Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kazakhstan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kazakhstan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kazakh Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.

If you have a visa for Kazakhstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after your visa’s expiry date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Kazakh-British dual nationals

Kazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you are found to have a Kazakh passport and another passport, you will be fined and your Kazakh citizenship may be withdrawn.

Visa requirements

You can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days for business or tourism. You can make as many visa-free visits as you like, but you must not stay more than 90 days without a visa in any 180-day period.

To stay longer, to work or study or for other reasons, you must meet the Kazakh government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Kazakh Embassy in the UK. Also see visa information from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applying for a visa

You can apply for a visa from the Kazakhstan government’s visa website. Check the validity dates of your visa and any restrictions before you travel.

British nationals aged 17 or over who apply for a visa or residency must submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application process.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you travel to Kazakhstan without a visa, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) through the QazETA portal.

Since its introduction in January 2026, the ETA has been recommended by the Kazakh authorities. It is expected to become mandatory for all visa-free travellers from November 2026, subject to the approval of new regulations.

You should apply at least 72 hours before travel. Once issued, an ETA is valid for 180 days from the date of issue.

The ETA is currently free of charge. However, a fee of approximately £7 to £15 may be introduced if the proposed legislation is approved.

An ETA does not extend the length of your permitted visa-free stay and does not replace any existing visa requirements.

You do not need an ETA if you are:

• under 16 years old
• transiting through Kazakhstan for up to 3 days
• travelling on a diplomatic or service passport
• a holder of a valid Kazakh visa or residence permit

Registering with the authorities

Your hotel or the person hosting you must register your arrival with the Kazakh authorities. They must do this within 3 working days of your arrival in Kazakhstan.

Travelling overland between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus are in a single customs union. If you want to travel overland in your own vehicle between these countries, make sure your customs declaration and temporary import licence are valid for your whole stay in all 4 countries. You can extend the import licence for up to one year by contacting the customs authorities in any of the countries.

See Kyrgyzstan travel advice, Russia travel advice and Belarus travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kazakhstan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kazakhstan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Kazakhstan

There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave.

You must declare to customs authorities if you arrive in Kazakhstan with cash of a value greater than 10,000 US dollars. If you do not declare it the funds may be confiscated, and you may receive a fine.

It is not permitted to export any foreign currency in cash of a value greater than 10,000 US dollars. If such a value is declared it may only be exported in Kazakh tenge.

Contact the State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.

IMEI registration

To use a local SIM card, you must verify your device’s IMEI at imei.kz portal. This requires a border‑crossing certificate obtained from the QazETA mobile app and a Kazakh Individual Identification Number (IIN). If you do not verify, your local SIM card will be blocked after 30 days, and you will not be able to activate another one.

If you cannot verify your device’s IMEI and your stay exceeds 30 days, consider using a global eSIM instead.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your visa, if required. If you do not need a visa, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Kazakhstan.

Your passport must also be in good condition.

If the purpose of your travel to Kazakhstan requires a visa, you should keep at least two blank pages in your passport. If the purpose of your travel to Kazakhstan doesn’t require a visa, you should keep at least one blank page in your passport.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Electronic Travel Authorization

Kazakhstan is currently piloting an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, QazETA, for citizens of countries with visa-free entry rights.

• It is recommended that you obtain an ETA through the QazETA system prior to travelling to Kazakhstan
• This service is currently voluntary and free of charge. However, it may become a mandatory entry requirement and could be subject to fees in the future
• ETA applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the planned travel date
• The requirement to register with migration authorities remains in effect, including if you enter with an ETA
• An ETA does not guarantee you entry. The final decision on admission is made by the authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the border crossing

An ETA is not required if you are:

• a foreign citizen holding a valid visa for the Republic of Kazakhstan
• under 18 years old or over 65 years old
• in transit and will not leave the airport transit area

An ETA is valid for multiple entries within 180 days.

QazETA – Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
Student visa: required

You could face various penalties if you overstay or if you don’t comply with the terms of your visa including:

• warning
• fine
• deportation
• prison terms
• entry ban

Ensure that your visa corresponds to the type of activity you plan to undertake.

Visa to Kazakhstan - Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Canada

Closed zones

Kazakh authorities prohibit access to certain areas if you don’t obtain prior authorization. This includes areas along the border with China and close to military installations, such as the city of Baikonur.

If you intend to travel in these areas, you should contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan to obtain the necessary approvals.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).