Due to staff reductions, US embassies and consulates have stopped issuing visas in Russia. For Russians, the only way to obtain a US visa was to travel to other countries for an interview.
Some US embassies, including the embassy in Kazakhstan, have already resumed issuing visas. For Russians, this is a convenient option, as Russian citizens can travel to Kazakhstan using their Russian passport without a visa.
However, the US Embassy in Kazakhstan has a limited staff, and priority is given to local residents - citizens of Kazakhstan. Free dates for visa interviews are rarely available to foreigners, including Russians.
Due to high demand, it can be difficult to book an interview on your own, so special programs are often used to do so - bots, which automatically track and book available appointments in Astana and Almaty.
The following items are prohibited from being brought into the US Embassy or Consulate:
Electronic devices or devices powered by batteries, such as mobile phones, electronic watches, photo/video cameras, laptops or tablets.
Travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather or cloth bags, and zippered folders. You will only be allowed to bring a plastic (polyethylene) bag containing documents related to your visit.
Food products.
Sealed envelopes and parcels.
Cigarettes, cigars, matches, and lighters.
Sharp objects, such as scissors, knives or nail files.
Any firearms or explosives
This list is not exhaustive. Security personnel may prohibit the carrying of other items at their discretion.
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate does not have facilities for storing prohibited items. Do not bring such items with you when visiting the consulate.
For security reasons, there are no information desks for casual visitors at U.S. Embassies/Consulates. Only applicants with a scheduled visa interview are allowed to enter the embassy or consulate.