Planning a trip to Kazakhstan? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Kazakhstan's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Kazakhstan need tourist e-visa, with an official government fee of 60 USD.
Kazakhstan visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Tourist e-Visa |
| Government fee | 60 USD |
| Processing time | 5-7 working days |
| Validity | 3 months (90 days) from issue |
| Permitted stay | 30 days |
| Where to apply | https://vmp.gov.kz |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Kazakhstan?
Visa-free: ~56 countries 30 days (max 90 in 180): Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, China (mutual), Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK, all EU, Australia, NZ, UAE, Qatar, Saudi, Türkiye, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico etc. India: 14 days visa-free (unilateral, since 2022). CIS states longer.
Tourist e-Visa: Eligible foreign nationals (incl. Indians needing stays beyond 14 days); typically requires an invitation number from a host in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan e-Visa (Business): Eligible foreign nationals for business purposes
Kazakhstan visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | — | 14 days | At border | https://egov.kz/cms/en/articles/rk_visa_obtaining |
| Tourist e-Visa | 60 USD | 30 days | 5-7 working days | https://vmp.gov.kz |
| Kazakhstan e-Visa (Business) | 80 USD | 30 days | 5-7 working days | https://vmp.gov.kz |
Documents required
For the Tourist e-Visa:
- Passport bio page scan
- Passport-size photo
- Invitation number (from host/inviting party)
- Payment card
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Tourist e-Visa: https://vmp.gov.kz — allow 5-7 working days.
- Kazakhstan e-Visa (Business): https://vmp.gov.kz — allow 5-7 working days.
- Arrival formalities: None (migration registration automatic via hotel/host)
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Kazakhstan visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Kazakhstan visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Kazakhstan.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None (migration registration automatic via hotel/host) — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Kazakhstan application.
- Processing: allow 5-7 working days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Kazakhstan
- Arrival card / declaration: None (migration registration automatic via hotel/host)
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Indians get 14 days only; longer stays need e-visa.
- e-Visa requires a pre-approved invitation number.
Kazakhstan visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Kazakhstan visa?
Tourist e-Visa: 60 USD. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Tourist e-Visa: 5-7 working days.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kazakhstan — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.