The US Embassy in Bishkek announced on March 4 that newly issued US tourist and business visas for Kyrgyz citizens will now be valid for ten years, up from the previous five-year period. The extension applies to B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas issued on or after March 4, 2024.
In addition, the US has removed the $20 reciprocity fee for B1, B2, and B1/B2 visa applications for Kyrgyz passport holders. The embassy highlighted that these changes will benefit thousands of Kyrgyzstani travelers annually, reflecting the US commitment to facilitating travel and strengthening ties with the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
US Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Lesslie Viguerie, mentioned that the new policies aim to enhance the relationship between the two countries. In the fourth quarter of 2023, over 1,500 B1/B2 visas were issued to Kyrgyz citizens, with monthly numbers as follows: October 2023 (561), November 2023 (501), and December 2023 (479). In January 2024, 587 Kyrgyz nationals received such visas. The US also issued various other visa types during this period.
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