas in the past can easily follow the simple steps outlined in the Travisa Visa Application Kit. Designed in an easy to read format, it is an efficient method of delivering visa requirements to travel groups. The Visa Application Kit includes all visa applications, requirements, processing times, and useful information specific to a travel group’s destination.

The Visa Application Kit can be tailored to cover multiple countries on a travel group’s itinerary.  Travisa can also customize the kit with your group travel logo to offer you an additional opportunity for branding.

Travisa provides discounted rates to travel groups using the Visa Application Kit and can also provide commission at the travel group’s request.   Other payment options include building the cost of the visa into the total tour cost and providing the Visa Service as “Inclusive” or as partial payment of fees by the travel group. The group organizer can sell the traveler this service at point of sale to maximize commissions and ensure all travelers obtain visas for their destination.

• Proprietary Database.   Travisa customers and clients can access a proprietary, state-of-the-art database that contains specific travel requirements for nearly every destination in the world.  Travisa provides each traveler with a customized Visa Application Kit that contains simple and complete instructions specific to their travel visa or passport needs.
• Dedicated Customer Care Team.   Travisa is the only industry provider that operates a dedicated customer care team with agent support available 12 hours a day.
• Same Day Submittals. Travisa can process travel visas and passports in as little as a day.  Applications received in our office by 8 a.m. are submitted to the appropriate embassy or consulate the same day that we receive them.  Work is never placed on hold or delayed regardless of the deadline.
• Global Coverage.  Travisa has over 60 offices in 27 countries and is the market leader in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Singapore, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain.
• Embassy Closures and Updates. Travisa distributes a ‘Weekly Update’ email alert which advises clients about important consular changes and issues.
• Commission Opportunity.   Travisa has developed a program to reward travel partners for referring visa and passport request to us. Contact us to learn more.

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Through our expertise, in-depth knowledge and integrity we commit to delivering an exceptional experience to customers each and every time they use our service.

In The News

CIBT Inc. and Virgin Atlantic Ltd. announced a strategic relationship to provide the airline's customers with a comprehensive line of travel document services including visas and passports.

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Passport Health Passports and Visas supports the unique travel needs of large groups traveling together, whether the trip is for mission work, employment, or a family vacation. A dedicated account manager will walk your group through the travel document process and work with you to make sure all needs are met and questions answered. Depending on the size of your group, volume discounts may be available.

Why Work with Passport Health Passports and Visas?

Dedicated Account Manager: You have a single point of contact and constant support.

Same Day Submission: We can process passports and visas in as little as one day so that your deadlines and travel plans are not held up.

One Stop Shop: Vaccinations and medical tests are often required to get a visa. Passport Health has over 20 years of experience as the travel medicine industry leader and a network of 270+ travel health clinics across North America.

Would you like to set up a group account for travel document services? Please email [email protected] .

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We are here to navigate you through Moscow and beyond. We specialize in private and customer-tailored tours for individuals and groups.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

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1,500 passengers trapped on cruise ship at port because of visa debacle.

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A cruise ship at a port in Spain has been forced to hold all 1,500 passengers on board, after a group from Bolivia failed to obtain the correct visa documents to enter the European border-free Schengen area.

According to reports, cruise ship MSC Armonia remains detained in Barcelona, with authorities scrambling to sort the situation.

The debacle, involving 69 Bolivian passengers, is preventing the ship from continuing its journey until the situation is resolved.

The voyage has traveled from Brazil to cover a route in the Mediterranean Sea, with the 69 Bolivians in question including families and children.

In a statement, MSC Cruises initially thought the visa documentation was correct and appeared to comply with the necessary requirements for travel.

However, upon further inspection, the visas were “not valid” for entry.

“The passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil,” the statement read.

“We have been informed by the authorities that the visas are not valid for entry into the Schengen area. As a result, passengers have not been able to disembark in Barcelona, which was their final destination.”

One Bolivian passenger, who spoke to local media under anonymity, said she was being treated like “a criminal [in a] prison” despite being assured by a travel agency her visa was correct and valid for travel.

Some family members of the Bolivian travelers on board the cruise ship told Spanish media that the 69 passengers had been victims of a scam.

According to the claim, as published in Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, an agency in South America had offered the visas online and charged up to $10,000 per person.

It is understood the ship will remain in port while it works with authorities while the investigation continues.

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Cruise ship carrying 1,500 passengers stuck in Spain port due to Bolivian passengers’ visa problems

A view of the cruise ship MSC Armony moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Authorities said Wednesday that a group of 69 Bolivians are not being allowed to disembark from a cruise ship in the Spanish northeastern port of Barcelona because they lack valid documents to enter the European Union’s Schengen area. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A passenger is photographed on the cruise ship MSC Armony, moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Authorities said Wednesday that a group of 69 Bolivians are not being allowed to disembark from a cruise ship in the Spanish northeastern port of Barcelona because they lack valid documents to enter the European Union’s Schengen area. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Passengers are photographed on the cruise ship MSC Armony, moored in the port of Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Authorities said Wednesday that a group of 69 Bolivians are not being allowed to disembark from a cruise ship in the Spanish northeastern port of Barcelona because they lack valid documents to enter the European Union’s Schengen area. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A cruise ship reportedly carrying 1,500 passengers was stuck Wednesday in the Spanish northeastern port of Barcelona due to the visa problems of a group of Bolivian passengers who were due to disembark there, officials said.

