Kazakhstan entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips. No visa application is needed — just show up at the border with a valid passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full 30 days you plan to stay in Kazakhstan. Airlines at Incheon and Busan will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports regularly asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host in Kazakhstan works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Kazakhstan. If it's even one day short, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
No visa, no fee, no forms
South Korean passport holders get a full 30 days visa-free with zero paperwork. Just show your passport at the border. No need to visit an embassy or pay a visa fee.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At Almaty or Astana airport, head to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket.
2
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No forms to fill, no fee to pay. The whole process takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Exit Kazakhstan before day 30
Count your days from the entry stamp date. Overstaying even one day can result in a fine or ban. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter (visa runs are possible but not guaranteed).
Download Kazakhstan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 27,000 KZT)
Allows a single entry; can be applied at Kazakh embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$120 USD (approx. 54,000 KZT)
Multiple entries allowed; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
Requires invitation from Kazakh employer or organization.
work visa
Kazakhstan Work Visa (Category B)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 90,000 KZT)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Kazakh company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Kazakhstan Student Visa
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. 45,000 KZT)
For enrolled students at Kazakh educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Kazakhstan Investor Visa
Up to 5 years
~$500 USD (approx. 225,000 KZT)
For individuals investing at least $300,000 in the Kazakh economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 30 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are calculated per day; maximum cap may apply. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 4,500 KZT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Kazakhstan airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
Air pollutionLow risk
Occasional smog in major cities, especially in winter.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Almaty
Almaty City Migration Police Department
ul. Tole bi 277, Almaty
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related issues; bring passport and photos.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Nur-Sultan Migration Police Department
ul. Kabanbay Batyr 19, Nur-Sultan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Capital office; handles extensions and registrations.
Practical information for KR 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave Kazakhstan before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a visa at a Kazakh embassy before traveling, or leave and re-enter (though border officers may question frequent visits).
No, South Korean passport holders do not need to register with immigration for stays under 30 days. Just keep your entry stamp safe.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 10,000–20,000 KZT) and a possible ban from re-entering Kazakhstan for a period. It's best to leave on time.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all border crossings — airports, land borders, and seaports. Just make sure your passport meets the validity requirement.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Kazakhstan can be high, and your Korean health insurance likely won't cover you abroad.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements for Kazakhstan. No test, no vaccination card needed. But always check the latest updates before travel.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. Working or studying requires a proper visa or work permit. If you're caught, you could be fined and deported.
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.