Kazakhstan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kazakhstan in 2026. The application is entirely online and takes about 5–10 business days to process. Once approved, you can stay for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders must apply for an eVisa at the official Kazakhstan eVisa portal before departure. The application takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a scanned passport photo and a digital copy of your passport data page. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, and the eVisa is valid for single entry up to 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Kazakhstan. Unlike some countries, Kazakhstan does not require 6 months of remaining validity — just enough to cover your trip. Airlines may still ask for at least 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | 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. If you're overlanding out, show a bus or train booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kazakhstan. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available for your stay. Immigration may ask if you're staying longer than a week or look underprepared. | Recommended |
eVisa is linked to your passport
The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport number. You don't need to carry a physical sticker, but print a copy of the approval email as backup in case systems are down.
No visa on arrival for South Africans
Kazakhstan does not offer visa on arrival for South African passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.e-gov.kz, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a digital photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $80–$100 USD) by card. Processing takes 5–10 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email.
2
Prepare your documents
Print a copy of the eVisa email, your flight itinerary, and your hotel booking. Save digital copies on your phone too. Check your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page.
3
Arrive at the airport in Kazakhstan
At Almaty or Astana airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will check your documents, take a photo, and stamp you in. Expect 5–15 minutes per person.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There are no customs forms for most travellers. Head to the arrivals hall.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,500 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 2,250 KZT)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 3,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company.
work visa
Work Visa (Individual Labor Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 4,500 KZT) plus fees
For those with a job offer from a Kazakh employer. Requires labor market test and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD (approx. 1,500 KZT) plus tuition
For enrollment in a recognized Kazakh educational institution. Requires acceptance letter.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 7,500 KZT) plus investment
For those investing at least $300,000 USD in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders applying online. | ~$80 USD (approx. 1,200 KZT equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not suitable. | ~$100 USD (approx. 1,500 KZT equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. 2,250 KZT equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 7,500 KZT). | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 150 KZT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakh airports for up to 24 hours, provided they remain in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Almaty, can have high pollution levels.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard precautions with food and water recommended.
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.
Almaty
Migration Service Department of Almaty
85, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles extensions and residency permits.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 471.68 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
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll get the eVisa by email.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-apply.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Kazakhstan. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
It's not a formal requirement for the visa application, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Kazakhstan can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
South African passport holders need an eVisa even for transit. There's no visa-free transit option. You must have a valid eVisa before you board.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can re-apply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.