Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates

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This final rule sets forth the fees for consular services to take effect on February 1, 1998, and makes appropriate implementing and other related changes in affected portions of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Specifically, the rule makes changes in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (``Schedule of Fees'' or ``Schedule'') published in 22 CFR 22.1 and makes technical changes to 22 CFR part 51 (concerning passport fees) and 22 CFR part 53. The changes to the Schedule of Fees include adjustments to existing fees and the new processing fee for diversity visa applicants (see 22 CFR 42.33(i)), which took effect on October 1, 1997. The primary objective of the adjustments to the Schedule of Fees is to ensure that the costs of consular services are recovered through user fees to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law. As a result of new data on the cost of services, the passport fee is being lowered while most other fees are being increased. In addition, the Schedule of Fees is being restructured and streamlined. Fees for antiquated services no longer performed are being removed and fees for other services are being consolidated or more appropriately loca