United States Visa RequirementsFor Kazakhstan passport holders

Kazakhstan is not a participant in the US Visa Waiver Program, and all Kazakhstani passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. The US Embassy in Astana (the capital, formerly called Nur-Sultan) processes these applications.

Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Astana are lengthy, often running 200 to 300 days or more. Plan your application at least 9 to 12 months before intended travel.

There are no direct flights from Kazakhstan to the United States. Travelers connect via European hubs (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London) or via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, which has extensive connectivity between Almaty, Astana, and multiple US cities.

Kazakhstan has a complex geopolitical position between Russia and China. There are no US-imposed travel bans or blanket restrictions on Kazakhstani nationals. Individual applicants are assessed on standard B1/B2 criteria: non-immigrant intent, financial sufficiency, and legitimate travel purpose.

Kazakhstan has a developing middle class and a significant number of travelers visiting the US for tourism, academic conferences, and business. Demonstrating strong ties to Kazakhstan (employment with a major company, property, family) and clear travel purpose strengthens an application.

There are no direct flights from Kazakhstan to the United States. Turkish Airlines from Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ) via Istanbul (IST) is the most direct and popular connection, with Turkish Airlines serving multiple US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston. Lufthansa connects via Frankfurt (FRA), KLM via Amsterdam (AMS), and Air France via Paris (CDG). Air Astana operates codeshare and partnership agreements that allow onward connections through European hubs. Emirates via Dubai (DXB) and Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) are additional options.

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). The Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) is not accepted in the US. Exchange to USD before departure or use a Visa or Mastercard bank card enabled for international transactions. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid blocks.

The US is significantly more expensive than Kazakhstan for accommodation and dining. Budget $150 to $300 per day for mid-range city travel. New York and San Francisco are among the most expensive destinations.

Tipping is expected and non-optional in the US. In sit-down restaurants, add 18% to 20% of the bill. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect tips.

ATMs are widely available across the US. Fees of $3 to $5 per withdrawal from out-of-network ATMs apply.

Apply very early. Astana wait times of 200 to 300 days are among the longer waits in Central Asia. Starting 12 months in advance is strongly advisable.

Connections via Istanbul or Frankfurt. Turkish Airlines from Almaty (ALA) or Astana (NQZ) via Istanbul to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other US cities is the most common routing. Lufthansa via Frankfurt and KLM via Amsterdam are alternatives.

Demonstrate ties to Kazakhstan. Bring employment letters from a named employer, property registration documents, payslips, or evidence of business ownership. The officer must be satisfied you will return to Kazakhstan after your visit.

Administrative processing. Some Kazakhstani applications undergo additional administrative processing after the interview. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is in hand.

Check your passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended US entry date.