Kazakhstan entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid through 2026 and covers tourism and business visits. Your passport must be 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 passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines at KEF and connecting hubs check this before boarding. No 6-month validity rule applies for Icelandic passport holders. | 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. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | 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 contact number. A booking.com or Airbnb printout works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can ask for proof you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. I've never been asked, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. This is not a suggestion — border officers will deny entry if your passport expires sooner. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
No visa needed, but be prepared
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have digital copies on your phone to avoid delays.
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' for foreign nationals.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. The officer will check your details and may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
If requested, show your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Keep them easily accessible — a phone screenshot works.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (30 days). Check the stamp before walking away.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration is needed for standard tourist visits.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 67,500 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Visa (Labor Migration)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Kazakh employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a recognized Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 135,000 KZT) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $300,000 in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Kazakhstan)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
For remote workers with stable income. Requires proof of employment, income of at least $3,000/month, and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated per day; maximum cap may apply but is not publicly specified. | ~$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)Extensions are not available for visa-free stays; must apply for a visa before travel. | Unknown |
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
Icelandic passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakhstan airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for stays under 24 hours in the transit zone.
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 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. Use insect repellent and avoid tick bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Almaty, can have high air 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
Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Almaty
Migration Service Department of Almaty
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related issues for the largest city. Expect queues.
Practical information for IS 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave Kazakhstan before 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
For longer stays, you need to apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no option to switch from visa-free to a visa once you're in the country.
For stays under 30 days, no registration is required. If you somehow stay longer (which isn't allowed visa-free), registration becomes mandatory.
You will be denied entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all land border crossings. However, some remote crossings may have limited hours or facilities. Stick to major crossings like those from Russia or Kyrgyzstan.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be expensive. Many travel insurance policies cost under $50 for a short trip.
The local currency is Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller shops and taxis.
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.