New US Visa Requirements. The Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic Met with the Assistant Secretary of State

The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the USA, Aibek Moldogaziev, held a meeting with John Pommershaime, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting, key issues regarding Kyrgyz-American partnership were discussed, including the upcoming business forum "B5+1," which will take place on February 4-5 in Bishkek.

The participants also discussed the new visa requirements introduced by the White House for Kyrgyz citizens applying for B-1/B-2 visas, as well as the temporary suspension of immigration visa issuance.

Moldogaziev expressed his concern that these new rules could negatively impact travel between the two countries and, in particular, business and tourist contacts. He suggested discussing possible solutions to minimize the negative consequences for trade and economic cooperation.

For his part, Pommershaime noted that these measures are part of the U.S. policy to combat illegal immigration and confirmed readiness for further discussion on this issue.

We remind you that starting January 21 of this year, Kyrgyz citizens applying for non-immigrant B-1 (for business trips) and B-2 (for tourism) visas are required to pay a refundable deposit ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.