Kazakhstan Visa – Types, Application, Fees and Requirements
Do you have your passport ready and plan on getting a visa to visit Kazakhstan? Then, you are in the right place for the right information. While visas are not required for tourism, they can be essential to your travel plans. If you are applying for a visa online or by mail, you must know the correct requirements and procedures.
Undoubtedly, Kazakhstan is a great country in Central Asia and one of the most populous countries in the world. As a result, many people travel to Kazakhstan each year. However, before traveling to Kazakhstan, you must obtain a visa. A visa is required for all foreign nationals who want to visit Kazakhstan for more than 30 days.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Therefore, in this article, we will consider all you need to know about Kazakhstan, including the types of fees and requirements.
About Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a country in Central Asia. The capital and largest city are Astana. It has a population of about 17 million people.
The territory of modern Kazakhstan has been settled since before the first millennium BC. The major tribes were the Alaskans and the Kyrgyz peoples. In medieval times, the region was controlled by nomadic Turkic and Mongolian tribes. In 1557, Kazakh Khanate was established by Oghuz Turks, whose invasions reached present-day eastern Kazakhstan and parts of Xinjiang province in China. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared independence on December 18, 1991.
Today, Kazakhstan is an industrialized country with a high-income economy based mainly on its oil and gas reserves.
Benefits of Kazakhstan Visa
Some of the key benefits of a Kazakhstan Visa include;
- Entry into Kazakhstan is easy, with no visa required for citizens of most countries.
- Kazakhstan is a safe country to visit, with low crime rates and a stable political environment.
- The country has many attractions, including spectacular mountain ranges and lakes, world-famous archaeological sites, and lively cities full of culture and entertainment.
- Kazakhstan offers great tourist opportunities, including some of the best skiing in the world, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and top-notch shopping.
Kazakhstan is the perfect way to get started if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding travel experience. With so much to see and do in this beautiful country, there’s no reason not to apply today!
Kazakhstan Visa exemptions
Kazakhstan offers several visa exemptions for foreigners traveling to the country. These exemptions include:
- Foreigners are accompanied by a citizen of Kazakhstan or a permanent resident of Kazakhstan, who is also in the country for an accompanying purpose.
- Foreigners who are members of international organizations or their accredited representatives.
- Foreigners with diplomatic or official passports.
- Journalists and representatives of media organizations.
Types of Kazakhstan Visa
The visa types available to visitors to Kazakhstan depend on their nationality. Below are the types of Kazakhstan visas.
#1. Kazakhstan Tourist Visa
A Kazakhstan tourist visa is a document issued by the Kazakh authorities to foreign nationals wishing to visit Kazakhstan for tourism purposes. The visa allows visitors to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days and may be relevant for business and leisure trips. Tourists must hold a passport valid for at least six months after the planned date of departure from Kazakhstan and must have sufficient funds available to cover their expenses while in the country.
#2. Kazakhstan Bussiness Visa
A business visa is an important document that permits foreigners to enter, reside and work in Kazakhstan. A business visa is a visa granted to foreign nationals traveling to conduct commercial or other activities that will benefit Kazakhstan. The requirements for a business visa vary depending on the type of visa requested, but generally, a valid passport and Schengen visa is required.
Business visas are generally issued for stays of up to six months and can be extended if necessary. Once in Kazakhstan, business visitors must abide by all local laws and regulations, including paying applicable taxes and fees.
#3. Kazakhstan Transit Visa
Kazakhstan is a transit country for citizens of many other countries. Transit visas are issued to citizens of other countries traveling through Kazakhstan on their way to another destination. The visa allows the traveler to stay in Kazakhstan for a limited period and to freely enter and leave the country. The visa can be obtained at any Kazakh embassy or consulate abroad.
#4. Kazakhstan Student Visa
A Kazakhstan student visa entitles the holder to study in Kazakhstan for an academic term or a period of up to 12 months. The application process includes submitting a copy of your passport and education certification and a letter of invitation from a Kazakh educational institution.
#5.Employment Visa
This type of visa allows employees to work in Kazakhstan for a period ranging from 1 day to 6 months.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a visa to visit Kazakhstan, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of a country that is not currently designated as a terrorist state by the United States Department of State.
- Have a valid passport issued no more than six months before your planned travel to Kazakhstan.
- Be in good health and have no serious medical conditions preventing you from traveling to Kazakhstan.
- Not be subject to any orders or warrants for your arrest or detention.
Kazakhstan Visa Requirements
Requirements for a Kazakhstan Visa include;
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Proof of a return or onward ticket, if traveling for more than 72 hours
- Invitation letter from the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate in your home country
- Photo identification (passport, driver’s license, voter ID card)
- Application fee (USD 60)
Kazakhstan is a visa-free country for citizens of the EU, Canada, Norway, and Australia. However, all other nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling to Kazakhstan. The following are the required documents for obtaining a visa.
Kazakhstan Visa Processing Time
Kazakhstan visa processing time is relatively short. The embassy in your home country will usually process your visa within a few days. However, the processing time may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. In general, nationals of European Union countries and the United States should expect to receive their visas within two to three business days. For other nationalities, the processing time may take up to five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not listed on the visa-free list, you may need to obtain a visa before traveling to Kazakhstan. The visa process can be time-consuming and expensive, so it is essential to research the requirements of your particular country before planning your trip.
Some standard requirements for visas include proof of citizenship and a valid passport. You may also need to provide evidence of financial resources, an invitation from a Kazakh resident, or a guarantee that you will not be staying in Kazakhstan for more than 90 days.
How long does a Kazakhstan visa take?
Kazakhstan visa processing time is relatively short. The embassy in your home country will usually process your visa within a few days. However, the processing time may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. In general, nationals of European Union countries and the United States should expect to receive their visas within two to three business days. For other nationalities, the processing time may take up to five business days.
Where can I get a Kazakhstan visa?
The most common way to obtain a visa is through an embassy or consulate in your home country. However, you can also apply for a visa at the Kazakh Embassy or Consulate in your city of residence.
Is Kazakhstan a friendly country?
Kazakhs themselves would say yes, and most Westerners would concur. The Kazakhs are hospitable and enjoy good relations with their neighbors. There is no shortage of smiles in Kazakhstan, even in the depths of winter when temperatures can dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, most people here are law-abiding citizens who want to live in peace and harmony with their neighbors. The government does make some efforts to improve this situation. For example, it has instituted anti-corruption measures and sponsored educational programs that foster human rights awareness.
Conclusion
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the visa process can be daunting. Fortunately, with little research and patience, you can get your visa quickly and without any hassles. If you have any questions about visas in Kazakhstan, don’t hesitate to reach out to an embassy or consulate. Finally, always carry your passport and visa with you when traveling in case of emergencies.
