visas - The Times Of Central Asia

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United States

Uzbekistan Leads Central Asia in U.S. Visa Rejections in 2024

In 2024, the United States rejected 64.41% of B-1/B-2 visa applications submitted by citizens of Uzbekistan, the highest refusal rate among Central Asian countries, according to the U.S. State Department. B-1/B-2 visas are issued for short-term travel related to business and tourism. Uzbekistan has consistently topped the region in visa denials. In 2023, the rejection rate for Uzbek applicants stood at 59.56%. The trend reflects continued challenges faced by Uzbek travelers in securing U.S. entry permits. The refusal rates for other Central Asian countries in 2024 were also significant: Turkmenistan: 58.8% Kazakhstan: 46.29% Tajikistan: 45.24% Kyrgyzstan: 39.14% Similar patterns were observed in 2023, with Turkmenistan at 51.10%, Kazakhstan at 41.93%, Tajikistan at 54.96%, and Kyrgyzstan at 41.54%. Trade Volumes Remain Low Across the Region Trade between Central Asia and the United States remains limited. In 2024, Uzbekistan exported only $42.4 million worth of goods to the U.S., while its total foreign trade turnover reached $66 billion, highlighting the minimal share of U.S.-bound exports. Kazakhstan remains the region’s largest trading partner with the United States. Bilateral trade in 2024 reached $3.4 billion, primarily driven by exports of crude oil, uranium, and silver. Notably, only $95.2 million of Kazakhstan’s exports to the U.S. are expected to be impacted by new U.S. tariffs, a small fraction of the country's total trade volume of $141.4 billion. Other Central Asian nations also maintain modest trade flows with the U.S.: Kyrgyzstan exported $16.7 million in goods, with a total trade turnover of $16 billion. Tajikistan exported $4.6 million, out of a total trade turnover of $8.9 billion. Limited Mobility and Economic Ties The data underscores broader limitations in U.S.-Central Asia engagement both in terms of mobility and economic integration. High visa refusal rates continue to hinder travel for business and personal reasons, while trade volumes remain a marginal component of most Central Asian economies. While diplomatic and economic ties between Washington and the region have grown in recent years, the figures suggest that significant barriers to deeper cooperation remain.

Trump Administration

Turkmenistan Among Nations Targeted in New U.S. Travel Restrictions and Bans

Citizens from Turkmenistan face restrictions on travel to the United States under an order signed by President Donald Trump that bans or curbs the entry of nationals from 19 countries. Trump said in a statement released by the White House on Wednesday that the order, which takes effect on June 9, aims to protect national security and prevent people from overstaying their visas in the United States. The measure resembles an effort in Trump’s first term as president to tighten control of the influx of foreign nationals, prompting court challenges and criticism that such sweeping policies are discriminatory. “Many of these countries have also taken advantage of the United States in their exploitation of our visa system and their historic failure to accept back their removable nationals,” said Trump, who has cracked down on immigration since his second term began in January. A full travel ban, subject to case-by-case waivers and other exceptions, will go into effect for nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Turkmenistan is among seven countries whose citizens face partial restrictions, such as not being able to move permanently to the U.S. or get tourist and student visas. The other countries are Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Venezuela. “According to the Overstay Report, Turkmenistan had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.35 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.74 percent,” the Trump administration’s order said. “The entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended.” B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) refer to non-immigrant visas for people who want to stay temporarily in the U.S. F, M, and J visas are for non-immigrant visas used by students and other visitors enrolled in exchange programs. Turkmenistan tightly controls its population and it is difficult to get independent information about the country. Despite Turkmenistan’s vast energy resources, some of its nationals attempt to seek opportunities abroad.

