Kazakhstan Visa Guide
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country and the 9th largest in the world, beckons as a unique travel destination. With the futuristic capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), and a multitude of opportunities, a Kazakhstan visa opens the door to this remarkable nation.
Understanding the Kazakhstan Visa
The Kazakhstan visa is an authorization that allows entry to the country for various purposes. It can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on the traveler’s needs. While several countries have visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan, India is not among them, making a Kazakhstan visa for Indian citizens mandatory.
How to Apply for Kazakhstan Visa from India
The application for a Kazakhstan visa for Indians is currently an offline process. In the future, there may be a Kazakhstan visa on arrival option for Indian passport holders. Before initiating the application, ensure your eligibility for the specific visa category. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather all the necessary documents based on the Kazakhstan visa requirements for Indian citizens. Note that each visa category has specific document requirements.
Download the Kazakhstan visa application form from the website of the Kazakh embassy. As of 2019, there is no Kazakhstan online visa application form.
Print the form and fill it out with accurate and legible information. Providing incorrect details may result in visa rejection.
Deposit the application fee into the designated bank account of the Kazakhstan embassy.
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India with the fee receipt, completed application form, and required documents.
Note: For service/diplomatic visas, you must apply in person.
Kazakhstan Visa Types
Kazakhstan offers various visa types based on the purpose of the visit and the permitted duration. Common Kazakhstan visa types include:
Short-term visit (Further categorized by purpose):
- Business (B1, B2, B3): For business-related activities.
- Religious event (B6): To attend religious events.
- Internship (B7): For participating in internships.
- Private visit (B10): For personal visits, often related to family or friends.
- Tourist (B12): For tourism-related visits.
- Transit (B13): For travelers transiting through a Kazakhstani airport.
Long-term visit (Further categorized by purpose):
- Family reunification (C2): For visitors staying with family members in Kazakhstan.
- Work visa (C3, C4, C5, C6): For individuals engaged in various work categories.
- Missionary (C7): For missionary activities.
- Study (C9): For students enrolling in academic courses.
Documents Required for Kazakhstan Visa from India
While specific document requirements may vary by visa category, the general set of documents needed for a Kazakhstan visa from India includes:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel date.
- One passport-sized photo meeting specified requirements.
- A completed application form.
- An invitation letter approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.
- A copy of your national ID.
- A fee payment receipt.
Kazakhstan Visa Photo Size
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
- Color: Colored.
- Head should be centrally positioned.
- The photo must be taken within the last 3 months.
- Background: Solid white or gray.
- Face should cover 70-80% of the photo.
- Neutral facial expression.
- Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted.
- Headgear allowed only for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is permitted.
Kazakhstan Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Kazakhstan visa varies based on the visa category, the number of entries, the embassy’s application volume, and your individual application. Typically, visas are processed within 5 working days, but some cases may require more time. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
Kazakhstan Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
Visa fees depend on the visa type, number of entries, and may slightly vary due to foreign exchange rates. Additional service charges may apply if applying through a travel agency. Thus, it’s important to verify the exact fee amount before starting the application.
Sample Visa Fees:
- Single entry Normal (Business, Tourist): 30 days stay, 3 months validity – ₹3600.0
How to Check Visa Status?
As the visa application process is currently offline, there is no online tracking option. You can inquire about your visa status by contacting the embassy via email or through your travel agency.
Where Do I Get a Visa for Kazakhstan?
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in New Delhi is the authorized entity for issuing Kazakhstan visas. You can choose to apply directly or through a reputable visa agency. Be mindful of submission and collection hours (09:30 am to 11:30 am) on working days (except Wednesdays and Kazakhstan public holidays). Once approved, you can collect your visa during the specified hours (11:30 am to 01:00 pm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Short-term Kazakh visas are typically not extendable. However, long-term visas may be extendable. In exceptional cases, such as humanitarian or medical reasons, where you cannot return to your home country, you may apply for an extension.
Short-term visit visas usually do not require a medical test. However, long-term visas may have specific medical test requirements. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to undergo a medical test before traveling.
Kazakhstan visa applicants are not usually required to prove their bank balance due to the country’s lower living expenses. However, it’s recommended to have enough money to cover daily expenses during your stay.
Processing times for a general Kazakhstan visa are typically 5 working days. To allow for travel to the embassy, it’s recommended to apply at least one week before your intended travel date. Applying around 10 working days in advance is a safer option.
