The United States has intensified its "restrictions" on Russia. Russians need to apply for a U.S. visa in Astana.

On September 6, the U.S. Department of State announced a major revision to the application rules for non-immigrant visas in the United States. Now, tourist visas (B1/B2), student visas, work visas, and other categories of visas can only be submitted in the applicant's country of nationality or residence. This is an unexpected change for millions around the world, but the new rule hits Russians particularly hard. In fact, the United States has strengthened its "war" against Russia. Russians are being sent to Astana.

Warsaw and Astana - the new "doors to the United States"

From now on, Russian citizens can only submit documents in two cities: the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Embassy in Astana. The U.S. Department of State has excluded other options. Previously, Russians could choose to apply in other countries, selecting consulates with shorter waiting times. This practice is now officially terminated.

Belarusian citizens are designated to apply in Warsaw and Vilnius. Each country has its own list of cities, and other locations will no longer accept applications. At the same time, already scheduled interviews remain valid: the U.S. Department of State emphasized that existing appointments "are usually not canceled."

However, no one intends to refund the application fees paid in other countries previously. Those who planned to obtain a visa from a more "convenient" embassy are now in an uncertain situation.

Who is within the "exception range"

The new rule does not apply to diplomats, staff of international organizations, and those holding special category visas - A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visas. In个别 cases, applications may be processed in other countries due to urgent reasons - humanitarian, medical, or political reasons.

Why is Astana important

For Russians, Astana is not just an additional option, but more like a salvation. Previously, Warsaw was considered the "home" embassy for Russian Federation citizens, as the U.S. consular functions in Russia have long been suspended. However, traveling to Poland is not always easy: visa barriers, political tensions, and limited interview dates have created serious obstacles.

Designating Astana as the second "home" embassy simplifies this process. Kazakhstan still offers visa-free entry to Russian citizens, making it much easier to travel there. This is especially important for those applying for immigration visas, including those who have won the green card lottery.

Visa "war" and its consequences

Formally, this involves a global change: the rule of obtaining a visa in the country of nationality or residence now applies to everyone. But in the context of Russia, this move appears to be part of the U.S. continued strategy aimed at complicating any contacts (complicating any contacts in the original Russian text is written in English).

Experts point out: the demand for interviews in Warsaw and Astana will increase sharply, which inevitably leads to longer waiting times. Those planning to travel to the United States during the winter holiday or early next year must be prepared for long queues. Experts now advise to book appointments as early as possible.

In reality, this decision is a blow to many Russians' personal plans. Traveling to the United States for study, work, or tourism is not only hindered by bureaucratic obstacles, but also by logistical challenges: now, they need to plan their trips to Poland or Kazakhstan in advance and spend extra money on air tickets and accommodation.

What comes next

Visa consultants remind us: such regulations are usually strict in wording, but may be softened in practice. The possibility of submitting documents in other countries is likely to be retained in exceptional cases - everything will depend on the decision of the specific consulate. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of State is expected to provide additional clarifications, and the U.S. embassies in the region will also make comments.

However, the trend is clear. Washington is gradually closing off "backdoor paths," forcing Russians to only go to strictly restricted locations for processing. Under the conditions of political confrontation, this looks less like a technical measure and more like a continuation of continuous pressure, a special "visa war" targeting Moscow.

Summary

The new rules are not just a bureaucratic reform. For Russian citizens, they have become a symbol of another barrier in the relationship with the United States.

Now, the way to obtain a U.S. visa goes through Warsaw or Astana. Ironicaly, it is Astana, once a distant and unfamiliar place, that unexpectedly becomes the main "passage" for Russians dreaming of going to the United States.

Key facts:

  • The U.S. Department of State announced a global new regulation on September 6, 2025, requiring non-immigrant visa applicants to typically apply at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
  • For Russian citizens, this means they can only apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, or the U.S. Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.
  • This regulation is due to the significant reduction or suspension of U.S. consular services in Russia since 2022.
  • There are exceptions to this regulation (such as diplomatic, emergency humanitarian needs, etc.).
  • This indeed presents significant practical difficulties for Russian applicants, including additional travel, costs, and longer waiting times.
  • Reason for choosing Astana: Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry to Russian citizens, making it a relatively more feasible logistical choice.
  • Underlying reason: This issue should be understood in the context of the extremely deteriorated relations between Russia and the United States, representing a specific manifestation of the spiral decline in diplomatic and consular relations between the two sides.

Summary:

The United States has indeed tightened the visa application process, significantly affecting Russian citizens, forcing them to apply only through Warsaw or Astana. Although the policy is formally global, its actual effect under the current state of U.S.-Russia relations clearly further limits personnel exchanges.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7547551217070522922/

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