Kazakhstan entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Kazakhstan for tourism or business in 2026. Apply online before flying; the process is straightforward with the right documents.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before departure
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Kazakhstan. Apply at the official eVisa portal at least 5 working days before your trip. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for up to 30 days.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Kazakhstan. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Kazakh law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. The official requirement is 20,000 KZT per day, but officers rarely check.Recommended
eVisa processing times vary
Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your eVisa is approved. Processing can take up to 10 days, and there's no expedited option.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, flight tickets, and hotel confirmation in a dedicated folder on your phone. Also print paper copies — phone batteries die.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.e-gov.kz, create an account, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a scanned copy of your passport photo page, and pay the visa fee. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airline check-in counter and at Kazakh immigration.
3
Arrive at Kazakh airport
At Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana or Almaty International Airport (ALA), proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no customs forms for most personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost$80 USD

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$120 USD

For multiple visits within validity.

Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD

Requires invitation from Kazakh company.

work visa
Kazakhstan Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 87,500 KZT) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Kazakhstan Student Visa
Duration of study (up to 4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 43,750 KZT) + tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Kazakh educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Kazakhstan Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 218,750 KZT) + investment
For investors making a minimum investment of $300,000 USD in the Kazakh economy. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa for Zambia passport holders.$80 USD (approx. 35,000 KZT)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$120 USD (approx. 52,500 KZT)
Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity.~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,400 KZT), max $500 USD

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%

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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Kazakhstan do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 (Zambia is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Almaty, can have high air pollution levels affecting respiratory health.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas, but present in southern regions near the border with Uzbekistan. Prophylaxis not routinely 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
115, Abay Avenue, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Handles visa extensions and residence permits.

Practical information for ZM 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 = 486.62 KZT
updated May 31
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

Typically 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from a Kazakh embassy abroad.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
It's not a standard requirement for eVisa holders, but carry a credit card or cash (around $50 per day) just in case. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's better to be prepared.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports and land borders. But most travellers fly into Astana or Almaty airports.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common issues include incorrect passport details or insufficient validity. You can reapply after fixing the problem. There's no appeal process.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in. If you don't have it, you won't be denied entry, but you'll be taking a risk.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.