EU and Kazakhstan edge closer to finalising Visa Ease Pact
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Visa Ease for Kazakhstan: A Stepping Stone to Travel and Business Opportunities
Nab a cuppa, buddy! The EU member states have given the green light for the European Commission to hash out a deal onfacilitating visa requirements with feisty Astana. This talks ‘em up about numerous tactics to make visa procedures less of a pain between the two scenes. Think reduced visa application processing times, a trimmed-down list of needed docs, lower fees, more multiple-entry visas with extended validity periods, and special treatment for chosen groups like business travelers, cultural whizkids, and students.
What's cookin'? The specific date for signing the deal is yet to be decided once negotiations go down. But don't forget - the sweet treats won't roll in until both parties complete their local paperwork. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry filled The Astana Times in.
This deal will set the stage for Kazakhstan's folks to traipse around EU lands and accelerate deeds in trade, economy, culture, and humanitarian spheres.
Since 2023, Kazakhstan citizens have tossed around a smidgen over 159,000 Schengen visa applications, as per SchengenVisaInfo. Close to 91% of these quests got a nod of approval, demonstrating a fierce enthusiasm for European adventures and a strong likelihood of success.
Extra Info: As of April 2025, Kazakhstan citizens still need Schengen visas for visits to the EU. The proposed visa facilitation agreement (currently being negotiated) intends to implement several critical improvements:
- Speedier Processing: Expected reduction in visa application processing periods, though precise duration remains undisclosed.
- Simplified Documentation: Streamlined requirements with fewer documents needed from applicants.
- Reduced Fees: Lower visa application prices compared to the current €80 standard fee.
- Longer Validity: Expanded multiple-entry visas with extended validity periods.
- Special Categories: Preferential treatment for specific groups like business travelers, cultural pros, and students.
The EU Council gave the nod for negotiations on March 27, 2025. Technical discussions are underway, but the deal hasn't hit the fan yet and awaits final ratification by both parties after negotiations wrap up. Until then, standard Schengen visa rules apply, including the requirement for Kazakh citizens to obtain visas before jetting off on trips.
- The European Commission is currently in negotiations with Kazakhstan to simplify Schengen visa requirements, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.
- The proposed visa facilitation agreement, still under negotiation, aims to reduce visa application processing times, simplify documentation, lower fees, and extend the validity of multiple-entry visas, offering special treatment for business travelers, cultural experts, and students.
- The EU Council approved the start of negotiations on March 27, 2025, and discussions are ongoing, but the agreement is yet to be finalized and ratified by both parties.
- As of April 2025, Kazakh citizens are required to meet the standard Schengen visa requirements and obtain visas before traveling to EU countries, as stipulated by policy-and-legislation and general news regarding politics and international relations.
