Kazakhstan entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in place for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Kazakhstan eVisaOfficial portal: Kazakhstan eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines and border officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required, but carry a copy of your passport data page. | 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 before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. This applies even if you plan to exit overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Border officers can request evidence of sufficient funds, though this is rare for short visits. A bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent is enough. Cash in USD or EUR is easy to exchange at airports. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before you board — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa, no arrival form
British passport holders don't need to fill in any arrival card or visa application. Just show your passport and onward ticket at passport control.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at airport
At Almaty or Nur-Sultan (Astana) airports, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for Kazakh citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket (if asked). The officer will check your passport validity, take a photo, and stamp you in. No visa or arrival form needed.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. You'll walk through a 'Green Channel' if you have nothing to declare. That's it — you're in.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy/consulate; allows single entry for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)
Multiple entries allowed; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 36,000 KZT)
Requires invitation letter from Kazakh company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa (Individual Labor Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kazakh company. Requires a work permit sponsored by the employer. Allows multiple entries and long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Kazakhstan. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 135,000 KZT) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of $300,000 USD in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (not yet launched)
Varies
Varies
Kazakhstan has announced plans for a digital nomad visa but it is not yet operational. Check official sources for updates.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine is calculated per day overstay; maximum cap may apply but is not publicly fixed. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,500 KZT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakh airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or visa-free entry applies.
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours in the international zone.
Transit hubsNursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), Nur-Sultan · Almaty International Airport (ALA), Almaty
Health & vaccines for Kazakhstan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-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 in rural areas; avoid contact with stray dogs.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid; 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; bring passport, migration card, and proof of funds.
Almaty
Migration Service Department of Almaty
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues; expect queues, arrive early.
Practical information for GB 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 = 487.65 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter after a short trip to a neighbouring country.
No, not for stays under 30 days. The registration is handled by your hotel or host. If you're staying in a private home, your host should register you within 5 days.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, the same 30-day visa-free rule applies at all land borders. Just have your passport and onward ticket ready.
It's not a formal requirement for British passport holders, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (tenge) available if asked. ATMs are widely available in cities.
You'll face a fine (around 20,000–50,000 KZT, roughly £35–£85) and may be banned from re-entering for a period. Overstaying is taken seriously.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. Any paid work or study requires the appropriate visa or permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.