US Ambassador Yuri Kim announces that after the decision to extend the US visa deadline to 10 years, there has been an increase in applications. 

Through a post on Twitter, the ambassador writes that this has led to long waits for interviews at the embassy. Among other things, the American diplomat calls on citizens to apply for an accelerated process in urgent cases, such as medical treatments, family deaths and student programs. 

"After the announcement of the 10-year US visas for Albanians and the easing of COVID restrictions on travel, there has been a surge in visa applications, which has led to long waits for interviews. We know this is frustrating and our consular staff is working hard to shorten the waiting time. 

In the event of a genuine emergency (for example medical treatment, family death, student program or fixed-term exchange please request an expedited process when applying. You can also write to tiranausconsulate@state.gov AFTER you have applied for accelerated process", Kim writes on Twitter.