How long did it take to get your COE?

[Issanman 659]

Please post how long it took you to obtain your COE and which consulate or embassy you used to apply for it. 

I applied for my COE online through the Washington DC embassy on Jan 1 and my application is still waiting for approval. 

 

[Upnotover 2,895]

Recent post on this subject here.....chap seems to have done rather well.

 

[Whale 364]

For both approvals (both phase 1 and phase 2) about 4 or 5 hours in total.

[Issanman 659]

19 minutes ago, Whale said:

For both approvals (both phase 1 and phase 2) about 4 or 5 hours in total.

Which office did you use for your application? 

[SEAsia Traveler 78]

Several forum members are waiting for COEs from the DC Embassy. There seems to be a log jam for applications submitted on/after January 1st. Not looking good at the moment.

[Suphawk 94]

Just now, SEAsia Traveler said:

waiting for COEs from the DC Embassy

Also waiting from Chicago.

 

It seems the OP had luck because he is dealing with NY and he went in person.

[Issanman 659]

7 minutes ago, SEAsia Traveler said:

Several forum members are waiting for COEs from the DC Embassy. There seems to be a log jam for applications submitted on/after January 1st. Not looking good at the moment.

I've not seen any reports of COEs issued from DC since the beginning of 2021. 

[Kune Bill 0]

From Chicago, 3 days after all documentation was submitted.

[Pilot3Boz 45]

When I did mine in November the DC embassy wasn’t doing the visas and COE... You should apply online with the NY Embassy... Took less than week to get visa, COE 1 day very quick once visa is completed... You upload everything to them and they process it for you!! 

[Suphawk 94]

1 hour ago, Kune Bill said:

From Chicago, 3 days after all documentation was submitted.

How long after you got your COE was your flight scheduled?

 

I have a theory they are waiting until just a few days before the stated travel date to issue the COE.

 

Thanks for letting us know about your experience.

[Kune Bill 0]

16 hours ago, Suphawk said:

How long after you got your COE was your flight scheduled?

 

I have a theory they are waiting until just a few days before the stated travel date to issue the COE.

 

Thanks for letting us know about your experience.

I  believe that the flight schedules are set 1 month in advance.  I believe that you need to show proof of a purchased ticket on a repatriation flight as well as proof of an ASQ hotel confirmation before a COE will be issued.