Visa delays caused by post-9/11 rules are hurting U.S. companies.(TRAVEL)

Kiplinger Letter, The, April, 2006

Visa delays caused by post-9/11 rules are hurting U.S. companies.

Potential customers can be hung up for months waiting for an OK to visit the U.S. In Chennai, India, for example, it can take 23 weeks for an understaffed U.S. embassy just to interview visa applicants.

Uncle Sam will speed things up, but don't expect instant relief. Consulates will keep longer hours, and retired Foreign Service officers will be called in to help process applications. Also getting a test: Video interviews...a plus in places where diplomatic posts are scarce.

New security regs will gum up visitor traffic on U.S. borders, hurting border businesses. By 2008, all foreigners will need a passport or special ID card to enter the U.S. That'll have the biggest impact on...