Swiss Embassy in Astana to start its work on March 10, 2009

ASTANA. February 23. KAZINFORM In the framework of the decision of the Government of Switzerland to open a new Embassy in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, and to close down the Consulate General in Almaty, the Consulate General of Switzerland in Almaty will terminate definitively its operations and close its doors on Wednesday February 25th 2009.

The Embassy of Switzerland in Astana will be fully operational with all diplomatic, consular and administrative services on its new address starting from Tuesday March 10th 2009 The Embassy of Switzerland in Astana is territorially competent for the Republic of Kazakhstan as well as for the Republic of Tajikistan. The Embassy of Switzerland in Astana will cover all duties including issuing Schengen visas for residents of both countries. The Embassy of Switzerland in Astana will be open for the public starting from March 10, 2009. Its address and contact numbers are: Embassy of Switzerland, 62 Kosmonavtov Street, 8F Microdistrict Chubary, 010000 Astana. Tel.: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Visa section: Tel: [phone], Fax [phone]. Email: [email protected], www.eda.admin.ch/astana Starting from February 26th 2009 to March 06th 2009 residents of Kazakhstan or Tajikistan wishing to apply for a Schengen Visa for Switzerland are kindly requested to approach the Embassy of Germany in Astana who will represent Switzerland and process the visa applications during the mentioned period, Kazinform refers to a press release of the Swiss Embassy .