By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa options Kazakhstan offers, how to apply for a tourist visa (including e-Visa), stay within the 90/180-day rule, and even explore long-term and digital nomad options. You’ll also learn about fingerprinting, host notification, and other must-know formalities.

Types of Kazakh Visas

Kazakhstan provides a range of visas to suit different needs.
– Tourist Visa
– Business Visa
– Transit Visa
– Private Visa
– Diplomatic, Service and Investor Visas
– Work and Study Visas
– Medical and Humanitarian Visas

Each category has its own requirements and validity periods. For a full list, see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan’s official visa categories{:target=”_blank”}.

Tourist Visa Requirements & Application Process

To obtain a standard tourist visa, you’ll need:
1. A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State’s Kazakhstan travel guide{:target=”_blank”}.
2. A completed visa application form.
3. One passport-style photo (35×45 mm).
4. An invitation letter (tourist voucher) issued by a tour operator licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.
5. Payment of the consular fee (varies by nationality and processing speed).

You can apply in person or by mail at a Kazakh embassy or consulate. Standard processing takes about five business days; expedited service may be as quick as one to three days according to Kazakhstan visa processing times on iVisa{:target=”_blank”}.

Invitation Letter & Tourist Voucher

Your invitation is issued by a registered travel agency. It confirms your accommodation and itinerary. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. If you need it sooner, choose an operator offering express service.

Kazakhstan e-Visa: Online Application

Kazakhstan’s e-Visa simplifies the process for single-entry tourist visas. You only need:
– A scan of your passport biodata page.
– A digital passport photo.
– A valid email address.

Once you submit the online form and pay the fee, you’ll receive your e-Visa by email—typically within three business days via the official Kazakhstan e-Visa portal{:target=”_blank”}. The e-Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days and cannot be extended.

Visa-Free Entry & the 90/180-Day Rule

Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free travel to Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Starting April 2025, India and Iran join that list and may visit visa-free for 14 days, according to the Visa policy of Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.

To avoid overstaying:
– Kazakhstan enforces a 90-day stay within any rolling 180-day period, as noted in the same Visa policy of Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.
– You can use an online calculator to track your days, such as the one at Can I Travel’s Kazakhstan visa calculator{:target=”_blank”}.

Calculating Your Stay

1. Mark your entry date.
2. Count backward 180 days from today.
3. Ensure your total days in Kazakhstan during that window don’t exceed 90.

If you breach it, you risk fines or entry bans.

Advanced Visa Options & Long-Term Stays

Digital Nomad Visa

Remote workers can apply for a digital nomad visa, valid for up to one year with possible renewal. It requires proof of employment or freelancing income of at least USD 2,500 per month, as detailed by Nomad List’s Kazakhstan digital nomad visa guide{:target=”_blank”}.

Multiple-Entry Visas

Frequent travelers may qualify for a five-year or ten-year multiple-entry visa, available to businesspeople, diplomats, officials, and accredited media. Learn more from the IATA Travel Centre’s multiple-entry visa options for Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.

Temporary Residence Permit

If you plan to stay beyond visa limits, you can apply for a temporary residence permit. Eligibility includes work contracts, property ownership, or family ties, as outlined in Mercer’s Work and Residence Permits for Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.

Registration, Fingerprinting & Other Formalities

Host Notification Requirement

Hotels, landlords or employers must register your arrival with local authorities within three working days—and again if you change your city—according to the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Kazakhstan{:target=”_blank”}.

Dactyloscopy (Fingerprinting)

Upon arrival, some travelers undergo fingerprinting as part of border security measures, as reported by the Astana Times article on biometric border control{:target=”_blank”}. Compliance is mandatory before your visa is stamped.

Individual Identification Number (IIN)

Foreigners staying more than 30 days or holding certain visas must obtain an IIN. This unique number is needed for banking, SIM cards, and other services.

Ready for Your Kazakh Adventure

Now that you’re familiar with visa categories, e-Visa procedures, visa-free rules, advanced options, and entry formalities, you’re set to explore Kazakhstan with confidence. Whether you’re trekking in the Tien Shan, sampling baursaks in Almaty, or working remotely in Nur-Sultan, all that remains is packing your bags and embarking on your journey.