Getting Schengen visas will be simplified for Kazakhstanis - MFA reveals details

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to shorten Schengen visa processing times, simplify documentation requirements, and expand the issuance of multiple-entry visas. Details were provided by Yerlan Zhetybayev, official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Zhetybayev recalled that during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Brussels on June 23, meetings were held with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

During the talks, the parties emphasized the importance of concluding expert-level work on draft agreements for visa facilitation and readmission between Kazakhstan and the European Union.

The parties are currently conducting the necessary internal state procedures required prior to the signing of the agreements.

"The agreements reached provide for further simplification of visa procedures for citizens of Kazakhstan, including shorter processing times for visa applications, expanded opportunities for obtaining multiple-entry visas, simplified requirements for supporting documents, and other measures," Yerlan Zhetybayev reported.

According to him, the conclusion of the negotiation process marks a significant practical achievement in the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.

The Foreign Ministry representative clarified that expert-level negotiations on the agreements have been completed. Among the measures under discussion are a reduced list of documents, lower consular fees, expanded issuance of multiple-entry visas, and shorter processing times for applications from Kazakhstanis..

"More detailed information will be released after the relevant agreements are signed. The parties have now moved to internal procedures to prepare the documents for signing," he added.

Zhetybayev added that while Kazakhstan is conducting its necessary domestic procedures, the European side must coordinate the documents with all Schengen Area states. Consequently, the process will take some time, and the exact signing date has not yet been determined.

Context

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously emphasized that this does not concern a full visa waiver for Kazakhstanis, but rather the facilitation of the procedure for obtaining them. Specifically, discussions focused on a standardized list of documents, processing costs, and the availability of multiple-entry visas. The negotiation process was expected to conclude in the second half of 2026.

Last year, the Ministry stated that the agreement could include shorter processing times, a reduced list of required documents, lower visa fees, and expanded options for obtaining long-term multiple-entry visas.

In January 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev reported that Kazakhstan's work with the European Union is split into two tracks: a readmission agreement and a visa facilitation agreement. At that time, it was reported that the next round of negotiations was scheduled for February.

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