United States entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Kazakhstani citizens need a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorization option for Kazakhstan passport holders. Plan ahead, as the application process involves an interview and can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or other appropriate category)You cannot enter the U.S. without a valid visa; apply well in advance. Visa required | Kazakhstani citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Apply at the U.S. Embassy in Nur-Sultan or the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty. Schedule an interview and pay the MRV fee. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire too soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe officer will stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the U.S. entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officers may ask to see this. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the United States, showing departure before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but helpful to have. Financial evidence | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or traveler's checks. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out a separate arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for U.S. entry for Kazakhstani citizens. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to use an eVisa; it is not available for your nationality. Not applicable | Kazakhstani citizens are not eligible for the U.S. eVisa program. You must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No Visa Waiver or ESTA for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and there is no electronic travel authorization (ESTA) option. You must apply for a full B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Astana or Consulate in Almaty. Don't fall for third-party sites claiming to offer 'e-visas' — they're scams.
Interview wait times can be long
During peak seasons (summer, holidays), interview appointments can be booked out for weeks. Start your application at least 2–3 months before your planned travel date to avoid delays. Check the U.S. Visa Information Service for real-time wait times.
Overstaying is serious
If you stay beyond the date stamped in your passport or on your I-94, you risk being barred from re-entering the U.S. for 3 or 10 years. Always track your authorized stay and apply for an extension if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. visa website, fill out the DS-160, and upload your photo. Save the confirmation barcode — you'll need it for the fee and interview. This takes about 60–90 minutes.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank (e.g., Halyk Bank) or online via the payment portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need the number to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service website to book an appointment at the Embassy in Astana or the Consulate in Almaty. Wait times can be several weeks, so book early. You'll get a confirmation with your date and time.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive 15–30 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and interviewed by a consular officer. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside, usually within 3–5 business days via courier. Check the visa's validity and entry conditions. When you arrive in the U.S., go through immigration at the port of entry — the officer will determine your exact length of stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Standard visa for tourism or business; requires interview.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
Requires acceptance at SEVP-approved school.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Max stayDuration of program
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT)
For approved exchange programs; subject to 2-year home residency requirement.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a job offer in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection. Benefits: path to green card.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD visa fee + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Benefits: OPT for up to 3 years after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in TEA)
For investors who create at least 10 jobs. Requires significant capital. Benefits: direct path to permanent residency and citizenship.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 2 years)
$185 USD visa fee + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., au pair, intern, researcher). Benefits: cultural exchange and work authorization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Kazakh citizens. | $185 USD (approx. 83,000 KZT) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 166,000 KZT) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; fines are assessed by CBP. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or expired documents25%
Insufficient funds20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Kazakhstan passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program at select airports.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare but present in some regions; use insect repellent.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Midwest; check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
8501 NW 17th Street, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33126 (mailing address for I-539)
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 (phone support)
Extensions are filed by mail; no walk-in offices. Use USCIS online portal.
New York City
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00 (by appointment only)
For in-person inquiries; appointments required.
Practical information for KZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Interview wait times at the Astana embassy or Almaty consulate can vary seasonally, so check the U.S. Visa Information Service website for current estimates. After approval, passport return usually takes 3–5 business days.
No. Kazakhstan is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, and there is no eVisa or electronic travel authorization (like ESTA) available for Kazakhstani citizens. You must obtain a B1/B2 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for B1/B2 visas. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There may be additional costs for courier delivery of your passport, which vary by location.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries (usually 10 years for Kazakhstani citizens), but the duration of each stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. Typically, you'll be admitted for up to 6 months, but it can be shorter. Check your I-94 arrival record online after entry.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, indicating the officer didn't believe you have sufficient ties to Kazakhstan. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and demonstrate stronger ties (e.g., job, family, property). There's no appeal process.
Yes. Even if you're just transiting through a U.S. airport, you must have a valid U.S. visa (or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which Kazakhstan doesn't). There's no transit visa exemption for Kazakhstani citizens.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must file Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted only for valid reasons (e.g., medical treatment, unexpected delays). Overstaying can lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.