The government of Kazakhstan has recently announced a significant change regarding visa regulations for travelers from China, India, and Iran. These three countries' citizens are now eligible for visa exemption when entering Kazakhstan. This exemption allows them to stay in the country for up to 14 consecutive days, starting from the moment they cross the Kazakh border.

Visa-Free Stay Duration

Under the new regulations, Chinese, Indian, and Iranian nationals are permitted a total visa-free stay of up to 42 days within every 180-day period in Kazakhstan. This extended duration allows for a more convenient and flexible travel experience for tourists, businesspeople, and individuals with private matters to attend to in the country.

Purpose of Visa-Free Stay

The visa-free stays in Kazakhstan for these citizens are primarily intended for tourism, business-related activities, or personal matters. It offers them the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes, engage in business negotiations, or visit family and friends within the country.

Restrictions on Employment

However, it's important to note that citizens from China, India, and Iran are not permitted to work or engage in any paid activities during their visa-free stay in Kazakhstan. If they wish to pursue employment opportunities in the country, they will need to obtain a Kazakh work permit beforehand.

Extending Visa-Free Stay

In the event that Chinese or Indian citizens desire to extend their stay beyond the visa-free period, they have the option to apply for a visa for Kazakhstan. Both nationalities can conveniently apply for a Kazakh eVisa through a simplified electronic application process.

Visa Application for Iranians

Unlike Chinese and Indian citizens, Iranian nationals are currently unable to apply for the Kazakh electronic visa online. Instead, they are required to submit a visa application at an embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan, irrespective of their travel purpose or intended duration of stay. This requirement ensures that Iranian citizens comply with the existing visa regulations while entering Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan Implements Visa-Free Entry to Foster Stronger Relationships with Specific Countries

In a meeting held on June 26, Kazakh Ambassador to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev, and China's Culture Minister, Hu Heping, discussed visa matters and reached an agreement on visa exemptions. As a result, new visa exemptions have been granted in Kazakhstan.

One-Sided Agreement for Now

Although the visa exemptions are currently not reciprocal, Ambassador Nuryshev remains optimistic that China will reciprocate by granting visa exemptions to Kazakh citizens. The two countries have strengthened their bilateral ties in recent years and have witnessed a significant increase in mutual trade. Furthermore, Chinese President Xi is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan in the coming autumn.

Hopes for Reciprocity and Expanded Exemptions

Kazakhstan also hopes that other countries will reciprocate its unilateral visa exemption gesture. The country maintains a positive relationship with Iran and has recently provided assistance to the Iranian government through oil swap agreements.

Inauguration of New Railway Network

On June 19, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Turkey jointly inaugurated the new Kazakhstan-Turkey railway network. This railway network, which also passes through Iran, not only facilitates Kazakh exports to Europe but also has the potential to support Iran in promoting the International North-South Transport Corridor trade route.

Updates to the Kazakhstan Visa Waiver Program

The Kazakhstan visa policy has undergone several changes in recent years. Here are the latest additions to the Kazakhstan visa waiver program:

New 14-day visa-free stay for Chinese and Indian citizens

The previous visa exemption for Chinese and Indian citizens for 72 hours for transit purposes only has been replaced by a 14-day visa-free stay. This is the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that travelers from China and India are granted visa-exemption to Kazakhstan.

Visa-free entry for select nationalities

Citizens of a large number of countries can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days due to their direct investment in Kazakhstan's economy. Additionally, nationals of roughly 10 Eastern European and Asian countries are permitted a visa-free stay of 90 days.

Intentions to establish visa waiver agreements

The Kazakh government has announced its intention to establish visa waiver agreements with 100 additional countries.

These changes to the Kazakhstan visa waiver program provide more flexibility and accessibility for travelers visiting Kazakhstan.