The U.S. made it more difficult for Ukrainians to obtain visas: they can only be applied for in Kraków and Warsaw

U.S. State Department changes nonimmigrant visa application rules: Ukrainians must now apply in Kraków or Warsaw.

This was announced on the State Department’s website.

Applicants for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa (NIV) are generally required to schedule their interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. However, citizens of countries where the U.S. does not conduct routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply only at specifically designated embassies or consulates. Ukraine falls into this category, meaning Ukrainian citizens will now need to apply in Kraków or Warsaw.

In total, the new restrictions apply to 16 countries, including Russia and Belarus. Belarusian citizens must apply in Vilnius or Warsaw, while Russians can apply in Astana or Warsaw.

The State Department statement notes that applicants should keep the following in mind: those scheduling a nonimmigrant visa interview outside their country of citizenship or residence may find it more difficult to obtain a visa. Moreover, application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Wait times for nonimmigrant visa interviews vary depending on the location, and applicants applying outside their country of citizenship or residence should expect significantly longer delays.