Astana Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, welcomes international visitors through Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and other entry points. Kazakhstan has significantly modernized its visa policies in recent years, offering visa-free entry to citizens of many countries and implementing an efficient e-visa system for others. The entry process is generally straightforward, with immigration and customs procedures following international standards. Travelers to Astana should be prepared with valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. The immigration process typically involves passport control, customs declaration if applicable, and baggage screening. Most visitors experience a smooth entry process, especially when arriving with all required documentation properly prepared. It's essential to understand that entry requirements can vary significantly based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Kazakhstan's visa policy is designed to promote tourism and business travel while maintaining security standards. Always verify current requirements with official Kazakh government sources or your nearest Kazakh embassy before departure, as policies can change with little notice.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry to citizens of numerous countries, an e-visa option for many others, and traditional visa applications for remaining nationalities. The visa policy applies uniformly across all entry points to Kazakhstan, including Astana.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 30 days within any 90-day period (some countries have different allowances)

Citizens of these countries can enter Kazakhstan without obtaining a visa in advance

Includes

United States United Kingdom European Union member states (all 27 countries) Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia United Arab Emirates Argentina Brazil Chile Mexico Turkey Serbia Monaco CIS countries (unlimited stay for most)

Some nationalities have different stay allowances: EU citizens, UK, US, and several others can stay up to 30 days. CIS countries typically have unlimited stay rights. Always check specific allowances for your nationality. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Single entry for up to 30 days

Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an electronic visa online through the official government portal

Includes

China India Indonesia Iran Kuwait Lebanon Oman Philippines Saudi Arabia Thailand Vietnam And approximately 50+ other countries

How to Apply: Apply online at www.vmp.gov.kz or evisa.kdmid.ru. Processing typically takes 5 business days but can be faster. Upload passport copy, photo, and complete application form. Approval notification sent via email.
Cost: Approximately USD 60-80 (varies by nationality and processing speed)

Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel. Print the e-visa approval and present it upon arrival with your passport. E-visa is valid for 90 days from issue date and allows one entry with 30-day stay.

Traditional Visa Required

Varies by visa type: typically 30 days for tourist visas, up to 90 days for business visas

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or e-visa must apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Kazakh embassy or consulate with completed application form, passport photos, invitation letter (if required), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and applicable fees. Processing time is typically 5-10 business days.

Some nationalities require an invitation letter from a Kazakh sponsor or hotel. Business visas may require additional documentation from Kazakh partners. Transit visas available for stays under 72 hours in some cases.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport or other entry points in Astana, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary during peak hours.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and follow signs to passport control. During certain periods, health screening or temperature checks may be conducted.

Immigration/Passport Control

Join the appropriate queue (Kazakh citizens, EEU citizens, or foreign nationals). Present your passport, visa/e-visa if applicable, and completed migration card. Immigration officer will verify documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport.

Migration Card Completion

Complete the migration card (usually provided on the aircraft or at immigration). Keep the departure portion with your passport throughout your stay - you'll need it when leaving Kazakhstan.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Carts are available (may require a small deposit or fee).

Customs Declaration

Choose the appropriate customs channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). If carrying currency exceeding limits or restricted items, use the red channel and complete customs declaration form.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and meet greeters.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kazakhstan. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa or e-Visa (if applicable)

Printed copy of e-visa approval or visa sticker in passport. Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry.

Migration Card

Completed immigration form with personal details, passport information, and purpose of visit. Distributed on aircraft or available at immigration. Must be retained for departure.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter, or address where you'll be staying. May be requested by immigration officers.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Kazakhstan. Immigration may request to see this, especially for longer stays.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Customs Declaration Form (if applicable)

Required if carrying currency exceeding USD 10,000 equivalent, valuable items, or restricted goods.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep all travel documents easily accessible in a travel wallet or folder, including printed copies of hotel reservations and e-visa approvals.

Have a pen ready to complete the migration card during the flight or before reaching immigration to save time.

Ensure your migration card is stamped and keep the departure portion safe - losing it can cause complications when leaving Kazakhstan.

Be prepared to answer questions in English or Russian. Immigration officers generally speak English at international airports, but basic Russian phrases can be helpful.

Allow extra time during peak arrival periods (early morning and evening international flights) as queues can be longer.

Take photos of important documents and store them securely in cloud storage or email them to yourself as backup.

Declare all required items at customs - penalties for non-declaration can be severe and may include confiscation and fines.

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses, but better rates are typically available at city exchange offices.

Customs & Duty-Free

Kazakhstan customs regulations follow international standards with specific allowances for duty-free goods. All travelers must pass through customs control, and those carrying items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted goods must declare them using the red channel.

Alcohol

Up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages per adult

Must be 18 years or older. Exceeding this amount requires duty payment. Commercial quantities are prohibited without proper import licenses.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco products per adult

Must be 18 years or older. Combinations of different tobacco products are allowed within equivalent limits.

