Kazakhstan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Canadians can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. Just bring your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Kazakhstan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | 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 of your outbound flight ready — they won't let you through without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host handy. A printed copy is safest — phone screens can fail. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers can ask for proof you have enough money for your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card statement showing available funds — 500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Kazakhstan. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
No visa, no registration hassle
For stays under 30 days, you don't need to register with immigration. Your hotel or host does it automatically. Just enjoy your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana or Almaty International Airport (ALA). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' for foreign nationals.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (30 days). No visa sticker needed. Keep the stamp legible.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's nothing special to declare for most tourists.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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. 26,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 52,000 KZT)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/private)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 86,000 KZT)
Requires invitation letter from Kazakh entity.
work visa
Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. 130,000 KZT) + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit and medical check. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD (approx. 43,000 KZT) + tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Kazakh institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 215,000 KZT) + investment
For investors contributing at least $300,000 USD to Kazakh economy. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is preferred. | ~$60 USD (approx. 26,000 KZT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$120 USD (approx. 52,000 KZT) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$300 USD (approx. 130,000 KZT). | ~$10 USD (approx. 4,300 KZT) per day |
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
Canadian 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
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases.
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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Use insect repellent and avoid tick habitats.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Air quality in Almaty and other cities can be poor, especially in winter. Those with respiratory conditions should take precautions.
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, migration card, and proof of funds.
Almaty
Migration Service 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 CA 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
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 within 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, for stays under 30 days, registration is handled automatically by your hotel or host. No action needed from you.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Just have your passport and return ticket ready. Expect longer queues at land crossings.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But medical costs can be high, and insurance is cheap. Strongly recommended.
You can't extend the visa-free stay. You'd need to apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy before traveling. That's a separate process.
If you're transiting through an airport and don't leave the transit zone, no visa is needed. But if you want to enter the country, the 30-day visa-free rule applies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.