WASHINGTON 

A technical problem affecting the U.S. travel visa system is not expected to be fixed before next week, a State Department spokesman said Wednesday.  

“Our Bureau of Consular Affairs continue to experience technical problems with the visa systems, and this is a global issue and we're working around the clock to fix it,” John Kirby told reporters. "The failure right now is preventing the Department from processing and transmitting the mandatory security-related biometric data checks at our embassies and consulates.”

He added that more than 100 computer experts from the private and public sectors across the country are working on the problem he described as a “hardware failure”.

Kirby said the failure was not caused by any kind of outside intrusion or cyberattack.