Currency

Up to USD 10,000 equivalent (or equivalent in any currency) without declaration

Amounts exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared on arrival and departure using customs declaration form. No limit on amount that can be brought in if properly declared. Keep declaration form for departure.

Gifts/Goods

Personal goods and gifts up to EUR 1,500 in value and 50 kg in weight

Exceeding these limits requires payment of customs duties. Goods must be for personal use, not commercial purposes. Electronics and valuables may be recorded in passport for re-export.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and psychotropic substances - illegal drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited with severe penalties
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and licenses from Kazakh authorities
Explosives and flammable materials - including fireworks and certain chemicals
Counterfeit goods - fake branded items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Pornographic materials - printed, digital, or video content deemed pornographic
Materials promoting extremism or terrorism - literature, videos, or materials deemed extremist
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants without CITES permits
Meat and dairy products - from most countries without veterinary certification
Certain plants and seeds - without phytosanitary certificates

Restricted Items

Medications - Prescription medications allowed in reasonable quantities with doctor's prescription and original packaging. Psychotropic medications require special permits
Professional equipment - Cameras, laptops, and professional equipment may be recorded in passport for re-export to avoid duties on departure
Drones and radio equipment - May require permits from relevant authorities; declare upon arrival
Cultural artifacts and antiques - Export of cultural property requires special permits from Ministry of Culture
Large amounts of jewelry - Valuable jewelry should be declared to avoid questions on departure
Pets and animals - Require veterinary certificates, rabies vaccination records, and microchip identification

Health Requirements

Kazakhstan does not currently require specific vaccinations for most international travelers, but health precautions are recommended. Requirements may change based on global health situations or if arriving from countries with specific disease risks.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented if applicable.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as transmission can occur through contaminated food or water
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Rabies - Consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or in rural areas
Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for spring/summer travelers planning outdoor activities in forested areas

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Kazakhstan. Medical care in Astana is generally good at private facilities but can be expensive for foreigners. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation. Some visa types or extended stays may require proof of health insurance coverage.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check current COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements before travel as these may still be in effect or reinstated. Consult official Kazakh government websites, your embassy, or the WHO for the latest health entry requirements. Some countries may require specific documentation or health declarations upon arrival.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Astana Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Astana for citizen services and emergency assistance

Major embassies are located in Astana. Register with your embassy if planning extended stay. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure.

Immigration Authority

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan - migration.gov.kz for visa information and www.vmp.gov.kz for e-visa applications

Official source for visa requirements, extensions, and registration. Contact for questions about legal stay requirements.

Emergency Services

112 - Unified emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services

Available 24/7 throughout Kazakhstan. Operators may speak limited English; knowing basic Russian emergency phrases is helpful. Alternative numbers: Police 102, Ambulance 103, Fire 101

Airport Information

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport - +7 7172 70 44 44

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services. Website: nursultanairport.kz

Tourist Information

Astana Tourist Information Center and official tourism websites

Visit Astana tourist information points for maps, guidance, and assistance. Check visitastana.kz for official tourism information.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be included in parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Russian, including permission to travel, dates, and destination. If traveling with one parent, a consent letter from the other parent is strongly recommended. Children traveling alone or with adults who are not parents/guardians require notarized consent from both parents and may need additional documentation. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Kazakhstan require: valid veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel, rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), and import permit from Kazakhstan veterinary authorities for some animals. Dogs and cats from EU countries should have EU pet passport. Pets must be examined by veterinary control at port of entry. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact Kazakh veterinary authorities well in advance. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport.

Extended Stays

Visitors staying longer than 30 days must register with local migration police within 5 working days of arrival (hotels register guests automatically). For stays beyond visa-free or visa period, apply for visa extension or appropriate long-term visa before current authorization expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require justification. Options for longer stays include: work visa (requires job offer and employer sponsorship), student visa (requires admission to Kazakh educational institution), business visa (requires invitation from Kazakh company), or residence permit (for those with family ties, property, or investment). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Contact migration police or immigration lawyer for specific requirements.

Business Travelers

Business visitors may enter visa-free (if eligible nationality) for short business trips including meetings, conferences, and negotiations. For work requiring payment from Kazakh sources or extended business activities, a business visa or work permit is required. Business visas typically require invitation letter from Kazakh company or organization. Those planning to work must obtain work permit before starting employment. Bring business cards, invitation letters, and documentation of business purpose. Register with migration police if staying beyond initial period.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers remaining airside generally do not need visa. Those exiting airport during transit may need visa depending on nationality and transit duration. Some nationalities can transit visa-free for up to 72 hours if holding confirmed onward ticket. Check specific transit visa requirements for your nationality. Ensure sufficient time for immigration if leaving airport during layover.

Dual Citizens

Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship for its citizens. Kazakh citizens must enter and exit Kazakhstan using their Kazakh passport. Dual citizens of other countries should enter using the passport that provides the most favorable visa treatment. Ensure consistency in passport use throughout journey to avoid complications.