Kazakhstan Explains US Visa Refusals, Signals Progress on Schengen Talks

Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry has clarified that the majority of U.S. visa denials for its citizens stem from incomplete or inconsistent application documents, rather than discriminatory practices. Yerlan Zhetybayev, the ministry's spokesperson, stated on June 15 that most issues are technical, involving errors in forms, insurance, or itineraries.

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There is a specific list of required documents that applicants must submit. If everything meets the requirements and there have been no violations on the applicant’s part, a visa can be issued.

Zhetybayev addressed public concerns about a reported 45% U.S. visa refusal rate and lengthy Schengen visa processing times. He explained that applicants are often asked to provide additional information, and many visas are approved once these requirements are met. The ministry lacks data to support claims of preferential treatment for Russian applicants seeking U.S. visas through Kazakhstan's consular offices.

Simultaneously, Kazakhstan is making progress in negotiations with the European Union regarding visa facilitation and readmission agreements. A third round of talks recently occurred in Brussels, aimed at simplifying travel procedures for Kazakhstan citizens. Zhetybayev expressed optimism about the ongoing process, though he emphasized that visa issuance remains a sovereign right of each nation.

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The process is moving forward very well. We hope to share more detailed information in the near future.

Officials are advising travelers to apply for visas well in advance and to carefully review all documentation requirements. This advice comes as European countries prepare to implement a new Entry/Exit System (EES) requiring biometric registration for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area. The ministry attributes some current backlogs to the peak summer tourism season straining consular services.

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visa issuance remains the sovereign right of each country and that foreign embassies process applications according to their own national legislation.