New Rules for U.S. Visa Applications for Russian Citizens in 2025
Starting September 7, 2025, new restrictions came into force for Russian citizens applying for a U.S. tourist visa. From now on, Russians can only submit applications in two cities outside of Russia.
Previously, it was much simpler: you could travel to any country with a U.S. consulate and apply as a tourist. This option no longer exists.
What Has Changed for Russians?
Applications can now only be submitted in two cities designated by the U.S. State Department. If you try to schedule an interview in another country as a tourist, the chances of rejection are extremely high. In practice, U.S. consulates in Astana and Warsaw are already overwhelmed, with interview dates stretching for months ahead.
Difficulties of Applying Independently
Some Russians still consider traveling to Astana or Warsaw to apply, but this creates new challenges:
- Tickets & accommodation: you’ll need to buy plane tickets and book a hotel for at least a week, since you won’t know the result earlier and won’t get your documents back right away.
- Long waiting times: in Astana, queues are already stretching to several months, sometimes half a year.
- Schengen visa issues: to apply in Warsaw, you need a Schengen visa. With a Russian passport, the rejection rate is now close to 99%.
- Interview risks: the consul may directly ask why you are applying in a third country if you are a resident elsewhere. This is almost a guaranteed refusal.
What About UAE Residents?
If you have an Emirates ID, you are officially a UAE resident. This gives you the right to apply at the U.S. consulates in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
For UAE residents, this is by far the fastest and safest option:
- Interview slots are available in just 2 weeks.
- No need to waste money on flights or hotels abroad.
- Minimal risk of rejection on formal grounds.
Why Apply Through Us?
We assist not only with standard cases but also with the most complex ones:
- if you had previous refusals when applying on your own;
- if a large family with different passports and visa histories is applying together;
- if other agencies have refused to take your case.
Our advantages:
- +45% higher approval rate compared to self-application.
- AI-powered document check:
- predicts your approval chances based on passport type, visa history, and bank statements;
- provides recommendations to strengthen your profile;
- double-checks documents to eliminate human error.
Save up to 30 hours of your time on paperwork, applications, and scheduling – that’s almost a full workweek.
Final Takeaway
Yes, the rules for U.S. visa applications have become stricter for Russians. But if you live in the UAE and hold an Emirates ID, you can still apply directly in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: quickly, safely, and without unnecessary costs. Through us, you can secure an appointment in just 2 weeks. The U.S. tourist visa is issued for 3 years, and already issued visas are not being revoked.
We help even in the most challenging situations, where self-application or other agencies fail. Apply for your U.S. visa in Dubai with no waiting – book now!
FAQ: U.S. Visa Applications for Russians in 2025
How much time can I save if I work with you?
On average, up to 30 hours. That’s how long it usually takes to prepare documents, fill out forms, and schedule appointments when applying on your own. We handle everything for you
How long is a U.S. tourist visa valid now?
Typically, it is issued for 3 years. Already granted visas will not be revoked, even if rules change again
How does your AI system help?
Our AI:
- predicts the likelihood of approval based on your visa history, passport, and financial documents;
- gives recommendations to improve your application;
- double-checks every document to avoid mistakes.
This makes your application package stronger and reduces the risk of refusal.
Do you handle only standard cases or also complex ones?
We specialize in both. We assist when:
- you had previous refusals;
- a large family with mixed passports and visa histories applies together;
- other agencies decline to take your case.
Is it true that I can get an appointment faster through you?
Yes. With us, you can book an appointment within just 2 weeks, while in Astana or Warsaw you may have to wait several months
What happens if I try to apply in Astana or Warsaw?
- In Astana, the waiting time may stretch for months or even half a year.
- You’ll need to purchase flights and book a hotel for at least a week while waiting for your documents.
- For Warsaw, you need a Schengen visa, which is now nearly impossible to get with a Russian passport (99% rejection rate).
- During the interview, you may be asked why you’re not applying in your country of residence – often leading to refusal.
I live in the UAE and have an Emirates ID. Where should I apply?
You must apply at the U.S. consulates in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you go to Astana or Warsaw, the consul may refuse your case because you are required to apply in your country of residence
Can Russians apply for a U.S. visa in any country, like before?
No. Since September 7, 2025, Russians can only apply in two designated cities. Attempts to apply elsewhere as a tourist will almost certainly result in rejection
