Kazakhstan And EU Take Steps Toward Simplified Travel Procedures

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently doing job while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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April 5, 2025 15:41 GMT+5:30

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• Key Takeaways
• The European Union and Kazakhstan have recognized significant progress in their ongoing discussions on easing Schengen visa requirements, just ahead of the first-ever Central Asia–European Union Summit.
• Kazakhstan’s president emphasized that improving visa access remains a key national objective.
• The country is urging the EU to streamline procedures, particularly by offering long-term, multiple-entry visas with fewer restrictions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a meeting with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Uzbekistan, just before the launch of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit.

The two leaders recognized notable advancements in the ongoing visa facilitation talks between Kazakhstan and the European Union during their recent meeting.

Kazakhstan Pushes for Easier Schengen Visa Access as EU Ties Strengthen

The initiation of procedures for a visa facilitation agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan reflects a growing depth in bilateral relations, marking a new chapter in diplomatic and economic engagement. For years, Kazakhstan has been advocating for the launch of formal negotiations aimed at easing Schengen visa requirements for its citizens, and that ambition is finally gaining traction.

Kazakhstan considers the visa facilitation agreement a key step in strengthening its ties with Europe. Authorities in the Central Asian nation have repeatedly emphasized how crucial it is for Kazakh nationals to have easier access to the EU. Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko has previously stated that the swift commencement of negotiations would serve the interests of both sides, facilitating travel while preserving border integrity.

One of the country’s top priorities is securing more favorable conditions under the Schengen visa regime. Specifically, Kazakhstan is urging the EU to lower visa application fees, streamline the process, and introduce long-term, multiple-entry visas for its citizens. The government has also requested that visa processing times be shortened, making travel to Europe more accessible and efficient for Kazakh passport holders.

Kazakh officials have assured the EU that there is minimal risk of irregular migration from their citizens. They’ve pointed out that Kazakhstan has implemented sufficient safeguards to ensure that travelers respect visa terms and return home after their permitted stay. Furthermore, the country has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully in the readmission of nationals who might overstay or violate EU immigration rules.

Despite Kazakhstan’s efforts to advance these talks, the current situation remains imbalanced. Citizens of Kazakhstan still require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, while EU nationals can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for short periods. This discrepancy has been one of the driving forces behind the push for a reciprocal agreement.

In 2023 alone, Kazakh citizens submitted a total of 159,072 applications for Schengen visas, according to data from SchengenVisaInfo. Of these, 143,970 applications were approved, while 14,285 were rejected. These figures underscore the high demand for travel to Europe among Kazakhstan’s population and further justify the country’s call for visa reform.

As discussions progress, Kazakhstan remains hopeful that the EU will respond positively to its proposals, paving the way for greater people-to-people connectivity, enhanced economic cooperation, and a more balanced travel framework between the two partners.