Alternative application locations include Warsaw (Poland) or Belgrade (Serbia). While direct entry into some EU countries (like Poland) for Russian citizens might be restricted for tourist purposes, possessing an already "opened" Schengen visa (e.g., from France) allows for transit within the Schengen area for the purpose of attending a US visa interview. US visa approval rates for Brazilian citizens are high (around 85-90% in 2025 for non-immigrant visas), which does not extend to Russian citizens applying from Brazil. Intra-Schengen travel with a valid visa or residence permit is generally less scrutinized, but random checks can occur, especially at land borders.
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