Kazakhstan has launched a major change to its immigration policy, expanding its visa-free regime to 56 countries as of July 31, 2025. This new 2025 Visa-Free Policy allows travelers from the United States 🇺🇸, India, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and many more to enter Kazakhstan without a visa for tourism, business, or short visits. The government hopes this move will boost tourism, attract business, and make Kazakhstan a top destination for digital nomads and skilled workers.
The 2025 Visa-Free Policy is now in effect, making travel to Kazakhstan easier than ever for millions of people. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this step is part of a larger plan to connect Kazakhstan with the world, bring in more foreign investment, and support the fast-growing tourism sector. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the expanded visa-free regime is one of the most significant changes to Kazakhstan’s entry rules in recent years.
Who Can Visit Kazakhstan Without a Visa?
The new visa-free regime covers 56 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania. Some of the most notable countries include:
- United States 🇺🇸
- India
- Germany
- France
- Japan
- South Korea
- Canada 🇨🇦
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Most European Union countries
- Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Israel, Philippines
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
- Mexico, Chile, Colombia
- New Zealand
This broad list means that travelers from many parts of the world can now visit Kazakhstan with just a valid passport.
How Long Can You Stay?
The length of stay under the visa-free regime depends on your country:
- Most eligible countries: 30 days per visit, up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- India and Iran: 14 days per visit, up to 42 days within 180 days.
- Turkey: 90 days per visit, up to 90 days in 180 days.
For example, a tourist from Germany can visit Kazakhstan for up to 30 days at a time, but cannot stay more than 90 days in total during any 180-day period. Indian and Iranian citizens have a shorter stay of 14 days per visit, with a maximum of 42 days in 180 days. Turkish citizens enjoy the longest stay—90 days per visit.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
Travelers from the 56 eligible countries do not need to apply for a visa or fill out any paperwork before arrival. The only requirement is a valid passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Upon arrival, travelers simply present their passport at the border. There is no need for a visa sticker, approval letter, or online application.
What Can You Do During Your Stay?
The visa-free regime allows for:
- Tourism (sightseeing, visiting friends or family)
- Business (meetings, conferences, short-term business activities)
- Short-term visits
However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than the allowed period, you must apply for the appropriate visa. Overstaying or working without permission can result in fines, deportation, or a ban on future entry.
Recent Changes Supporting Travelers and Professionals
Kazakhstan has also introduced several new visa options to attract digital nomads, skilled workers, and businesspeople:
- Neo Nomad Visa: Launched in November 2024, this visa is for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs. It allows multiple entries and residence for up to one year, with the option to extend. Family members can also get dependent visas.
- Digital Nomad Visa: This visa is aimed at IT professionals who want to live and work in Kazakhstan’s growing tech sector. It offers long-term residence and helps professionals integrate into the local tech community.
- B9 Visa: Designed for highly skilled professionals, the B9 visa provides a pathway to a residence permit for those who meet certain qualifications.
- Simplified Business Immigration (C5 Visa): The process for getting a C5 business visa has been made easier, with less paperwork and a smoother path from single-entry to multiple-entry status for entrepreneurs.
For more information on these visas, travelers can visit the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, which provides up-to-date details and official forms.
Why Did Kazakhstan Expand Its Visa-Free Regime?
The main reasons behind the 2025 Visa-Free Policy are to:
- Increase the number of tourists visiting Kazakhstan
- Attract more business travelers and investors
- Make Kazakhstan a hub for digital nomads and skilled professionals
- Support the country’s economic growth and international connections
Tourism and business groups have welcomed the changes. They say that easier entry will help Kazakhstan compete with other countries for tourists and business events. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the policy is part of a larger plan to make Kazakhstan more open and connected to the world.
Impact on Tourism and Business
The results of the new visa-free regime are already clear. In the first half of 2025, over 7.5 million foreign visitors entered Kazakhstan, an 8.7% increase compared to the previous year. Many experts believe this growth is directly linked to the expanded visa-free policy.
Business leaders expect the new rules will bring more investors and skilled workers to Kazakhstan. The country is working to diversify its economy, and attracting international talent is a key part of this plan. The government is also investing in digital services and better border procedures to handle the increased number of travelers.
Step-by-Step Guide for Visa-Free Entry
Travelers who want to visit Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime should follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list of 56 visa-free countries.
- Prepare Your Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned stay.
- Arrival: Present your passport at the border. No visa or prior application is needed.
- Stay Within Limits: Do not exceed the allowed stay (30 days for most, 14 days for India/Iran, 90 days for Turkey).
- Departure: Leave Kazakhstan before your authorized stay ends to avoid penalties.
Penalties for Overstaying
It is very important to follow the stay limits. Overstaying your allowed period can result in fines, deportation, or a ban on entering Kazakhstan in the future. Working or studying without the proper visa is also not allowed and can lead to serious consequences.
Special Cases and Exceptions
- Indian and Iranian Citizens: 14 days per visit, up to 42 days in 180 days.
- Turkish Citizens: 90 days per visit, up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Chinese Citizens: Since November 2023, there are separate visa exemption rules for certain purposes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kazakhstan’s Visa Policy?
The government is closely watching the effects of the expanded visa-free regime. Officials may change the list of eligible countries or the length of stay in the future, depending on security, diplomatic, and economic factors. More digital services and easier border checks are also planned to help travelers.
Where to Get Official Information
For the latest updates and the full list of eligible countries, travelers should check the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Kazakhstan’s embassies and consulates can answer country-specific questions or help with special cases. Air Astana, the national airline, also provides travel advisories and entry requirements.
Summary Table: Visa-Free Stay Durations
| Country/Region | Max Stay per Visit | Max Stay per 180 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Most eligible countries | 30 days | 90 days |
| India, Iran | 14 days | 42 days |
| Turkey | 90 days | 90 days |
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Always check your passport’s expiration date before booking your trip.
- Keep a copy of your passport and travel documents in case of loss.
- Follow local laws and respect cultural customs during your stay.
- If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, apply for the correct visa before traveling.
Kazakhstan’s 2025 Visa-Free Policy is a big step toward making the country more open and welcoming. By allowing easier travel for millions, Kazakhstan hopes to grow its tourism sector, attract new business, and become a leader in the region for digital nomads and skilled professionals. For anyone considering a trip, now is the perfect time to explore all that Kazakhstan has to offer under its new visa-free regime.
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