Visa requirements

Kazakhstan

General visa requirements for travelling to Kazakhstan. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry (CIS & Select Countries - 90 Days))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
N/A - visa-free entry
Fee
No fee
Validity
90 days within any 180-day period
Entry
Multiple entry

Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, and Ukraine can stay up to 90 days. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Serbia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, UAE, and Uzbekistan can stay up to 30 days within the 90/180 rule. Since January 27, 2023, the 180 days are counted backward from the date of entry or exit.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of CIS countries and select nations with strong economic ties to Kazakhstan

    Eligible countries: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Ecuador, Georgia, Korea (Republic of), Kyrgyzstan, Moldova (Republic of), Mongolia, Russian Federation, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry (EU & Major Countries - 30 Days))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
N/A - visa-free entry
Fee
No fee
Validity
Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period
Entry
Multiple entry

Visitors from EU member states, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, US, Vatican City, and Vietnam can enter without a visa for 30 days. Maximum stay of 90 days within 180-day period. Not valid for employment or missionary work.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of EU countries and major economies with significant investment in Kazakhstan

    Eligible countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Viet Nam

  • Purpose of visit

    Valid for all purposes except employment and missionary work

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • business meetings
    • conferences
    • family visits

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry (14 Days))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
14 days
Processing time
N/A - visa-free entry
Fee
No fee
Validity
14 days per entry
Entry
Multiple entry

Citizens of China, India, Iran, and Hong Kong may enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 days. This policy was introduced in 2023.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of China, India, Iran, and Hong Kong

    Eligible countries: China, Hong Kong, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist Embassy Visa (Single Entry))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
1-2 weeks
Fee
$80 USD
Validity
90 days from date of issue
Entry
Single entry

Traditional tourist visa obtained through Kazakhstan embassy or consulate. Requires invitation letter from Kazakhstan travel company approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs. At least 16 calendar days must pass between LOI approval date and actual arrival in Kazakhstan.

Eligibility

  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of stay through bank statements

    Minimum funds: Sufficient balance to cover stay (specific amount varies)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, 2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months, printed on photo paper

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover stay; Months required: 3

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from Kazakhstani travel company, approved by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Must be submitted at least 15 days before requested entry date.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Kazakhstan visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

  • Hotel booking

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather passport, photos, invitation letter, hotel bookings, bank statements, and flight reservations

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Kazakhstan embassy or consulate

  3. Document submission

    Submit application and documents at embassy/consulate

  4. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee at embassy

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa from embassy

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (M1))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
1-2 months for work permit, then 1-2 weeks for visa
Fee
$350 USD
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Entry
Multiple entry

M1 visa for foreign workers who have been issued a work permit. M2 visas for dependents. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval. Employer must be locally registered, in good standing, and demonstrate need for foreign specialist. 2026 work quota set at 0.25% of total labor force.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have job offer from Kazakhstani employer with approved work permit

    Required status: Job offer from locally registered Kazakhstani employer

  • Criminal record

    Must have clean criminal record confirmed by official certificate from country of citizenship or residence

  • Health

    Must have valid medical certificate confirming no diseases that prohibit entry to Kazakhstan

    Required vaccinations: As per Kazakhstan health requirements

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from Kazakhstani employer approved by Migration Police

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: General health examination; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Work visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

  • Work permit notification

    Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

    Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Work permit number from local labor office

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer obtains work permit from local labor office (15-30 business days)

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Kazakhstan embassy

  3. Document submission

    Submit work visa application with all documents

  4. Fee payment

    Pay work visa fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with work visa

Sign in to apply

Medical visa (Medical Treatment Visa (C12))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
5 business days
Fee
$80 USD
Validity
180 days
Entry
Multiple entry

C12 visa for persons traveling to Kazakhstan for medical treatment, examination, or consultation. Also covers accompanying persons and those traveling to care for close relatives who are citizens or residents of Kazakhstan undergoing treatment. Available as e-visa or embassy visa. Single and multiple entry options for up to 180 days.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For medical treatment, examination, consultation, or caring for relatives undergoing treatment