Authorities say 69 Bolivians were not being allowed to leave the ship because they lacked valid documents to enter the European border-free Schengen area. Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told The Associated Press she received reports some of the stranded Bolivians had been duped into obtaining fake visas but had no further information.

“We have asked the families to indicate who has processed this visa and we have not gotten answers,” she said, adding she heard it was possible the Bolivians would be transferred to a different ship.

Spain’s national police was looking into the possibility of a fake visa scam, Duarte said.

Spanish state news agency Efe and other media said some 1,500 passengers were on board the MSC Armony hoping to continue the cruise to Croatia.

Bolivia’s deputy foreign affairs minister, Fernando Pérez, said the country was waiting “to see what the Spanish authorities decide what to do.”

A statement from the Bolivian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said the Bolivian Embassy in Spain and the country’s Consulate General in Barcelona “are carrying out the pertinent steps to address this case,” coordinating with Spanish authorities, as well as with the MSC Cruises Company.

MSC Cruises said in a statement the Bolivians included families and children.

It said the “passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil. We have been informed by the authorities that the visas are not valid for entry into the Schengen area. As a result, passengers have not been able to disembark in Barcelona, which was their final destination.”

The company said the ship remained in port while it works with authorities to facilitate the process.

The Schengen area is an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries, most from the European Union.

This story was corrected to show that the Schengen zone is a European rather than European Union creation and comprises 29 countries.

Israel-Gaza latest: Conflicting reports on possible ceasefire deal - as Israel pulls out almost all troops from southern Gaza

Reports from Egypt suggest that ceasefire talks in Cairo are progressing - with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to be "desperate" for a deal. This comes as the Israel Defence Forces pulled all but one of its brigades out of southern Gaza.

Monday 8 April 2024 11:30, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Ceasefire talks reach 'critical point', Israeli foreign minister says
• Hamas says no progress made | Other reports suggest sides still far apart
• Palestinians return to unrecognisable Khan Younis as IDF withdraws
• Israeli military withdraws almost all ground troops from southern Gaza
• Security Council to consider Palestinian request for UN membership
• Analysis, Michael Clarke : Israeli military strategy 'barely coherent' at present
• Podcast: Should the UK stop selling arms to Israel?
• Live reporting by Ollie Cooper

Israel has killed Hezbollah field commander while carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon. 

Israeli fighter jets hit the village of al Sultaniyah and killed Ali Ahmed Hassin of Hezbollah's elite Radwan units, the Israeli military and two Lebanese security sources said.

Two other people were killed in the strike.

Hezbollah issued a funeral notice for Hassin but without details of his role or outlining how he died. 

For context: Iran-backed, Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which means "Party of God" in Arabic, openly calls for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine" and is deemed a terror organisation by most Western powers.

The militia has long aligned itself with Hamas and Islamic Jihad and has frequently clashed with IDF forces on the Israel-Lebanon border since the most recent conflict broke out on 7 October last year.

But the violence has largely been contained to areas at the border, shaped by what observers have called unwritten rules of engagement between adversaries that have long threatened each other with catastrophic damage in the event of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned that Beirut would be turned "into Gaza" if Hezbollah started an all-out war.

Israel's military strategy in Gaza is "barely coherent" at present, military analyst Professor Michael Clarke has said.

As we reported earlier (07.13) Israel has withdrawn almost all its troops from southern Gaza, with only one brigade left.

That brigade, the Nahal, is reportedly tasked with securing the Netzarim Corridor that divides the Gaza Strip.

Professor Clarke said: "In the last few hours, five rockets were fired from the Khan Yunis area into Israel. 

"And so, in creating this drawdown, the Israelis are leaving an awful lot to chance now because they've got one brigade, north of Khan Younis, and nobody near Rafah, where they say they will conduct an offensive at some point. 

"And that will take, by their estimation, four to six weeks. 

"So, to be honest, the strategy is looking barely coherent at the moment from a military point of view."

The Israelis appear to be "caught between three types of war", Prof Clarke added - an invasion, a counterinsurgency, and a counterterrorist operation.

There is also a view that Israel's main enemy is Hezbollah, rather than Hamas.

Prof Clarke explained: "A number of people in the Israeli cabinet and in Israeli defence circles are saying, 'Look, we are going to have to take on Hezbollah sooner rather than later. We can leave Hamas for the time being.'

"We may need to redeploy to the north and therefore we need to rest and recuperate, preparatory to something else that may be happening."

Palestinians displaced by the war have begun to return to the city of Khan Younis, following the news that thousands of Israel Defence Forces troops have been pulled out of Gaza. 

Reports on the ground suggest that much of the city lies in rubble after months of bitter fighting between the IDF and Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. 

