Kazakhstan entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines check this at check-in. Immigration at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | 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 on your phone. Without one, you risk being denied entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. This is rarely checked for short stays but can speed things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Kazakhstan doesn't have a fixed minimum, but carry at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash or a credit card. Immigration can ask to see it, though they rarely do for Bulgarian passport holders. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Kazakhstan. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied travel. Renew it first.
No visa needed for 30 days
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. No application or fee required. Just show up with a valid passport and onward ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of all confirmations. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Kazakh immigration
At the airport (e.g., Almaty or Nur-Sultan), join the foreign passport queue. Present your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry stamp. This usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Receive entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay period. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. Keep your passport safe during your stay.
4
Exit Kazakhstan within 30 days
You must leave Kazakhstan before the 30-day visa-free period expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you must apply for an extension before your 30 days are up.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
Requires invitation letter and proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Labor Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) + employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kazakh company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable for duration of studies
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) + university fees
For enrollment in a recognized Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Immigration)
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT) + investment minimum
For individuals investing at least $300,000 USD in the Kazakh economy. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border or immigration office; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,500 KZT) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa-free is not used. | ~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable; paid visa extensions may be possible for other visa types. | Unknown |
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
Bulgarian passport holders can transit through Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 5 days if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 120h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 5 days even if leaving the airport.
Transit hubsNursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), Astana · Almaty International Airport (ALA), Almaty
Health & vaccines for Kazakhstan
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially dogs; avoid contact and seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Migration Service Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
12, Mangilik El Avenue, Astana
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and registration; bring passport, migration card, and supporting documents.
Almaty
Almaty City Migration Service Department
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for Almaty region; expect queues.
Practical information for BG 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 = 489.44 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. You must leave Kazakhstan within 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines (around 10,000–50,000 KZT) and potential entry bans. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before travel.
For stays under 30 days, no registration is required. If you stay longer (which isn't possible under visa-free), you would need to register. For short visits, just keep your entry stamp safe.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders (e.g., from Russia, Uzbekistan, or Kyrgyzstan). Just make sure you have your passport and onward ticket ready. Land crossings may have longer queues.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Kazakhstan can be high, and having insurance saves you from unexpected expenses. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
Overstaying is a violation. You may face a fine (around 10,000–50,000 KZT, roughly $20–$100) and could be banned from re-entering Kazakhstan for a period. Always leave before your 30 days are up.
No, if you're transiting through Kazakhstan and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to use the visa-free entry (up to 30 days) or get a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.