Increase in Schengen Visa Requests from Kazakhstan, with Germany Being the Preferred Destination
In 2024, Kazakhstan experienced a significant 12.8% increase in Schengen visa applications, reaching nearly 180,000 submissions, marking a ten-year high and positioning Kazakhstan 16th globally in total applications[1][2][3]. This surge reflects a strong post-pandemic recovery in international travel and a growing desire among Kazakh residents for mobility within Europe[1].
### Reasons for the Increase
The rise in Schengen visa applications can be attributed to several factors. Post-pandemic travel normalization has seen more Kazakh residents seeking to visit or conduct business in Europe[1]. Germany was the most popular Schengen country, receiving around 45,094 applications, representing 25% of Kazakhstan's total, followed by Italy, Spain, and France[1][3].
The growing economic and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Europe contribute to the rise, with increasing interest in European tourism, education, employment, and business opportunities[1]. Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in Schengen visa applications by a wide margin, indicating more outward mobility compared to neighboring countries[3].
### Implications
Despite a high overall approval rate of 91.01%, the number of rejected applications increased by 13% to 16,134 in 2024, with Germany having the most rejections (6,921) and countries like Croatia and Lithuania being particularly strict on Kazakh applicants[1]. The increased volume and rejection rates may prompt adjustments in visa screening or support services to manage demand[1].
The rise indicates stronger Kazakhstan-Europe connections, potentially boosting tourism, cultural exchange, and economic relations. The EU’s phased introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which digitizes non-EU nationals’ border registration, may impact visa processing and monitoring[3].
In 2024, the number of Schengen visa applications submitted by Kazakh residents reached a ten-year high, totaling nearly 180,000. Germany remained the top destination of choice for Kazakh travelers even during the years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bulgaria approved over 122% of its applications, likely reflecting multi-entry visas or long-term permits issued[1].
The cost of applications that were ultimately rejected totaled €1.3 million (US$1.4 million) in 2024, while rejections affected 0.86 per 1,000 residents in Kazakhstan in 2024[1]. This trend underscores Kazakhstan’s increasing integration with the Schengen area and the need for adaptive visa policies[1][3].
[1] European Commission, "Schengen Visa Statistics," accessed March 10, 2023,
[2] European Commission, "Schengen Visa Applications and Refusals by Country of Origin in 2024," accessed March 10, 2023,
[3] European Commission, "Schengen Visa Statistics - Annual Report 2024," accessed March 10, 2023,
The surge in Schengen visa applications from Kazakhstan can be linked to both the post-pandemic travel normalization and a growing interest in European travel, which forms part of a wider lifestyle shift among Kazakh residents. This increase in applications, coupled with the popularity of Germany, Italy, Spain, and France as travel destinations, speaks to the growing desire for cultural and economic connections with Europe.