An Al Jazeera reporter in Rafah said more than 90% of Khan Younis was destroyed, while residents told him that "they could not recognise the streets where they lived all their lives".

"We came to check our house. We didn't find anything," Asad Abu Ghalwa told the BBC.

 "I just wanted to find a place to stay with my family."

People need to see the government's legal advice on arms exports to Israel, Labour's Abena Oppong-Asare has told Sky News. 

Calls to suspend military sales to Israel intensified following the airstrike that killed seven aid workers, including three Britons, in Gaza last week.

Asked if Labour agrees that arms sales should continue, the shadow minister called for the government's legal advice on the matter to be published.

She told Sky News: "I think it's really concerning, and we really need to see the... legal advice that's been given to the foreign secretary. It needs to be published.

"So, if it says that selling arms is a breach of international human rights law, then we really need to look at making sure that action is taken to suspend it."

If Labour were in government, she said they would share the legal advice, saying: "It's important that all politicians know what's happening. So we'll be transparent about what's going on so that we can work collaboratively on this issue."

At least 23 people have been arrested in what have been described as "extensive" Israeli raids in the West Bank in the early hours of this morning, reports says. 

The Palestinian WAFA news agency said Israel Defence Forces raids were carried out in Hebron and Tulkarem - where bulldozers were reportedly seen demolishing houses. 

Israel has not outlined its operations in the West Bank this morning, but frequently conducts raids in the territory. 

Hamas is not in charge in the West Bank and no hostages are being held there.

There are regular clashes and riots in the West Bank - often aggravated by Israeli settlers both threatening and inflicting violence on Palestinians if they do not give up their land - which has been condemned by even the strongest international supporters of Israel, like the US.

Israel conducts regular raids in the West Bank to arrest or demolish homes of people it deems terrorists. 

Nicaragua will ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague today to order Berlin to halt military arms exports to Israel and reverse its decision to stop funding the UN's Palestinian agency (UNRWA).

The hearings, which take place over today and tomorrow, are part of a wider Nicaraguan case which accuses Germany of violating the Genocide Convention - which Berlin denies. 

Germany is one of the biggest military supporters of Israel - sending some €326.5m (around £280m) in equipment and weapons last year. 

Some lawyers in Germany filed a case last week against the government to stop the arms exports.

Nicaragua's case at the ICJ builds on a genocide case South Africa brought against Israel - which saw the world court order emergency measures, including a call for Israel to halt any potential acts of genocide.

Israel has denied allegations of genocide and said it has the right to defend itself.

More conflicting reports on ceasefire talks in Cairo are emerging - with a Hamas official telling the Reuters news agency that no progress has been made. 

"There is no change in the position of the occupation and therefore, there is nothing new in the Cairo talks," the Hamas official, who asked not to be named, said. 

"There is no progress yet," he added. 

This comes despite suggestions from Egypt that talks are progressing. 

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz said a short time ago that negotiations had reached a "critical" stage. 

"If it works out, then a large number of hostages will come home," he told Army Radio. 

Israel's far-right finance minister has summoned his party for urgent consultations following reports of progress in ceasefire talks in Cairo, according to reports in Hebrew media. 

Bezalel Smotrich vehemently opposes any suggestion of the Israel Defence Forces lifting the military pressure on Gaza. 

Mr Smotrich is chairman of the National Religious Party - Religious Zionism. 

The meeting is said to focus on the state of the war, as troops pull out of Khan Younis (see 7.13am post) and negotiations over a ceasefire continue (see 7.29am, 6.46am and 6.16am posts). 

The British government is continuing to come under pressure from opposition parties to publish its legal advice on Israel's compliance with international law in its war against Hamas.

If the advice finds Israel has broken international law, then the government would be obliged to suspend arms exports - something the SNP, Lib Dems, and Plaid Cymru are calling for.

But, speaking to Sky's presenter Kay Burley this morning, the work and pensions secretary said it's a "very longstanding convention" that the advice is not published.

"As under governments of all political stripes and colours, that advice will not be made public," Mel Stride stated.

When reminded that the government published a summary of the legal advice following strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen earlier this year, the cabinet minister said they are "two different situations".

One case, he said, is around the export of arms, while the other was direct military action by the UK government, which is a "very different situation".

Last week, over 600 lawyers and academics signed a 17-page letter to warn the present situation in Gaza is "catastrophic" and that the UK is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.

Mr Stride insisted that Israel's compliance with international law is "constantly being reviewed".

You can read more about the day's latest news from Westminster in our dedicated Politics Hub ...

We've been bringing you conflicting reports this morning regarding the potential progress of ceasefire talks in Cairo - and we've now received the clearest indication from Israel that there is reason for cautious optimism. 

In Jerusalem, Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz has described the talks as the closest the sides have come to a deal since a November truce - under which Hamas freed dozens of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. 

"We have reached a critical point in the negotiations," Mr Katz told Israel's Army Radio. 

"If it works out, then a large number of hostages will come home," he added. 

We'll continue to bring you the very latest on the talks in Cairo  throughout today. 

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