Kazakhstan

🇰🇿

Phone Code

Capital

Astana

Population

19 Million

Native Name

Қазақстан

Region

Asia

Central Asia

Timezones

Alma-Ata Time[1

UTC+06:00

+6 more

Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country and ninth-largest overall, spanning Central Asia and Eastern Europe. A former Soviet republic (independent since 1991), Kazakhstan is known for vast steppes, Soviet-era architecture, futuristic capital city, Silk Road history, and space exploration heritage (Baikonur Cosmodrome). Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana) is the capital city featuring striking futuristic architecture like Bayterek Tower and Khan Shatyr. Almaty, the largest city and former capital, sits at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. Visitors are drawn to Astana's futuristic skyline, Almaty's mountains and Soviet architecture, Charyn Canyon (Grand Canyon-like), Big Almaty Lake, Baikonur Cosmodrome rocket launches (world's oldest and largest space launch facility), Turkistan ancient mausoleum, nomadic culture, and Soviet heritage. Kazakhstan offers adventure tourism, Soviet nostalgia, and Central Asian culture with improving infrastructure.

Visa Requirements for Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has liberalized visa policies significantly. Citizens of over 70 countries including United States, United Kingdom, EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business. Citizens of many other countries can obtain e-visas online through the government portal (www.gov.kz/evisa) with processing typically within 5 business days. E-visas cost approximately $60 USD and are valid for 30 days (single or double entry). Embassy visas remain available for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry. Registration with migration police is required for stays exceeding 5 days (hotels usually handle this automatically). Kazakhstan's visa liberalization is part of efforts to boost tourism and position itself as a regional hub.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 30 days; passport must be valid 6 months beyond stay; no registration needed for stays under 5 days; for longer stays, register with migration police (hotels handle automatically); can't work on visa-free status.

For tourism or business for citizens of 70+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others.

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

30 days single or double entry; apply at www.gov.kz/evisa; costs ~$60 USD; processing 5 business days typically; requires passport scan, photo, hotel confirmation, travel itinerary; print e-visa to present at entry.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied for online before travel.

Embassy Visa

30-90 days depending on visa type; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter (for business), hotel booking; processing time varies by embassy; fees depend on nationality and processing speed.

Traditional visa obtained through Kazakhstani embassy or consulate for nationalities not eligible for visa-free or e-visa.

Migration Registration

Must register within 5 days of arrival; hotels register guests automatically; for private accommodation, register at local migration police office; fines for non-registration; keep registration slip with passport.

Mandatory registration with migration police for all visitors staying more than 5 calendar days.

Important Travel Information

Registration requirement: MUST register with migration police if staying over 5 days. Hotels handle automatically. For private stays, register at local migration police within 5 days. Keep registration slip. Fines/problems at exit if not registered.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure. Blank pages required for stamps.

Language: Kazakh is official state language, Russian widely spoken (Soviet legacy). English limited outside hotels and tourist areas. Russian essential for independent travel. Learn Cyrillic alphabet basics.