Kazakhstan, renowned for its towering mountains, verdant valleys, expansive deserts, breathtaking lakes, and diverse wildlife, has emerged as a prominent tourist destination. The Kazakhstan tourist visa, often heralded as a travel revelation, facilitates over 6 million tourists’ visits each year.

Understanding the Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

The Kazakhstan tourist visa, also known as the B12 visa, is an authorization that allows individuals to enter the Republic of Kazakhstan for tourism purposes. It is mandatory for nationalities not on the visa-exemption list. The Kazakhstan tourist visa for Indian citizens is affixed as a stamp in the passport. It can be issued as a single-entry visa, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days within a 90-day validity period, or as a multiple-entry visa, permitting a 30-day stay on each entry within a 90-day validity period.

How to Apply for a Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

Kazakhstan Tourist Visa Application

The application process for the Kazakhstan tourist visa for Indian citizens is primarily conducted offline. Before initiating the application, it’s crucial to ensure your eligibility for travel to Kazakhstan on a tourist visa. Here are the steps to apply:

1. Gather all necessary documents as per the requirements.
2. Download the visa application form from the official website of the Kazakh embassy.
3. Print the application form and complete it legibly in block letters. Accuracy is vital, as providing incorrect or incomplete information can result in visa rejection.
4. Deposit the required application fee into the designated bank account of the Embassy of Kazakhstan.
5. With the fee receipt, along with the completed application form and supporting tourist visa documents, visit the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India in person to submit the application.

Eligibility for Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

To be eligible for the tourist visa category, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a resident of India when applying from India. If you reside under a foreign residence permit, you can apply through the relevant authority in that foreign country.
• Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel and submit any previous passports.
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be tourism.
• Possess an invitation letter approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kazakhstan.

Documents Required for Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

The Kazakhstan tourist visa requirements include a specific set of documents to be submitted to the embassy:

• A passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages and valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• One photo adhering to the specified photo specifications.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• An invitation letter approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.
• A copy of the national ID of the applicant.
• Receipt of payment for the required fees.
• A comprehensive travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Kazakhstan, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host.

Photo Specifications for Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

The Kazakhstan tourist visa photo requirements are as follows:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
• Color: Colored.
• The head must be centered.
• The photo should be recently taken within the last 3 months.
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey.
• Face coverage: 70-80%.
• Neutral facial expression.
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted.
• Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

Processing Time for Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

The processing time for a tourist permit varies based on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, and the authenticity of your documents. Typically, tourist visas are processed within 5 working days, although some cases may take longer. Hence, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

Kazakhstan Tourist Visa Fees

The visa fees primarily depend on the number of entries, and there may be slight variations due to foreign exchange rates, as the embassy’s fees are denominated in USD. Additionally, if you apply through a travel agency, there may be additional service charges. Therefore, it’s essential to confirm the exact fee amount before commencing the application.

Sample Visa Fees:

• Single entry Normal (30 days stay, 3 months validity) – ₹3600.0

After Submission

Once you have submitted your application, the embassy will commence processing. During this period, you cannot modify or withdraw the application. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide accurate information in your application. Once the visa is processed, you can collect your passport directly from the embassy during the designated hours (11:30 am to 01:00 pm) on working days.

How to Check Visa Status

As the tourist visa application process is conducted offline, there is no online tracking method available. However, you can contact the embassy via email to inquire about your application’s status. Alternatively, if you applied through a travel agency, they can check the status on your behalf.

When You Have This Visa

After obtaining your tourist visa for Kazakhstan, it’s essential to keep in mind a few key points to ensure a hassle-free trip:

Before You Travel:

• Take note of the visa’s expiry date and the number of permitted entries on the visa sticker. Ensure you do not overstay in the country beyond this period.
• Carry all necessary travel documents before embarking on your journey.

At the Border:

• Understand that the visa alone does not guarantee entry into Kazakhstan; entry depends on the decision of Kazakhstan’s border control.
• Be prepared to present copies of the supporting documents submitted with your visa application to border control.

In Kazakhstan:

• While on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to engage in employment.
• Typically, tourist visas cannot be extended under normal circumstances.
• Adhere strictly to the country’s rules and regulations, and respect its culture and traditions.