Update on Nonimmigrant Visa Processing in Russia
Posted Nov 09, 2001

U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world have been reviewing and upgrading their security procedures in light of post-9/11 concerns. Restricted public access to certain buildings has been implemented at some posts. For example, we reported in the September 28, 2001 MurthyBulletin, in our article entitled Consulate Update of Various Countries, that the Embassy in Paris, France would no longer allow walk-in, nonimmigrant visa applications but would instead require that the applications be submitted by mail.

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy recently received an eMail requesting an update on visa issuance in Russia. According to the message, there were several newspaper reports in Russia stating that visa issuance had been suspended due to fears of terrorist attacks. Upon checking the website for the U.S. Embassy in Russia, as well as other sources, we found that nonimmigrant visa applications were being accepted at a temporary location because of security problems in at least one Embassy building. As of October 22, 2001, three Federal Express offices were designated to accept these applications for the Moscow Embassy. The addresses are indicated on the Embassy's website.

We strongly suggest that persons planning to apply for nonimmigrant visas in Russia check the website frequently for updates regarding current visa application procedures and locations.

The website addresses for the other U.S. consulates in Russia are:

St. Petersburg	:	http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rs2/wwwhre1a.html
Vladivostok	:	http://usembassy.state.gov/vladivostok/
Yekaterinburg	:	http://www.uscgyekat.ur.ru/

For those applying in Moscow, the Embassy also has made available the following information telephone numbers: