Central Asia and a new single visa inspired by the Schengen visa

A single visa to travel freely in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan ? This is the proposal of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, an ambitious project inspired by the Schengen model that could transform Central Asia by facilitating movement and boosting tourism and the economy.

Regional cooperation

The idea of a single visa is not new, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan having already considered a similar project in 2018, the "Silk Road Visa". The current proposal comes in a more favorable context, with the resolution of a historic border dispute between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, fostering cooperation.

President Japarov said We now need to start the process of enabling visa-free travel between Central Asian countries, and visitors from other countries to travel to all Central Asian countries on a single visa (like a Schengen visa)."

This initiative could mark an important step towards closer cooperation, along the lines of the European Union. Although the project is still at the proposal stage, it could open up a new era of prosperity in Central Asia.

Developing the attractiveness of Central Asia

A single visa could considerably increase the attractiveness of the regionin simplifying administrative procedures for foreign travelers. Central Asia, with its breathtaking landscapes and historic cities along the Silk Road, has a great deal of untapped tourist potential.

The introduction of a single visa will require the harmonization of migration and security policiesand a common regulatory framework between the five countries. Europe's experience with Schengen shows the challenges of managing an area of free movement, particularly in terms of border controls. The attitude of Turkmenistan, known for its isolation, remains a factor of uncertainty.

Current visa policies vary considerably from country to country, ranging from total exemption to strict procedures. While the Kazakhstan And Uzbekistan have adopted more open policies with electronic visas, the Turkmenistan remains the most closed country. Visit Kyrgyzstan and the Tajikistan grant visa exemptions for certain nationalities. The harmonization of visa policies and the introduction of a single visa will require major administrative and political adjustments, despite progress towards the digitization of visa applications.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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