Kazakhstan has moved up to the 16th spot for global Schengen visa applications in 2024, with a total of 179,446 requests. Overall, this marked a 12.8% surge from 2023, according to a report from SchengenVisaInfo.
“The number of Schengen visa applications submitted by Kazakh residents reached a ten‑year high in 2024, with nearly 180,000 applications filed,” reported The Astana Times.
Kazakhstan Sees Visa Surge
In general, demand for European travel has soared across Kazakhstan. Notably, travelers seek tourism, academic programs, and business opportunities in the Schengen zone.
Consequently, Kazakhstan accounted for 1.54% of the world’s Schengen visa applications in 2024. Correspondingly, this percentage places it ahead of all Central Asian neighbors.
Uzbekistan filed 58,700 applications, while Kyrgyzstan submitted 28,000. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan followed with 7,800 and 4,000 applications, respectively.
Germany Leads as Top Destination
Germany received 45,094 applications from Kazakhstan—about 25% of the total. Hence, this made it the top European destination for Kazakh citizens.
Italy followed with roughly 15% of the total, and Spain attracted 13%. In contrast, the Netherlands saw only 20 visa requests from Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, mid-tier travel destinations included countries such as Czech Republic (11,000), Hungary (13,000), and Greece (9,000). In contrast, countries like Austria (5,000), Bulgaria (6,000), and Lithuania (8,000) ended up with the fewest Schengen visa applications.
Clearly, travelers are favoring countries with strong academic and economic opportunities in Europe.
On the other hand, Kazakhstan also received a high Schengen visa rejection rate of 8.99% in 2023. This figure illustrates one of the country’s highest rejection rates in recent years.
Kazakhstan-EU Relations
Kazakhstan’s surge in applications is part of a steady post-COVID recovery. Ever since international travel resumed, demand for European visas has increased annually.
Moreover, recent developments in EU–Kazakhstan relations could streamline future visa processes.
In April 2025, the European Council approved a mandate to negotiate a visa facilitation agreement with Kazakhstan. This agreement would reduce fees, shorten wait times, and allow multi-entry visas.
Why the Spike?
Several factors explain the rising numbers. First, Kazakh tourists are eager to explore Europe post-pandemic. Second, growing economic links—especially with Germany—fuel business travel.
In addition, Europe remains a top destination for Kazakh students seeking higher education and international careers.
Indeed, high volumes could challenge embassy processing capacity unless reforms follow.
Outlook for Travel to Kazakhstan
If EU–Kazakhstan negotiations succeed, travel could become easier and more affordable for Kazakh citizens.
That would benefit both sides. Europe gains from stronger tourism and student inflows, while Kazakhstan deepens engagement with key partners. Furthermore, simplified visa rules may encourage more first-time travelers to apply.
As a result, Kazakhstan may continue rising in global rankings. Moreover, future data could even place it among the top 10 source countries for Schengen visas.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan’s growing interest in Europe is reshaping travel trends across Central Asia. With over 179,000 Schengen visa applications, the country now stands among the world’s most active outbound markets.
If current momentum continues, 2025 could set a new record.
Photo by ANSAR ARCHITECTS on Unsplash
