SUB: Travel to USA for JCK Las Vegas 2021
Dear Member,
Greetings from GEPC!
We hope this email finds you and your family and colleagues safe and healthy.
This is in reference to the forthcoming JCK Las Vegas Show schedule from 27-30 August 2021 at The Venetian Resort & Sands, Las Vegas, USA.
JCK exhibition is a leading jewellery event in North America contributing towards enhancement of exports of jewellery to US, which by far is the largest market for India gems & jewellery currently. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, routine non-immigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai remain extremely limited. However, GJEPC is given to understand that travellers from restricted countries can seek and obtain an exemption under a series of provisions of National Interest Exception (NIE) and the Critical Infrastructure Sector that includes 16 critical sectors.
Outdoor events e.g.: fairs are classified under the Commercial Facilities Sector which provides an exemption to travellers. You may refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/covid-19-travel-restrictions-and-exceptions.html / https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors
Due to the ongoing travel restriction from India to USA, GJEPC has approached the US Embassy, New Delhi to grant special permission under NIE to Indian exhibitors to travel to USA for JCK Las Vegas under the above provisions. Based on our discussions with Reed Exhibitions, the organisers of JCK, it is understood that they have already written to US State Department for permitting travel of exhibitors and visitors at JCK from countries outside of USA.
Based on the above we advice the members of GJEPC participating at JCK Las Vegas 2021 show to follow the below procedures for travel to USA for JCK, Las Vegas.
1. Exhibitors under India Pavilion
a)Exhibitors who don’t have a Visa
o Exhibitor has to individually apply for an Online Visa Appointment (kindly select slot at any date available, even though it may be post the date of the show date as it is mandatory for you to have a confirmed interview appointment slot in order to request for an interview slot at an earlier date under expedited appointment)
o After getting the slot you may visit the profile page where you will have an option of Emergency Request. Select the option and fill in the requisite details and attach supporting documents (Visa recommendation letter from the organizer and the Council).
o If your emergency appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an emergency appointment has been approved or denied. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.
o Once the emergency request is approved by the Embassy/Consulate, you will get an option to reschedule your appointment.
o During the VISA interview, kindly state the reason of travel and provide the supporting document and the Embassy/Consulate will inform of granting or rejection of the visa.
For further details you may visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/expedited-appointment.html
b)Exhibitors with Valid Visa
Exhibitors with valid Visa should obtain an exemption under the series of provisions under NIE by following the below process.
Write to the respective consulate who has issued the US Visa ( Mumbai: mumbainie@state.gov | Delhi: newdelhinie@state.gov | Chennai: chennainie@state.gov | Hyderabad: hyderabadnie@state.gov |Kolkata: kolkatanie@state.gov ) and mark a copy to daphne.dcosta@gjepcindia.com at the Council with the following mandatory details in the email.
o Last name
o First name
o Date of Birth
o Place of birth
o Country of citizenship
o Passport number
o Visa number
o Visa category
o Travel dates
o Travel purpose
o National interest category
o Supporting document
Exhibitors outside India Pavilion
Write to the respective consulate with the mandatory details mentioned under Exhibitors with Valid Visa above. In order to get a supporting document from GJEPC, kindly approach the membership team to provide a recommendation letter.
We request you to complete all the above formalities by July 19, 2021.
Should you have any queries, feel free to contact Daphne D’Costa on daphne.dcosta@gjepcindia.com
Thanking you
Your’s Faithfully,
SABYASACHI RAY
Executive Director.The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council
AW 1010, Tower A, 1st Flr, Bharat Diamond Bourse, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 51,India
Call Centre No. : 1800-103-4353 Missed Call No: +91 7208048100
