Kazakhstan entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism, business, or transit. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Kazakhstan. No 6-month validity rule applies here — just cover your stay dates. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Kazakhstan | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Kazakhstan doesn't have a fixed minimum amount, but carrying cash or a card with a visible balance helps. ATMs are widely available in cities — you don't need to bring stacks of tenge. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Kazakhstan, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before you go.
Overstaying is costly
The 30-day visa-free period is strict and not extendable. Overstaying even a day can result in fines (around 50,000 KZT) and a note in your immigration record that may affect future travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and an eSIM.
2
Arrive at Kazakhstan airport
At Astana (NQZ) or Almaty (ALA) airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for foreign nationals. Join the queue for non-Kazakhstan citizens.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will check your passport validity, stamp it, and let you through. No visa fee. No forms to fill.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter.
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Apply at Kazakh embassy or consulate; requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 60 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh company; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Labor Migration)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT) plus university fees
For enrolled students at Kazakh universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT) plus investment
For those investing at least $300,000 USD in Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track residency option.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border or immigration office; maximum cap may apply. | ~$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. | ~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT) |
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakhstan 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 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray dogs and wild animals; avoid contact and seek immediate post-exposure prophylaxis if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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; expect queues, arrive early.
Practical information for CH 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 Kazakhstan within 30 days of entry. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You'll need to apply for a visa before you travel. Contact the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Bern (Switzerland) or check their website for e-visa options. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
No, Swiss passport holders are exempt from registration for stays up to 30 days. If you somehow get a longer visa, registration may be required — check with your hotel or host.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return/onward ticket. Border crossings can be slower than airports — expect queues.
No, there's no visa on arrival. Swiss citizens get visa-free entry for up to 30 days. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa in advance.
No, there's no official requirement to show proof of funds for Swiss passport holders on visa-free entry. But having a credit card or some cash (tenge, euros, or dollars) is practical.
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.