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Schengen Governance under Kazakh Jurisdiction: Grants, Denials, and Surprising Insights

Schengen Visas Adhering to Kazakhstan's Regulations: Grants, Denials, and Unexpected Insights - Daily updates on recent news and happenings available on our platform.

Schengen Visas under Kazakh regulations: Acceptances, Denials, and Surprising Facts - Yesterday's...
Schengen Visas under Kazakh regulations: Acceptances, Denials, and Surprising Facts - Yesterday's Updates - Explore the latest news and happenings on our site.

Schengen Governance under Kazakh Jurisdiction: Grants, Denials, and Surprising Insights

** Visa Woes: Kazakhstan Citizens Face Unexpected Hurdles in European Union Visa Applications**

My passport is older than I am. You'd think that would be a joke, but it's not. I'm 20, yet the visa center employee stood there, squinting at my outdated passport, claiming I "don't match my photo."

I had gathered all the necessary documents myself, avoiding the hefty fees of an agency. Everything was going smoothly until my passport, a relic from my childhood, raised too many questions. "Where's your signature?" they asked during the appointment. I didn't have one, having received the passport nearly a decade ago. They asked me to provide an ID "just in case."

What was surprising: they weren't particularly interested in my travel itinerary, bookings, or even visas to other countries. The only question was about my ticket from Istanbul. I explained I was returning home, but didn't attach the ticket as it's technically outside the Schengen zone. They still seemed uncertain. Especially since I'd applied through Italy with the same passport, photo, and without a signature, and received a visa without any issues a year ago.

This contrast made me wonder: what really determines the outcome of a visa application? While the Schengen visa process is standardized across EU countries, local factors such as country-specific policies, economic conditions, and the specifics of application centers in different cities can influence the experience for Kazakhstan citizens.

Our analysis of European Commission statistics from 2022 to 2024 sheds light on these variations.

In 2023, Germany's consulates in Kazakhstan received nearly 46,000 applications, with only 6.8% rejected. France had fewer applications and a slightly lower rejection rate. Italy maintains a consistently lenient policy, with around 5% rejections. However, the Czech Republic rejected nearly one in seven applicants, Lithuania had 16.6%, and Croatia around the same. Norway had the highest rejection rate, over 55%.

Cities within the same country can also have different rejection rates. For instance, Germany in Almaty has a rejection rate of 8.5 percent, while in Astana, it's 4.4 percent. Lithuania has rates of 18 percent and 11 percent respectively. Poland has a 7.4 percent rejection rate in Almaty compared to 2.6 percent in Astana. While there are no specific explanations, the final decision lies with the consulate, suggesting that human factors still play a role.

Despite the sometimes unpredictable results, recent statistics suggest that some countries have become more lenient, like France and Austria, while others have become stricter, such as Finland.

Tips for a Smooth Journey: Be Thorough and Prepared

Given the variations in visa application processes, it's crucial to approach the application process carefully, have backup plans, and be prepared for unexpected hurdles. Even with an "ideal" application package, nothing is guaranteed.

My own visa journey took 12 working days, including May holidays. Although not a guaranteed time, preparing thoroughly and being prepared for uncertainties can help streamline the process.

Prepared by: Molдир КожаеваFor more details on Kazakhstan and the European Union's plans for mutual visa facilitation, click here.

Anara Zh - Oh no! Your passport picture is so old! If you're applying for a Czech visa, ensure it's updated, especially if you're over 3 years old on the photo. The list of documents for a Czech visa quite clearly states that if the photo in the child's passport is over 5 years old, they won't accept it. It seems you missed that point.

Sasha - How on earth can someone walk around with a passport of a 10-year-old girl on the picture?

Tengri - The issue here isn't about someone's personal problems. It's about taking responsibility: if you're 11 years old on your passport, it's about time to update it. Otherwise, you might face issues during your visa application. While countries deny visas for various reasons, it's important to remember that it's equally important to be law-abiding citizens.

Law-abiding Citizen - Tengri, I must admit it is a personal issue, but it's worth discussing as it affects many travelers. Each country has different rules and expectations for visa applicants, making the process even more challenging for some.

Romashkina - It's merely common sense to ensure the passport photo and signature are up to date before applying for a visa. And the headline seems clickbait-y: "Why it's harder for Kazakhs to get a visa..." that's an exaggeration.

Alina Abaeva - I have been denied French and German visas, spending over $7,000. They didn't even bother to provide a detailed explanation for the denial, just a generic response. Any agency can tell you about France's frequent denials, yet I didn't even receive 7 days for the Olympiad - NO VALID REASONS FOR DENIAL. NOW GERMANY IS DOING THE SAME THING.

AAA - In 2023, my son and I received a single-entry German Schengen visa for 21 days in 4 working days. Last year, we got a "multi" for 20 days in 3 working days. This year, we applied again and have been waiting for a week. Hoping for a positive result...

Erden Ibraev - Applying for a visa with a childhood photo? And not updating your passport by 16? What's happening in this world?

Alina Abaeva - Dude, what are you talking about? France didn't give me a visa, not even for the Olympiad, with $7,000 on my account and my passport full of visas. Look it up, they deny everyone. Now Germany is doing the same, no valid reasons for denying a 7-day Schengen?

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  • What about updating your passport's photo and signature for travel and lifestyle reasons? It might also help you avoid unexpected hurdles in general news and education-and-self-development opportunities.
  • When considering visa application for Europe, remember that local factors, such as country-specific policies and application center specifics, can affect your lifestyle, travel, and even education-and-self-development plans. The Schengen visa process may be standardized, but it's crucial to stay informed about general news in order to navigate the maze and prepare thoroughly.

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