MFA of Kazakhstan Addresses Visa Reciprocity with the United Kingdom

 During the ratification of the Strategic Partnership Agreement in the Senate, Kazakhstani diplomats addressed the ongoing issue of "visa inequality" between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

Deputy Saken Arubayev highlighted a significant lack of reciprocity in current travel arrangements:

• For British Citizens: Benefit from visa-free entry to Kazakhstan for stays of up to 30 days.

• For Kazakhstani Citizens: Required to undergo a rigorous visa process, which is often described as more complex and demanding than the Schengen visa application.

Acknowledging the UK’s current restrictive migration policies, Kazakhstan is not seeking a complete visa waiver for all citizens at this stage. Instead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) proposes the creation of a "Green Corridor" to facilitate travel for specific categories that contribute to economic and scientific development:

• Students enrolled in prestigious universities.

• Researchers and Scientists engaged in academic exchange.

• Investors and members of official state missions.

The discussion also emphasized the high financial and logistical burden on Kazakhstani applicants:

• Financial Cost: A standard 6-month short-term visa costs approximately £115 (est. 65,000 KZT).

• Logistical Delays: Processing can take several weeks, as passports are frequently sent to regional processing hubs outside of Kazakhstan, such as the UAE or Poland.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to negotiating eased visa requirements, aiming to align travel procedures with the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations.