Kazakhstan entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy runs through 2026. Bring a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Kazakhstan | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines at Chinese airports check this before boarding. No specific 6-month validity rule applies for Chinese nationals entering visa-free. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended for visa-free entry | Immigration officers at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital return ticket showing departure within 30 days. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended for visa-free entry | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Officers occasionally ask for an address of stay during immigration questioning. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended for visa-free entry | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around 100,000 KZT (~$200 USD) in cash or a card with available credit avoids any questions. | Recommended |
Visa-free is for tourism and business only
You cannot work or study under the visa-free regime. For employment or study, you need the appropriate visa from a Kazakh embassy before arrival.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport has less than 6 months validity, you may be denied boarding even if Kazakhstan would let you in.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana or Almaty International Airport (ALA). Follow signs to 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket screenshot ready. The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and wave you through. Usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh employer or organization.
work visa
Work Visa (Business Immigration)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
For those with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
For enrolment in a Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT)
For those investing a minimum of $300,000 in the Kazakh economy. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; 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)Valid for multiple entries within 6 months. | ~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 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
Chinese passport holders can transit through Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 72 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Migration Service Committee of Nur-Sultan
12, Mangilik El Avenue, Nur-Sultan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration for foreigners.
Almaty
Migration Service Department of Almaty
115, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues in Almaty.
Practical information for CN 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 = 471.68 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 after 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
For stays under 30 days, no registration is required. If you somehow stay longer (not recommended), you'd need to register within 5 days.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all border crossings, including land borders. The same 30-day limit applies. Common crossing points include the Alashankou (Dostyk) and Khorgos checkpoints.
Overstaying is a violation. You'll likely face a fine (around 10,000-20,000 KZT) and could be banned from re-entering for a period. Avoid it.
No, if you're transiting and leaving within 30 days, the visa-free policy covers you. Just show your onward ticket.
No, there is no visa on arrival for longer stays. You'd need to apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.