Travel freely through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, on a single visa? This is the proposal put forward by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. This project to unify the “Stans”, inspired by the Schengen model, could mark a key stage in the regional integration of Central Asia.
Central Asia, a region with grandiose landscapes and a rich historical heritage, could soon be taking a decisive step towards greater integration. Yesterday, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, proposed the creation of a single visa for all countries in the region, similar to the Schengen area in Europe.
If successful, this initiative could transform the face of this part of the world, facilitating the movement of people and boosting tourism and the economy.
An ambitious project for regional unity
The idea of a single visa for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is not new. Already in 2018, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan had considered a similar project under the name “Silk Road Visa”, but it was never implemented.
This time, the Kyrgyz proposal seems to be part of a more favorable context, marked by a gradual rapprochement between the countries in the region.
Indeed, the recent resolution of a historic border dispute between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan symbolizes a desire for stability and cooperation between these nations. This calmer climate could encourage the introduction of a common visa system, facilitating not only tourist travel, but also economic and cultural exchanges.
“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 with a single visa (like a Schengen visa),” said Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Considerable economic and tourism potential
The introduction of a single visa in Central Asia would represent a major step forward for the attractiveness of the region. Like the Schengen area, it would enable foreign travelers to freely explore several countries with a single document, simplifying administrative procedures and encouraging tourism.
Central Asia’s tourism potential remains largely untapped. From the mountains of the Tien Shan to the vast Kazakh steppes, via the legendary cities of the Silk Road such as Samarkand and Bukhara, the region has many assets to attract visitors. A simplified visa policy could considerably increase the influx of tourists and boost key economic sectors such as hotels, transport and handicrafts.
A diplomatic and logistical challenge
Despite its many advantages, the introduction of a single visa in Central Asia will not be without its challenges. Harmonization of migration and security policies between the five countries will be necessary, as will the establishment of a common regulatory framework. South-East Asia, Southern Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also share this ambition.
Turkmenistan, a country renowned for its policy of isolation, could also slow down the process. Unlike its neighbors, it applies strict restrictions on the entry of foreigners, and remains uncertain as to its willingness to participate in such a project.
Finally, Europe’s experience with Schengen shows that managing an area of free movement involves challenges in terms of external border controls and migration flow management. Central Asia will therefore need to define a model that takes account of regional specificities.
A step towards stronger regional integration?
If successful, this initiative could mark a significant step towards closer cooperation between the countries of Central Asia. Since the break-up of the USSR in 1991, these states have often followed distinct economic and political trajectories. A common visa could therefore be the first step towards greater regional integration, along the lines of the European Union.
For the time being, the project remains in the proposal stage, but the reception it receives from the region’s other leaders will determine its future. One thing is certain: in a world where mobility and cooperation are essential levers for development, a single visa could be the key to ushering in a new era of prosperity in Central Asia.
Disparate visa policies, but a trend towards digitalization
Today, the five Central Asian countries apply a variety of visa policies, ranging from total exemption to more stringent procedures.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have adopted relatively open policies, allowing visa-free entry for many foreign nationals or via a simplified electronic visa (e-Visa).
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, meanwhile, grant visa-free entry for several nationalities, and offer an e-Visa for others.
Turkmenistan takes a more restrictive approach and remains one of the most closed countries in the world, requiring a mandatory visa for almost all visitors and subjecting applications to a complex and rigid procedure.
While Central Asia is making progress towards the digitalization of visa applications, harmonization between these countries and the introduction of a single visa will still require major administrative and political adjustments.
