Kazakhstan Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. Kazakhstan introduced a unilateral visa-free regime for UK and many other European nationals as part of efforts to boost tourism and business travel.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No advance application is required. Present your UK passport at Almaty International Airport, Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (Astana), or other designated ports of entry. You may be asked to complete a migration card and to declare accommodation details. Keep your migration card safe as you will need to surrender it on departure.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Kazakhstan: What You Need to Know
Kazakhstan extended visa-free access to British nationals from 2023 as part of a broader liberalisation of its travel policy. The 30-day period is counted from the date of first entry and applies per visit. There is no specific limit on the number of visa-free visits per year, but immigration officers may question the purpose of frequent short stays.
Practical Tips
The Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) is the local currency. Kazakhstan is a very large country; domestic flights between Almaty and Astana are common and affordable. Both cities have modern metro systems. English is increasingly spoken in business and tourism contexts though Russian and Kazakh dominate. Visa registration is required for stays over 5 days in some circumstances; check current regulations before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kazakhstan?
No. British passport holders can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days following Kazakhstan's extension of its unilateral visa-free regime to UK nationals. No advance application is required; simply present your UK passport on arrival.
What are the main tourist attractions in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan offers a mix of modern architecture in Astana (the futuristic capital), the historic Silk Road city of Turkestan, the alpine landscapes of the Tian Shan mountains around Almaty, and the unique Charyn Canyon. The Altai Mountains near the Russian and Chinese borders offer exceptional wilderness.
Do I need to register my presence in Kazakhstan as a UK visitor?
Generally, registration is required for stays over 5 days in certain circumstances, typically handled automatically if you stay in hotels that register guests with the migration committee. If staying with local contacts in private accommodation, you may need to register at a migration service office. Check current requirements with the Committee on Migration before travel.
What language is spoken in Kazakhstan?
The official languages are Kazakh and Russian. Russian is widely spoken and understood across the country, particularly in Almaty and Astana. English is increasingly common in business settings and tourist areas of the two main cities, but is limited elsewhere.