Asian 'Schengen' Visa Soon? Kyrgyzstan Proposes Unified Visa For Central Asian Countries

Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov has put forward an ambitious proposal that could reshape travel in Central Asia. He has proposed a unified visa system allowing free movement across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The idea, similar to Europe's Schengen visa, aims to simplify cross-border travel, boost tourism, and strengthen regional cooperation.

Japarov announced his proposal on social media following a landmark border agreement with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon.

"Central Asian countries should begin the process of implementing a visa-free regime with each other and introduce a single visa for foreign visitors, allowing them to travel freely across the region, similar to the Schengen visa," Japarov wrote on his Facebook page.

Although the concept is not new, past attempts have failed to materialise. In 2018, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan explored a similar initiative under the name "Silk Road Visa," but the project never took off. Discussions resurfaced in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic and unresolved negotiations stalled progress. By 2022, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were still refining the legal framework for a regional visa system.

The push for a unified visa comes at a time when Central Asia is increasingly seen as a major tourist destination, with its diverse landscapes and deep cultural heritage. But implementing such a system is not without its share of challenges. The five nations must align their immigration policies, border security regulations and administrative frameworks.

The experience of the European Schengen Zone highlights the complexities of managing external borders and migration flows, factors that Central Asia will need to consider carefully.

One of the biggest hurdles to this initiative is Turkmenistan, known for its strict entry policies and limited engagement with regional integration efforts. Its stance on the proposal remains unclear. As such, its participation could determine the success or failure of the unified visa.

Beyond easing travel restrictions, Japarov sees this initiative as a step towards lasting regional stability. He pointed to the resolution of the century-old Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border dispute as a major milestone.

"Now we can say that all countries in the region have finally resolved their border disputes. From this moment, eternal peace was established in Central Asia," he said.

While the proposal remains in its early stages, its reception by neighbouring leaders will shape its future. If realised, the unified visa could transform Central Asia into a more interconnected and accessible region.