Kazakhstan and the European Union have formally initiated discussions on easing Schengen visa procedures
SUMMARY
Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to initiate formal discussions on easing the Schengen visa application process.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Roman Vassilenko, has confirmed the launch of official talks and anticipates reaching an agreement on simplified visa application rules in the near future.
Consultations are currently underway, and discussions will focus on the extent to which visa rules can be streamlined for Kazakhstani citizens.
Kazakhstan is willing to collaborate on the readmission of its citizens who entered the EU irregularly as part of the visa facilitation process.
Vassilenko highlighted that while no definitive timeline is provided, reaching an agreement would make travel to the EU more accessible for Kazakhstani citizens.
He emphasized that Kazakhstan has permitted visa-free entry for all EU citizens since 2017, and the current focus is on facilitating application procedures rather than seeking reciprocal visa-free travel.
The Council of the EU, in October, expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation with Kazakhstan, supporting reforms, and modernization in the country.
The Internal Affairs Minister of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Sadenov, assured that visa facilitation would not pose migration risks and outlined potential simplifications in Schengen visa application requirements.
As with other countries, Kazakhstani citizens applying for Schengen visas are required to submit various documents, including completed application forms, travel health insurance, and proof of accommodation.