    Includes
    • Medical treatment
    • medical examination
    • medical consultation
    • accompanying patient
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate ability to pay for medical treatment and expenses

    Minimum funds: Sufficient to cover treatment costs and living expenses

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover medical treatment and stay; Months required: 3

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation from Kazakhstani medical institution approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: Medical documents showing need for treatment in Kazakhstan; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Medical visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation from Kazakhstani medical institution and gather medical documents

  2. Online application

    Complete medical e-visa application online

  3. Fee payment

    Pay medical visa fee online

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for e-visa approval

  5. Visa collection

    Receive medical e-visa electronically

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa (H1 - 5 Days))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
5 days
Processing time
3-5 business days
Fee
$69 USD
Validity
5 days
Entry
Single entry

Transit visa (H1) for stays exceeding 72 hours or for those not traveling on Kazakhstan airlines. Valid for up to 5 days from arrival. Requires visa for destination country and confirmed onward ticket showing departure from Kazakhstan within 5 days.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For transit through Kazakhstan when staying more than 72 hours or not using Kazakhstan airlines

    Includes
    • Transit to third country by air
    • rail
    • or road

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Transit visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather passport, photo, visa for destination country, and confirmed onward tickets

  2. Document submission

    Submit transit visa application at Kazakhstan embassy

  3. Fee payment

    Pay transit visa fee

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  5. Visa collection

    Collect passport with transit visa

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Investor Visa (A5/A6 & C5))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
365 days
Processing time
1-3 months
Fee
$350 USD
Validity
Up to 2 years (C5), pathway to 10-year residence permit (A5/A6)
Entry
Multiple entry

A5/A6 investor visa for foreigners investing USD $300,000+ in charter capital of Kazakh company or local securities, providing pathway to 10-year residence permit. C5 visa for business immigrants/entrepreneurs registering commercial entity or purchasing company shares. Alternative: AIFC investment with USD $60,000 qualifies for 5-year investor visa with tax benefits.

Eligibility

  • Financial

    Must meet minimum investment requirements and demonstrate legal source of funds

    Minimum funds: USD $300,000 (A5/A6) or USD $60,000 (AIFC program)

  • Age

    Must be of legal adult age

    Min age: 18

  • Criminal record

    Must have clean criminal record confirmed by official certificate

  • Health

    Must have valid medical certificate and insurance covering stay in Kazakhstan

    Required vaccinations: As per Kazakhstan health requirements

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Proof of investment funds (USD $300,000+ for A5/A6); Months required: 6

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation from 'Kazakh Invest' agency or Investment Committee of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (A5/A6) or from registered Kazakh company (C5)

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: General health examination confirming no diseases prohibiting entry; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Investor visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Investment documents, company charter, share certificates, or business registration (for C5)

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: USD $300,000 (A5/A6) or varies (C5); Must include financials: Yes

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Prepare investment documentation and obtain invitation from Kazakh Invest or Investment Committee

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Kazakhstan embassy

  3. Document submission

    Submit investor visa application with all supporting documents

  4. Fee payment

    Pay investor visa fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing and investment verification

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with investor visa

Sign in to apply

Transit visa (Transit Visa (H1 - 72 Hours Visa-Free))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
3 days
Processing time
N/A - visa-free transit
Fee
No fee
Validity
72 hours
Entry
Single entry

Transit visa not required for stays up to 72 hours if transiting through Kazakhstan to third destination at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport or Almaty International Airport. Must hold valid air tickets and be traveling on Kazakhstan airlines. Chinese and Indian passport holders also eligible for 72-hour visa-free transit through these airports.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Only for transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets departing within 72 hours

    Includes
    • Airport transit to third country

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Ensure valid passport and confirmed onward flight within 72 hours

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Business e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
5 business days
Fee
$80 USD
Validity
90 days from date of issue
Entry
Single entry

