The US State Department says it has been forced to suspend the issuance of US passports and visas at American embassies due to technical problems.

The department said Friday that a hardware failure in its Consular Consolidated Database has left overseas embassies and consulates unable to print visas, regular passports and other travel documents.

The failure does not affect domestic passport issuance, the department said, adding that it is working urgently to correct the problem.

"We apologize to applicants who are experiencing delays or are unable to obtain a passport overseas, consular report of birth abroad, or US visa at this time. Domestic passport issuances are not affected at this time. We are able to issue emergency passports to US citizens overseas for urgent travel," the statement said.

Passport applications accepted overseas on or after May 26 were affected, it said, adding that passports for emergency travel could be issued. Those with an urgent humanitarian need for travel were also encouraged to contact their nearest US embassy or consulate.

The news comes as the United States deals with a cyber attack on the computer systems of the Office of Personnel Management.

US officials say a recent cyber attack by China-linked hackers against US government employees was wider than first acknowledged and has compromised sensitive security clearance information.

Chinese-based hackers appear to have gained access to sensitive background information on US intelligence and military personnel that could potentially expose them to blackmail, US media outlets reported on Friday, citing several unnamed US officials.

AHT/AGB