U.S. Embassy in Moscow to reduce consular services

The U.S Embassy in Moscow has announced that it would reduce consular services starting May 12 after Russia moved to prohibit U.S. Mission Russia from employing non-Russian nationals.

Key Points:

• Effective May 12, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will only offer emergency U.S. citizen services and consular services for “a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas.”
• The announcement states that non-immigrant visa processing for non-diplomatic travel will cease for the foreseeable future.
• The U.S. Embassy in Moscow will not offer routine notarial services, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, or renewal passport services for the foreseeable future.
• Residents of Russia who require a new U.S. passport to remain in Russia legally or who need a passport for a demonstrable, life or death emergency should email moscowacs@state.gov to have their request considered.

BAL Analysis: The change will significantly limit U.S. consular services available in Russia, and some applicants may have to apply through an embassy or consulate outside of Russia in order to obtain a visa. BAL will continue to follow developments and will report additional information as it becomes available.

Source: This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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