Electronic business visa for attending meetings, conferences, forums, or business-related activities. Requires invitation from Kazakhstani company approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs. B1 category for business meetings/conferences, B2 for consulting/auditing activities.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For business meetings, conferences, consulting, auditing, or other commercial activities that do not earn direct payment for services

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • forums
    • consulting
    • auditing
  • Employment

    Must be currently employed and traveling on behalf of employer

    Required status: Employed

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, 2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from Kazakhstani company, approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Electronic business visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from Kazakhstani company and gather employment documents

  2. Online application

    Complete electronic business visa application

  3. Fee payment

    Pay consular fee online

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for e-visa approval

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa electronically and print for travel

Sign in to apply

Student visa (Student Visa (C9))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
1-2 weeks
Fee
$350 USD
Validity
1 year (renewable for duration of study)
Entry
Multiple entry

C9 visa for students traveling to Kazakhstan for admission to or study at educational institutions implementing secondary, technical, professional, post-secondary, higher, or postgraduate education programs. Covers student and family members. Single entry for up to 90 days, multiple entry for up to 1 year.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be admitted to or enrolled in recognized Kazakhstani educational institution

    Includes
    • Full-time study at secondary
    • technical
    • post-secondary
    • higher
    • or postgraduate level
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses

    Minimum funds: Sufficient for tuition and living expenses (varies by institution)

  • Health

    Must have valid medical certificate confirming no diseases prohibiting entry

    Required vaccinations: As per Kazakhstan health requirements

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background, taken within last 6 months

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses; Months required: 6

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from Kazakhstani educational institution

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: General health examination; Validity months: 3

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Student visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain admission/acceptance letter from Kazakhstani educational institution

  2. Appointment booking

    Schedule appointment at Kazakhstan embassy or consulate

  3. Document submission

    Submit student visa application with all supporting documents

  4. Fee payment

    Pay student visa fee

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing

  6. Visa collection

    Collect passport with student visa

Sign in to apply

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa (A1/A2))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
5-10 business days
Fee
No fee
Validity
A1: up to 1 year (multiple entry), A2: up to 180 days
Entry
Multiple entry

Diplomatic visas (A1, A2) issued to heads of foreign states, governments, international organizations, members of parliaments, foreign governments, international organizations, and their families who hold diplomatic passports. Also for members of official foreign delegations, accompanying persons, and diplomatic couriers. A1 for high-level officials, A2 for other diplomatic personnel. No consular fees.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Only for holders of diplomatic passports on official government or international organization business

    Includes
    • Official diplomatic missions
    • state visits
    • international organization duties

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, white background

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Official invitation from Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or international organization

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Diplomatic visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain official invitation from Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  2. Document submission

    Submit diplomatic visa application through diplomatic channels

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for diplomatic visa processing

  4. Visa collection

    Collect diplomatic visa

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Tourist e-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
5 business days (up to 30 calendar days in some cases)
Fee
$60 USD
Validity
90 days from date of issue
Entry
Single entry

Electronic visas are available for citizens of most countries except Afghanistan, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, and Yemen. Must arrive via Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport or Almaty International Airport. Requires invitation letter from a Kazakhstani organization (travel company for tourists).

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to citizens of approximately 109 countries (all except the 17 excluded nations)

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Color passport-sized photo, 2x2 inches, white background, taken within last 6 months, printed on photo paper

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter from Kazakhstani organization (travel company for tourists), approved by Ministry of Internal Affairs. Must be submitted at least 15 days before requested entry date.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Electronic visa application form; Form url: https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/services/visa-service

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain invitation letter from Kazakhstani travel company, gather passport, photo, and supporting documents

  2. Online application

    Complete electronic visa application form on the Visa Migration Portal

  3. Fee payment

    Pay consular fee online using bank card

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for e-visa approval (typically 5 business days, may extend to 30 calendar days)

  5. Visa collection

    Receive e-visa electronically via email, print and present at airport upon arrival

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.