US tightens rules for issuing tourist visas

Tengrinews.kz – The U.S. authorities have tightened the rules for issuing non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 tourist visas, to foreigners, according to DW.

The publication cites a directive from the U.S. State Department.

According to the new rules, visa applications must now be submitted only in the applicant’s country of citizenship or permanent residence.

For citizens of 17 countries where such visa services have been suspended, specific U.S. embassies and consulates have been designated to handle their applications. For example:

• Russians can apply only at the U.S. embassies in Astana (Kazakhstan) and Warsaw (Poland);
• Belarusians – in Warsaw or Vilnius;
• Ukrainians – in Warsaw and Krakow.

Previously, applicants could schedule interviews and submit documents for such visas in any country. Existing appointments remain valid under the new regulations.

The new rules do not apply to the following visa types:

• Diplomatic and official visas,
• Visas under the categories A, G, C-2, C-3,
• NATO visas,
• Travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.

The State Department noted that exceptions may be made in rare humanitarian cases, or for medical or foreign policy reasons.