Everything you need to know about Kazakhstan Visa
All
UK nationals holding a full UK passport can enter Kazakhstan for a period of
stay, not exceeding 30 days from your day of arrival.
However,
for entry allowance, you need to present these documents to the authorities
after you land at any international airport:
- A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
and at least one blank page
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Evidence of onward/return airline tickets
It is always advisable to contact the
airline to confirm that boarding is allowed without a visa. Sometimes, the
rules can change without prior notice.
If your planned period of stay exceeds 30
days and you do not wish to face long waiting times or unwanted complications
at the airport, you can also apply for a visa beforehand.
Below are the visa types offered by the
Kazakh Embassy in London.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa allows you to enter Kazakhstan for sightseeing or leisure activities. It is available in single entry and multiple entry types, both offering a validity of 90 days. Maximum allowable stay per visit is 30 days.
For this purpose, submit the following documents at the consular section of the Kazakh Embassy in London:
- Visa Support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan (this can be obtained by contacting the inviting person or an organization registered in Kazakhstan)
- A completed application form, filled in legible, block letters
- A recent and clear, coloured passport-sized (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) photograph against a white/grey background. It should be glued on the designated right-hand corner of the application form.
- A valid passport (6 months validity) with a minimum of two blank pages
- Visa fees
Business Visa
A business visa allows you to enter Kazakhstan to carry out activities related to business. It is categorized into three types. Be sure to read the requirements properly and apply for a type as per your exact purpose.
B1Clause 1
A B1 business visa is available in single entry and multiple entry types. A single entry visa arrives with a validity of 90 days and a maximum allowable stay period of 60 days.
The multiple entry visa allows a stay up to 60 days per visit and comes with a validity of 180 days.
You can apply for a B1 visa if you enter the country for attending conferences, symposiums, forums, exhibitions, concerts, cultural, scientific, sport and other related events. It also allows you to attend business and expert meetings.
B1 Clause 2
Again, a multiple entry B1 visa is also available with a 1-year validity, with a maximum allowable stay of 60 days per visit.
You can apply for this category or a single entry visa (60 days stay within 90 days validity) if you enter Kazakhstan for helping out with humanitarian assistance, as a lecturer and professor visiting educational organizations, or for participating in students and youth exchange programs. You cannot use it to study in the country.
B2
A B2 visa is also available in single entry and multiple entry types. A single entry visa comes with a validity of 90 days and a maximum allowable stay of 30 days. A multiple entry visa offers a validity of 180 days and allows you to stay up to 90 days per visit.
You can apply for this visa if you are offering assembling and technical support of equipment specialist or you are an employee in audit and consulting spheres.
B3
A B3 visa arrives in a single entry (90 days validity and maximum allowable stay of 30 days) and multiple entries (validity of one year and allowable stay of up to 30 days per visit).
You can obtain this visa if you are a negotiator wishing to finalize an agreement or a member of founding parties and board of directors.
Once you have identified your purpose and the type of business visa required, you are required to submit the following documents for your application:
- Verbal Note or Visa Support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan (this can be obtained by contacting the inviting person or an organization registered in Kazakhstan)
- If you are applying for a B1 or B3 single entry visa, you need a Letter of Request.
- If you are applying for a B2 visa you need Visa Support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.
- A completed application form, filled in legible, block letters
- A recent and clear, coloured passport-sized (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) photograph against a white/grey background. It should be glued on the designated right-hand corner of the application form.
- A valid passport (6 months validity) with a minimum of two blank pages
Transit Visa
A transit visa is available in single entry (90 days validity and maximum allowable stay of 5 days) and multiple entry (validity of 180 days and maximum allowable stay of five days). You can use it when you are transiting via Kazakhstan to any other country.
For this purpose, you are required to submit the following document:
- Letter of Request
- A copy of the travel document and the required visa to your destination country.
- Driving license or other transportation documents as required.
- A completed application form, filled in legible, block letters
- A recent and clear, coloured passport-sized (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) photograph against a white/grey background. It should be glued on the designated right-hand corner of the application form.
- A valid passport (6 months validity) with a minimum of two blank pages
Visa Registration
For most of the regular visa types, it is not compulsory to register with the local authorities. However, do ensure that you land at one of the 12 international airports in the country.
Again, contact the oblast authorities for that particular area for a confirmation - as certain oblasts do demand registration from UK travellers even if you come for a short stay period.
If the Department for Visas and Registration under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) does not have any registration requirements, you need to own a stamped immigration card (stamped by Kazakh Immigration) when you travel within the nation.
You also have to present it on your date of exit. If you are not entering via flight but journeying through land or water, confirm about the registration requirements with the border authorities.
If your travel plan exceeds 90 days, you require to register with the local authorities of OVIR.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
The government of Kazakhstan accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs). You can use an ETD to enter, transit, or exit the country, provided it is accompanied with a valid visa.
When you use an ETD to leave Kazakhstan, you should also obtain a visa from OVIR, which can take you up to five business days.
Dual Nationality
The government of Kazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you hold a Kazakh passport and are a British national, you shall receive only minimal help from the UK Embassy in the country.
So, remember to carry a Kazakh visa; else if you are detained or arrested, the British Consul may not be accessible.