Kazakhstan requires U.S. citizens entering the country to have a valid passport with at least 3 months of validity from time of entry. Ordinarily, U.S. visitors may stay in Kazakhstan visa-free for 30 days (and not more than a cumulative 90 days in a six-month period), but this practice has been temporarily suspended. Visas are currently required for all travelers entering Kazakhstan.
Visa Requirements in Kazakhstan
Even when/if Kazakhstan's visa-free travel program is reinstated, those who wish to stay in Kazakhstan longer than 30 days must obtain appropriate visas.
Kazakhstan may issue U.S. citizens a 10-year multiple-entry visa, with a maximum stay of 60 days for business and 30 days for tourism.
Five-year multiple-entry visas are available for diplomatic, official, and media travel.
Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, DC or the Consulate of Kazakhstan in New York.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan
- Address: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Telephone (202) 232-5488 or 550-9617
- Fax (202) 232-5845
The Kazakhstan Consulate
- Address: 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 586 A, New York, NY 10017
- Telephone (212) 230-1900 or 230-1192
- Fax (212) 230-1172.
Potential Issues
Overstaying a visa
Fines or exit delays may result from overstaying or otherwise violating the terms of a Kazakhstan visa. Included in these terms may also be proof of onward or departing travel. In some cases, overstaying a visa can result in imprisonment.
Extending a visa
Visitors may not extend visas while in the country except for student visas, visas for medical treatment, permanent resident visas, and work visas.
Work permit holders may extend their visas until the date the permit expires.
Business visas may be extended in Kazakhstan under certain circumstances: if the permit is for a diplomatic mission, if your business is for an international organization, or if you are in the country at the invitation of the Kazakhstan government. You must have clearance from the U.S. police in order to seek a work permit in Kazakhstan.
Closed areas
Visitors may not travel to certain areas in Kazakhstan without permission from the Kazakhstani government. These areas include those surrounding certain military installations, and regions in proximity to the Chinese border. Foreigners may not visit the town of Baikonur, surrounding areas in Kyzylorda Oblast, and the town of Gvardeysk.
Even with permission from the Department of Migration Police, visitors may face demands for authorization documentation from local officials. Trouble from local authorities should be reported to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
Passport registration
Kazakhstan embassies or consulates will register your passport when they issue your visa abroad or at a land border crossing. Traveler's will receive a white registration card upon entering at an airport or land port of entry, and must keep this card with them throughout their stay. If the card contains two stamps, a visitor is properly registered; those with only one stamp have 5 days to register with the Migration Police. Each registration is valid for a three month period.
Religious missionaries
Kazakhstan created a new visa category for missionaries. Those performing missionary or religious work must register themselves with the local Department of Justice. Registration must take place even hen religious activities are not the primary reason for visiting Kazakhstan.
U.S. citizens may face deportation for leading religious service or prayers, addressing a religious congregation, or performing religious music. Representative from faith-based NGO's may need to register even if they are not planning to engage in religious activities.
