Kazakhstan visas
Whether you need a visa for Kazakhstan depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit: many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, others apply through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, and long-term stays for work, study, family or residence require a specific visa category. Visas are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, while migration matters such as registration, work permits and residence permits are administered by the Migration Service under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Applications and the current, nationality-specific rules are published on the government's official portals, including the Visa and Migration Portal (vmp.gov.kz) and egov.kz.
Kazakhstani visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Kazakhstan — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Kazakhstan to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Kazakhstan — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Kazakhstan.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Kazakhstan as a highly skilled individual.4 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Kazakhstan long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Kazakhstani visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Kazakhstan?
Unless you are from the following Countries, you will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Kazakhstan.
- Georgians
- Armenians
- Belarusians Kyrgyzstanans
- Moldovans
- Russians
- Mongolians
- Ukrainians
- Azerbaijanis
Entry into Kazakhstan
The restrictions on air travel across Kazakhstan's state border have been lifted. Unvaccinated travellers arriving in Kazakhstan are required to present evidence of a negative PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Presenting a valid vaccination certificate exempts travellers from the current testing requirement. These conditions do not apply to children under the age of five.
Eligibility to apply for a Kazakhstan visa
The criteria to apply for a Kazakhstan visa is straight forward. It is designed to assist travellers know what documentation they require before travelling. The criteria is listed below for your benefit.
- Application for a visa.
- Original passport.
- Photograph resembling those used for passports.
- Accommodation documentation. A copy of hotel or other lodging bookings for the duration of the trip.
- Itinerary.
Processing time for Kazakhstan visas
Visa processing times do not exceed five business days. When applying through the portal, thirty minutes are required. The consular fees paid cannot be refunded. A foreign institution issues a visa of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a foreigner after five business days.
Appointment waiting times
Appointment waiting times for a Kazakhstan visa can differ depending on where it is in the world you live. It is important for you to ensure you allow yourself enough time before travelling to sort your visa.
Who can visit Kazakhstan without a visa?
Georgians, Armenians, Belarusians, Kyrgyzstanans, Moldovans, Russians, Mongolians, Ukrainians, and Azerbaijanis can enter and stay in Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 90 days. All other foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Kazakhstani tenge (KZT)
- Time zone
- UTC+05:00 (Qazaqstan Time, single national time zone since 1 March 2024)
Kazakhstani visas — people also ask
The Kazakhstan Online Visa application process is short and clear. The online form may be completed in a matter of minutes and requires a variety of information, including the applicant's name, residence, date of birth, passport information, and travel intentions. To submit a visa application, applicants must meet Kazakhstan's visa requirements and pay the visa fee using a credit card or debit card.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.