Q. I was mugged of my SA passport, which contains my 10-year US visa. I have a police report and am in the process of getting a new SA passport. Is it possible to get my US visa back? — Mimi
A. The US Embassy in Pretoria directed me to the US Consulate General in Sandton, where a consultant told me you would have to start a whole new application, with all the fees and personal appearances involved.
However, the website for the US Department of State at travel.state.gov, in a special section on “lost or stolen visas”, says that it is possible to apply for a replacement visa — in person at the US Embassy or consulate that issued the visa.
You will need to provide a written account of the loss of your visa, and a copy of the police report.
I would start with their first advice, which is to mail a report of the theft to the consulate. The Sandton e-mail address is consularjohannesburg@state.gov. Include your name, date of birth, and place of birth. If you have a copy of the stolen passport or visa, include this. If not, report the category of visa, and your stolen-passport number.
You can also try calling the “official source of visa information” at 087-550-2160 but note that you have to provide your passport details before you can speak to a consultant.
• We can help with your destination dilemmas, visa puzzles and provide itinerary ideas. E-mail your questions to travelmag@sundaytimes.co.za..