United States entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Kazakhstan passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2) at the U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. As of 2026, visa processing times vary by location, so apply well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a valid US visa before you travel. Start at the US Department of State visa website — you'll fill the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and book an interview at the US Embassy in Nur-Sultan or Almaty. Wait times for interview slots vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay in the US | Your Kazakh passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. US immigration does not enforce the '6 months beyond departure' rule — they just need it valid during your visit. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity at check-in, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof you will leave the US within your visa's validity. Have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country ready. If you overstay even one day, you risk a 3-year or 10-year re-entry ban. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host's address | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying on your first night. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their full address and phone number. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount — just show you can cover accommodation, food, and transport without working illegally. | Recommended |
Apply early — interview slots fill fast
US visa interview appointments in Nur-Sultan and Almaty can be booked weeks or months in advance. Check the appointment calendar as soon as you decide to travel. Last-minute applications are risky.
Visa-free travel is not an option
Kazakhstan is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A full visa is required for any purpose — tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a recent passport-style photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 fee through the designated bank or online payment system. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, choose the embassy or consulate (Nur-Sultan or Almaty), and pick an available date. Wait times can be 2-8 weeks depending on demand.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Kazakhstan. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing usually takes 3-10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with visa and your return ticket. The CBP officer may ask about your stay. They'll stamp your passport with an admission period (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Standard visa for tourism or business; requires interview.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Requires acceptance at SEVP-approved school.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Max stayDuration of program
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
For approved exchange programs; subject to 2-year home residency requirement.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a job offer in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection. Benefits: path to green card.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD visa fee + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Benefits: OPT for up to 3 years after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors who create at least 10 jobs. Requires significant capital. Benefits: direct path to permanent residency and citizenship.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 2 years)
$185 USD visa fee + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., au pair, intern, researcher). Benefits: cultural exchange and work authorization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Kazakh citizens. | $185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 166,000 KZT) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; fines are assessed by CBP. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or expired documents25%
Insufficient funds20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Kazakhstan passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program at select airports.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Midwest; check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
8501 NW 17th Street, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33126 (mailing address for I-539)
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 (phone support)
Extensions are filed by mail; no walk-in offices. Use USCIS online portal.
New York City
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00 (by appointment only)
For in-person inquiries; appointments required.
Practical information for KZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. After submitting your DS-160 and paying the fee, interview wait times at the Nur-Sultan or Almaty embassy can be 2 to 8 weeks. After a successful interview, visa stamping takes 3-10 business days. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments. The filing fee is $370 (as of 2026). Overstaying without approval can lead to bans.
If denied, the officer will usually give a reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Kazakhstan, incomplete documents). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process. The $185 fee is non-refundable.
Yes, Kazakhstan passport holders need a visa even for transit through the US. There is no transit waiver. You must have a valid US visa (or ESTA if eligible, but Kazakhstan is not part of the Visa Waiver Program).
No. B-1/B-2 visas are for business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment only. You cannot accept employment or get paid by a US company. If you need to work, you must apply for a work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1) separately.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, a recent passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and invitation letter if visiting family or friends.
No, travel insurance is not required for the visa application or entry. However, it is strongly recommended because US healthcare is extremely expensive. A simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000 or more.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.