Kazakhstan entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Almaty and Nur-Sultan are strict about it. | 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 copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from your host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You might be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit works fine. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days
New Zealand passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. This is a straightforward process — just meet the passport validity and onward ticket requirements.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At any Kazakh airport (Almaty, Nur-Sultan, etc.), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and calmly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before you walk away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and head through customs. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
Good for multiple visits. Each stay limited to 30 days.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 36,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company. Allows longer stay.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. For long-term employment.
work visa
Work visa (Individual Labor Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Kazakh company. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Student visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years), renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus university fees
For those enrolled 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; can lead to permanent residence
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT) plus investment amount
For individuals investing a significant amount (e.g., $300,000+) in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers long-term stay and family inclusion.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Kazakhstan)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment/income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$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
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakh airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours in the international zone.
Transit hubsNursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), Nur-Sultan · Almaty International Airport (ALA), Almaty
Health & vaccines for Kazakhstan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray dogs and wild animals. Avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. 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
Almaty
Almaty City Migration Police Department
ul. Bogenbay Batyr 221, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, migration card, and fee.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Nur-Sultan Migration Police Department
ul. Auezov 12, Nur-Sultan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and registration for capital region. Expect queues.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 463.9 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 the 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You'll need to apply for a visa in advance at a Kazakh embassy or consulate. There's no option to extend at immigration.
For stays under 30 days, no registration is required. If you somehow get a longer visa, you'd need to register within 5 days — but that doesn't apply to the visa-free entry.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all border crossings — air, land, and sea. Same 30-day limit applies.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you'll need the visa-free entry (which you already have as a New Zealander).
The local currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Carry some cash for markets and taxis.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.