Some time ago, news appeared in the media that Kazakhstan was allegedly blacklisted and that its citizens were subject to additional requirements when applying for Schengen visas.
Immediately after that, the EU delegation to Kazakhstan issued an official statement denying the rumors. The competent authorities of the European Union did not make any significant changes to the procedure for obtaining Schengen visas for citizens of Kazakhstan and, moreover, Kazakhstan is not on the “black lists”.
“There were no significant changes in the procedure for applying for Schengen visas for citizens of Kazakhstan after March 1, 2023, and Kazakhstan was not blacklisted by the European Union, — stated in the statement of the delegation in Kazakhstan.
Thus, the 15-day rule for processing their applications will continue to apply to all applicants from Kazakhstan, that is, the consulates of European countries have 15 days to decide on the issuance of Schengen visas . Only in exceptional cases, when a more detailed examination of the application is required, this period may be extended up to 45 days.
With regard to the recent introduction of the preliminary consultation procedure for Kazakhstan, which in some cases can drag on for a week, it was clarified that these consultations fit into the total period of 15 days, and applicants will not face significant delays.
It became known and Pre-Consultation Rules: The pre-consultation procedure is a standard procedure that is governed by the Visa Code and applies to several countries. The introduction of consultations for Kazakhstan under the Schengen visa system has absolutely nothing to do with the relationship between the EU and Kazakhstan.
Kazakh citizens applying for a Schengen visa must meet several requirements. Kazakhstanis must fill out an application, provide a valid passport, two photographs, a certificate of civil status, proof of booking accommodation in the EU, flight itinerary, travel medical insurance, pay a visa fee and prove financial solvency.