All routine American Citizen Services provided at the U.S. Embassy now require an appointment.

Since June 15, the embassy no longer accepts walk-in customers unless they require emergency help.

Services include passport applications, requests for consular reports of births abroad, and notarial services.

“Requiring appointments for all our non-emergency, routine services means that we’ll be able to serve everyone more quickly and efficiently ― it will lessen considerably the long lines and busy waiting room that we often have during non-appointment sessions,” explained the consular office.

Clientele requesting to report the arrest of a U.S. citizen in Korea, requesting assistance in locating a missing American or seeking assistance regarding the death of an American overseas do not need an appointment and can come at any time during public hours.

The embassy suggests making an appointment at least a day in advance, but it is possible to get an appointment on the same day.

Their office hours remain the same ― 8:45 to 11:15 a.m., and 1-3 p.m. every non-holiday workday except Wednesday afternoons.

To save a visit to the embassy, U.S. citizens can renew their adult passport or add pages to it by courier service.

For more information, visit the embassy’s website at  http://seoul.usembassy.gov.

(yoav@heraldcorp.com)