visas

Russian Foreign Ministry Opposes Visa Regime for Central Asian Countries

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has voiced opposition to the introduction of a visa regime for citizens of Central Asian countries, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a session at the State Duma (Russia’s parliament). Lavrov emphasized that tightening Russia’s approach to labor migrants from Central Asia “would not serve our long-term interests.” While acknowledging concerns over violations committed by migrants in various regions, he argued that increased oversight, not additional barriers, was the appropriate response. “We believe that enhancing control over their activities is necessary, but erecting barriers, let alone introducing a visa regime, is not the right course of action,” Lavrov stated. Lavrov noted that Russia’s latest measures regarding migration aim to improve monitoring rather than obstruct labor migration. “We have held multiple meetings with ambassadors from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states to discuss their concerns and clarify our policies. The EAEU’s founding documents guarantee equal rights for all member states' citizens, allowing them to enter Russia without formal invitations or prior declarations of employment. However, these provisions now require further clarification. Authorities must track migrant arrivals, verify their employment status, and ensure compliance with Russian law. I am convinced this can be done without creating artificial obstacles in relations with our closest allies,” Lavrov stated. In contrast, some Russian politicians have called for stricter migration controls. In late March 2024, just days after the deadly terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, Sergei Mironov, chairman of the A Just Russia - For Truth party and head of its State Duma faction, proposed introducing a visa regime with Central Asian states. Mironov argued that such a policy “should in no way be regarded as an unfriendly gesture toward our neighbors” and expressed hope that Central Asian governments would understand the rationale behind the move. For the past 30 years, Russia has been the primary destination for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of labor migrants from Central Asia. However, economic challenges, stricter migration policies, and growing anti-migrant sentiment in Russia have increasingly pushed many workers to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Business

Kazakhstan Introduces New Visa Categories to Attract Foreign Professionals

On February 18, 2025, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a briefing for representatives of the diplomatic community to highlight the country’s newly introduced visa categories: the Neo Nomad Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Residence Visa. Kazakhstan updated its visa regulations in November 2024 to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the key offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders. Meanwhile, the Neo Nomad Visa is designed for foreign citizens who work remotely while traveling. Applicants for this visa must demonstrate a verified monthly income of at least $3,000 and provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The Residence Visa is aimed at attracting foreign professionals with expertise in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries. It allows recipients to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized that these new visa categories significantly expand opportunities for foreign nationals wishing to live and work in the country. "Our country provides the necessary conditions to attract international professionals by offering visa-free entry to citizens from more than 80 countries and a simplified electronic visa for 109 countries. By expanding air connectivity, Kazakhstan now operates over 700 international flights per week to more than 30 countries. Additionally, we are actively developing digital infrastructure, creating smart cities, and ensuring access to high-speed internet," he said. Vassilenko added that implementing a flexible visa policy benefits not only Kazakhstan but also its partners through tax revenues and remittances from remote professionals, as well as the skills and experience they acquire in the country. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, highlighted the timeliness and relevance of these visa initiatives, adding: "Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as an open and accessible destination for international visitors. This commitment to openness has been a key factor in the growth of tourism. In 2024, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan, marking a 66% increase from the previous year."

Tourism

Kyrgyzstan Facilitates Group Travel Tourism from China

On February 4, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism signed a memorandum in Beijing aimed at facilitating organized group travel from China to Kyrgyzstan. The agreement was signed during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s state visit to China and is expected to boost Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, 127,956 Chinese citizens visited the country in 2024, marking a 56% increase from 70,842 visitors in 2023. China has also included Kyrgyzstan on its list of recommended destinations for individual Chinese travelers. In October 2024, Kyrgyzstan introduced a visa-free regime for organized Chinese tour groups for stays of up to 21 days. The move aims to strengthen Kyrgyz-Chinese public diplomacy and enhance the country’s appeal to one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets. Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. The country was expected to welcome more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, up from 8.5 million in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024, Kyrgyzstan recorded 6.1 million foreign visitors, with the majority coming from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Other significant sources of tourists included Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea.

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan Simplifies Entry Rules for Foreign Citizens

Kyrgyzstan has introduced significant changes to its visa policy, eliminating several visa categories, including business, tourist, and mountain tourism visas, as part of efforts to improve its investment climate and boost tourism. These visas will now be replaced with a streamlined system centered around a new “Sapar visa”, which can be issued within 24 hours of application. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sapar visa will be available to foreign citizens traveling to Kyrgyzstan for business, tourism, or private purposes, such as visiting friends or undergoing medical examinations. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days and offers both single-entry and multiple-entry options. The changes will take effect on January 22, 2025, with applications submitted through the government’s Electronic Visa portal. The e-visa portal, launched five years ago, was developed to simplify the visa application process, particularly for tourists and investors. The system is user-friendly, requiring only an internet connection, a credit or debit card for payment, and scanned copies of necessary documents. By modernizing its visa policies and making the process faster and more accessible, Kyrgyzstan hopes to attract more foreign investors and tourists, bolstering economic growth. The government’s approach reflects a commitment to removing bureaucratic hurdles and positioning the country as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travel.