Kyrgyzstan Proposes Central Asian Schengen: A Push for Unified Tourism and Regional Growth

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has proposed creating a single Central Asian visa, modeled after the European Schengen system, to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties across the region, Orda.kz reports.

The initiative was announced during a trilateral summit in Khujand with the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Japarov believes a unified visa system would simplify travel across the region, attract more tourists, and contribute to economic development.

As the saying goes: Alysky tuugandan zhakynky koshuna artyk — A close neighbor is better than a distant relative. Initiatives like this should become a tradition and be hosted in different parts of our countries, he said, emphasizing the importance of regional unity. 

Japarov also highlighted ongoing infrastructure and economic projects in the region and pointed to the historical and cultural value of cities like Osh, Khujand, and Andijan. He suggested these cities could be developed into major tourist hubs under the single-visa system.

Japarov had made a similar proposal in mid-March.

The leaders agreed to deepen good-neighborly relations, expand cooperation, and pursue further regional integration.

Kyrgyz-Tajik relations were long strained, mainly due to unresolved border disputes. In September 2022, an armed conflict between the two countries resulted in dozens of casualties and the evacuation of over 130,000 residents from Kyrgyzstan’s Batken region.

Despite previous flare-ups, diplomatic efforts continued. In October 2022, a trilateral meeting in Astana between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia saw Japarov express a willingness to resolve border issues peacefully.

However, tensions escalated again in 2023 following controversial statements by Kyrgyz officials.

The breakthrough came on March 13, 2025, when Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed a landmark agreement finalizing the long-disputed state border. The two leaders officially opened the border and resumed air travel — a move hailed as a significant step toward lasting peace and regional cooperation.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov