Why is this important
Previously, applicants could apply at consulates in any country. The restriction will complicate the process for citizens of countries where American visa centres are closed or overcrowded.
What happened
- the new rules relate to B1/B2 visas and other non-immigrant categories;
- Exceptions — A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, as well as diplomatic and service visas;
- specific embassies have been designated for citizens of countries where visa issuance has been suspended:
- Russia — Astana, Warsaw;
- Belarus — Warsaw, Vilnius;
- Ukraine — Warsaw, Krakow;
- recordings of already scheduled interviews are kept;
- There may be rare exceptions for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons.
Context
The decision concerns citizens of 17 countries where visa issuance is restricted. The new rules complicate mobility and may increase queues at visa centers in European and Central Asian countries.
