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Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan has become a “visa hub” for Russians seeking U.S. visas, with Astana now one of only two cities where Russian citizens can apply. Tengrinews.kz reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan to learn how this might affect Kazakhstani citizens.
What the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan said
As of September 6, new rules for applying for nonimmigrant U.S. visas — including B1/B2 tourist visas — have taken effect. Now, applications must be submitted only in the applicant’s country of citizenship or permanent residence.
U.S. Embassy press attaché Christopher Sorensen clarified that Kazakh citizens are not affected by these changes.
“This procedural update does not affect Kazakhstani citizens applying for U.S. visas in Kazakhstan. They will continue applying at the U.S. Embassy in Astana or the Consulate General in Almaty, depending on their location,” he said.
The change mainly affects citizens of countries without regular visa processing — including Russia.
“Russian citizens must now schedule visa interviews only at specific locations designated for nonimmigrant visa processing — namely, the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Astana (Kazakhstan) and Warsaw (Poland),” Sorensen added.
He emphasized that the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan remains committed to serving Kazakhstani applicants first.
However, he warned that applying outside your country of citizenship or residence may result in significantly longer wait times.
“This applies to Kazakhstani citizens as well. We advise all applicants to consult Travel.State.Gov for the most current U.S. visa information,” he concluded.
What changed for other countries
Under the new rules, citizens from 17 countries where U.S. visa processing is suspended must now apply only in designated embassies or consulates.
For example:
- Belarus – Warsaw or Vilnius;
- Ukraine – Warsaw or Krakow.
Previously, applicants could schedule interviews almost anywhere. Existing appointments remain valid.
Exceptions apply only for urgent humanitarian, medical, or diplomatic cases.
These rules do not apply to diplomatic or official visas, or those under the UN Headquarters Agreement.
