Kazakhstan entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid through 2026 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the 30 days you plan to stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kazakhstan | Immigration officers at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but if you're staying at a private address, they may want to see proof of where you're sleeping. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. The official threshold is around 21,000 KZT per day (roughly $45 USD), but officers almost never ask UAE passport holders. | Recommended |
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying even a day costs about $10 USD. There's no grace period. If you realize you'll overstay, visit a Migration Service Department before your visa-free period ends to discuss options.
Keep your migration card stub
The small card you get on arrival is your exit ticket. You must hand it back when you leave. Lose it and you'll need to visit a Migration Service Department for a replacement — expect a queue and a small fee.
Visa-free entry is straightforward
UAE passport holders have one of the easiest entries into Kazakhstan. No visa, no invitation letter, no proof of funds usually asked. Just a valid passport and a return ticket. The whole process at immigration takes 2–5 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or screenshot your return ticket, and save your hotel booking confirmation. If staying with friends, get a letter of invitation with their address.
2
Board your flight
At Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport, the airline check-in agent will verify your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket. They'll also confirm you have a visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
3
Arrive at Kazakh immigration
At Almaty (ALA) or Nur-Sultan (NQZ) airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and migration card (you'll get this on the plane or at the counter). The officer may ask your purpose of visit and accommodation address. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 30 days). Keep the migration card stub they give you — you'll need to return it when you leave.
5
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim and customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Then you're free to enter Kazakhstan.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy in Abu Dhabi or online via eVisa portal. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)
Good for frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 36,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company. Allows longer stay for business purposes.
work visa
Kazakhstan Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit and medical exam. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Kazakhstan Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Kazakh universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Kazakhstan Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT) plus investment minimum
For investors contributing at least $300,000 USD to the Kazakh economy. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine accrues daily; no official cap reported, but avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,500 KZT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Kazakhstan
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakh airports if staying within the international zone and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa or visa-free entry (up to 30 days) applies.
Transit hubsNursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) · Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Health & vaccines for Kazakhstan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas like Almaty may have seasonal smog; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Almaty
Almaty City Migration Service Department
ul. Bogenbai Batyr 221, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, migration card, and proof of funds.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Nur-Sultan Migration Service Department
ul. Kabanbai Batyr 19, Nur-Sultan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues in the capital. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAstana
LanguageKazakh, Russian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyKazakhstani tenge (KZT)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 483.7 KZT
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa (e.g., tourist visa, work visa) before your 30 days are up. Overstaying costs about $10 USD per day in fines.
You'll be fined roughly $10 USD per day (about 4,500 KZT). There's no official cap reported, but it's best to avoid overstaying altogether. If you overstay by more than a few days, you may also face a ban from re-entering Kazakhstan.
No, UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours. If you leave the airport or stay overnight, the visa-free entry (up to 30 days) applies instead.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. To work, you need a work visa (Category B), which requires a job offer and work permit. Working without the right visa can lead to deportation and a ban.
Report it immediately to the nearest Migration Service Department (in Almaty, Nur-Sultan, or Shymkent). They'll issue a replacement for a small fee. You need the card to exit the country, so don't lose it.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Kazakhstan can be high, especially in private clinics. Evacuation to Dubai can cost thousands. A basic travel insurance policy is cheap peace of mind.
No. Airlines will deny boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. This rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.