Russian nationals applying for U.S. visas for purposes such as tourism, education, or temporary work are now required to travel to Poland or Kazakhstan to attend their mandatory interviews, according to an update from the State Department released on Saturday.

This adjustment is part of new regulations that mandate visa applicants, both immigrant and non-immigrant, to schedule their interviews in the country of their nationality or residence. However, in 16 countries—including Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Afghanistan—routine visa services are suspended, which necessitates that applicants seek alternatives in other nations.

In 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Russia stopped providing non-diplomatic services, which includes non-immigrant visas, following a ban by the Russian government on employing local staff.

With the implementation of these new regulations, Russian citizens who have legal residency in other nations can apply for their visas where they reside. Those without such residency must travel to either the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, or in Astana, Kazakhstan, to complete their interviews.

This requirement could pose practical challenges, as Poland grants visas to Russian citizens strictly on humanitarian grounds, making it almost impossible to secure an appointment in Warsaw unless the applicant is already residing in the European Union.

The State Department cautioned that “applicants who apply outside of their country of nationality or residence should anticipate significantly longer wait times for appointments.” These new non-immigrant visa interview rules are now in immediate effect.

Furthermore, beginning November 1, Russians and Belarusians seeking immigrant visas will be obligated to conduct their interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, as noted in an update that was provided last month.

Additionally, Russians who are parents of adult U.S. citizens are now permitted to interview in Almaty, Kazakhstan, or Tashkent, Uzbekistan, based on the new guidelines.