Kazakhstan entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This has been in place since 2024 and applies to tourism and short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
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 30 days beyond your departure date from Kazakhstan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kazakhstan | Immigration officers at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, you need to prove you are not coming to work illegally. | Recommended |
Overstaying is expensive
Kazakhstan fines overstayers 50,000 KZT (about €100) and can ban you from re-entering for up to 5 years. Set a calendar reminder for day 25 to be safe.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at Almaty or Nur-Sultan airport, install an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates automatically when you land and costs about €5 for 1GB.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival). Book a return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of your flight booking and hotel confirmation on your phone. Consider getting a local eSIM so you have data immediately.
2
Arrive at a Kazakh airport or land border
Most Irish travellers fly into Almaty (ALA) or Nur-Sultan (NQZ). At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. You'll be asked your purpose of visit — say 'tourism' or 'business'.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says the correct date. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Exit Kazakhstan before day 30
Count your days from the entry stamp date. Overstaying even by a day can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter (but this isn't guaranteed to reset the clock).
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
Good for frequent travelers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company.
work visa
Kazakhstan Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 135,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Kazakhstan Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus tuition
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 meeting a minimum investment threshold (e.g., $300,000 USD in business or real estate). Fast-track residence.
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) |
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
Irish passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakhstan airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit under 24 hours with onward ticket.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Almaty, can have high pollution; 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
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, photo, and fee.
Almaty
Almaty City Migration Police Department
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues in Almaty; expect queues.
Practical information for IE 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 = 468.08 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. You must leave before day 30. Overstaying can result in fines (around 50,000 KZT) and potential entry bans. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa in advance at a Kazakh embassy.
No. For stays under 30 days, there's no registration requirement. If you somehow stay longer (which you shouldn't), registration becomes mandatory.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes. Irish passport holders can enter via any land border crossing (e.g., from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, or China). The same 30-day visa-free rule applies. Just make sure the border post is open to foreigners — some remote crossings are restricted.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. A basic hospital visit in Kazakhstan can cost $100–300 per day. Evacuation to Europe can run into thousands. A policy like SafetyWing or World Nomads covers this for about $40–60 for a month.
The local currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in markets and smaller towns. Bring some US dollars or euros as backup — exchange offices give better rates than airports.
No mandatory vaccinations for Irish travellers. Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A) are recommended. No yellow fever vaccine required unless you're arriving from an endemic country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.