Kazakhstan entry requirements for Iraq passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Kazakhstan in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Iraqi citizens. Processing can take a couple of weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Iraqi passport holders must apply for a Kazakhstan eVisa at evisa.e-gov.kz/en/. The eVisa is single-entry, valid for up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for intended stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Kazakhstan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Kazakh law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Overstay fines are 1,000 KZT per day (~$2 USD).Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from a Kazakh host. Immigration officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or card balance
Have at least 50,000 KZT (~$110 USD) per day of stay available in cash or on a card. Border officers rarely check this for eVisa holders, but it's safer to have proof.Recommended
Apply early — no walk-in option
There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight to Kazakhstan. Start the process at least 2 weeks ahead.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel booking on your phone. If you lose the printed copies, digital versions can save you at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa
Go to evisa.e-gov.kz, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive and save your visa
You'll get an email with your approved visa as a PDF. Print it and also save a copy on your phone. The visa is linked to your passport number electronically.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed visa, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at a Kazakh airport
At immigration, hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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

Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD

For frequent travellers; same documentation as single entry.

Long-stay visa (business/work)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD

Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.

work visa
Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit sponsorship and medical check.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at a Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD + investment
For individuals investing at least $300,000 in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or consulate.~$60 USD (equivalent in KZT)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid up to 6 months.~$120 USD (equivalent in KZT)
Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa-free or visa period, capped at a maximum.~$10 USD per day
Stay extension costFee for extending stay at immigration office, if eligible.~$30 USD (equivalent in KZT)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Transit visa required

Iraqi passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Kazakhstan, even if staying airside. Apply at a Kazakh embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours if they have a confirmed 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
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 thoroughly cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

In major cities like Almaty, air quality can be poor. 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
10, Mangilik El Avenue, Nur-Sultan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Almaty
Migration Service Department of Almaty
115, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.

Practical information for IQ 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
updated May 29
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
Police102
Medical103
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Typically 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee depends on the visa type and duration. Single-entry tourist visas are usually around $20–$60 USD. Check the evisa.e-gov.kz site for current prices.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is printed on your visa.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa before travel.
Renew your passport first. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date.
It's not a standard requirement for Iraqi citizens, but immigration officers can ask. Carry a credit card or some cash (USD or EUR) just in case.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.