The European Union and Kazakhstan have been in discussions regarding visa facilitation for Kazakhstan citizens. This is part of Kazakhstan’s effort to make travel to the EU easier for its citizens.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, and the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, recently discussed the second round of consultations on Schengen visa facilitation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the discussion but did not reveal the start date for the second round of talks.
Kazakhstan is seeking an agreement with the EU that would allow its citizens to have simplified visa application processes for Schengen Member States. The country is also requesting reduced consular fees, longer visa validity periods, and reduced visa processing times for its citizens.
In December of last year, Kazakhstan authorities emphasized their efforts to improve in various areas and assured the EU that there should be no fear of irregular migration. They also expressed a willingness to cooperate in the readmission of Kazakhstan citizens who remain irregularly in the EU.
Kazakhstan has also made it clear that they are not seeking a visa-free travel agreement, but rather, they are requesting simplified procedures for obtaining Schengen visas for their citizens. In October 2023, the EU Council expressed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan and showed support for the reforms the country has been making.
Like citizens of other countries requiring a Schengen visa, citizens of Kazakhstan need to submit various documents such as proof of accommodation, a roundtrip itinerary, travel health insurance, and proof of sufficient financial means when applying for a Schengen visa.
For more information on Schengen visa application requirements, where to apply for a Schengen visa in Kazakhstan, bank balance requirements, and the cost of a Schengen visa in Kazakhstan, visit the SchengenVisaInfo website.
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