Kazakhstan entry requirements for Malta 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

Malta passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and business visits through 2026. No prior application or fee is needed — just show up at the border with your passport.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Kazakhstan. Airlines at check-in may ask for 6 months validity beyond your departure date, but Kazakh immigration only requires validity covering your stay.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. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the 30-day visa-free window.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Border officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have access to at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, card, or bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for Maltese passport holders, but it's wise to have proof ready.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before booking flights.
Keep your entry stamp safe
The entry stamp in your passport is your proof of legal stay. Don't lose it — you'll need it when leaving. Take a photo of it as backup.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana or Almaty International Airport (ALA), head to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity (6+ months) and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly — they speak basic English or use a translator app.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (30 days). Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct. Keep the stamp visible; you'll need it when leaving.
4
Exit Kazakhstan
At departure, go through passport control again. The officer checks your exit stamp and verifies you didn't overstay. Overstaying even one day can result in a fine (about 10,000 KZT) and a warning.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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 stay60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)

Requires invitation letter or hotel booking; apply at Kazakh embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)

Good for frequent travelers; same documentation as single entry.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)

Requires invitation from Kazakh company; allows multiple entries.

work visa
Work Visa (Individual Labor Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 135,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows multiple entries and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $300,000 USD in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track residency possible.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave after 30 days.Not available
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; maximum cap may apply.~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,500 KZT)
Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days; apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate.~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; valid for up to 90 days.~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 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

Malta passport holders can transit through Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 72 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.

Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
  • No visa needed for airside transit up to 72 hours with 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-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; seek immediate medical care if bitten.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea and hepatitis A; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

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 and migration card.

Almaty
Migration Police Department of Almaty
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Main office for visa-related issues in Almaty; expect queues.

Practical information for MT 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
updated May 19
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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Kazakhstan before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy before traveling.
Overstaying is a violation. You'll be fined approximately 10,000 KZT (about $20 USD) and may receive a warning. In serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering Kazakhstan for up to 5 years. Always leave on time.
For stays under 30 days, no registration is required. If you somehow get permission to stay longer (unlikely without a visa), you'd need to register with the migration police within 5 days.
Yes, you can enter by land from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, or China. The same visa-free rules apply — 30 days maximum. Border crossings can be slower than airports, so allow extra time.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for Malta passport holders. No health declarations are needed. Check for any updates closer to your travel date.
The local currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities like Astana and Almaty. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller towns. Exchange euros or dollars at banks or official exchange offices.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot work or study without the appropriate visa. If you plan to work or study, apply for the correct visa at the Kazakh embassy in Malta.

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.