From the futuristic skyline of Astana to the alpine beauty of Almaty's mountains and the ancient history of the Silk Road, Kazakhstan is a vast, stunning country. For Indian travelers, what was once a complex destination to visit has suddenly become one of the easiest.
MAJOR TRAVEL UPDATE: Kazakhstan has introduced a 14-day, visa-free travel regime for citizens of India.
This is a complete game-changer, but it's also created a lot of confusion. Do you need a Kazakhstan eVisa? What's the 14-day rule? What is a "Letter of Invitation"?
This guide will answer every genuine question, help you avoid common mistakes, and clarify exactly what you need (and don't need) for your trip.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Kazakhstan for a Short Trip?
No! This is the biggest and best news. For most Indian tourists, the process is now incredibly simple.
As of 2022, Indian passport holders can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for a period of up to 14 calendar days.
This means if you are planning a 1-2 week vacation to Almaty or Astana, you do not need an eVisa. You can simply book your flight, fly to Kazakhstan, and receive an entry stamp on arrival.
What are the Requirements for the 14-Day Visa-Free Entry?
While you don't need a visa, you must have the following Kazakhstan eVisa Requirements at the border:
A Valid Indian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
A Confirmed Return/Onward Flight Ticket: You must be able to prove you are leaving Kazakhstan within the 14-day period.
Proof of Accommodation: It's highly recommended to have your first night's hotel booking confirmation printed.
Sufficient Funds: Be prepared to show proof of funds for your stay (e.g., a bank statement or credit card), though this is not always checked.
This visa-free policy covers tourism, private visits, and short-term business meetings.
So, When Do I Need a Kazakhstan eVisa?
You only need to apply for Kazakhstan eVisa if your travel plans do not fit the 14-day visa-free rule.
What if I Want to Stay in Kazakhstan for More Than 14 Days?
If your trip is 15 days or longer (e.g., a 20-day trek), you must apply for a tourist eVisa. The 14-day visa-free entry cannot be extended.
What if I Need a Multiple-Entry Visa for Kazakhstan?
The 14-day visa-free rule is for a single entry. If you plan to enter, leave (e.g., to Kyrgyzstan), and re-enter, you will need a multiple-entry visa, which requires a different and more complex process (often via an embassy).
What if My Purpose Isn't Tourism?
If your purpose is not tourism or simple business (e.g., you plan to work, study, or for medical treatment), you will need a specific visa and cannot use the visa-free or tourist eVisa options.
For 90% of Indian tourists, the 14-day visa-free option is the best, cheapest, and easiest choice.
What is the Kazakhstan "Tourist eVisa" (and the Dreaded LOI)?
If you do need to stay longer than 14 days, you will apply for the "Tourist eVisa" (B12 category). This is where things get complicated.
The eVisa itself is just an online application. The real requirement is the Letter of Invitation (LOI).
What is a Letter of Invitation (LOI) for Kazakhstan?
It's a special invitation, approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, that must be arranged by a licensed Kazakh tour operator. It is not a simple hotel booking. It is an official sponsorship document.
How to Get a Kazakhstan LOI for Indian Citizens
You cannot just go to the eVisa online and apply. You must first:
Find a reputable, licensed tour agency in Kazakhstan (search "Kazakhstan Tour LOI").
Pay the visa fee.
Send them your passport copy and travel dates.
The agency sponsors your trip and gets your LOI approved by the government.
Can I Get an eVisa Without an LOI?
No. For the tourist eVisa (B12), the Letter of Invitation is mandatory. The official eVisa application portal will require your unique, approved LOI number before you can even start the form.
In short, the eVisa is not an independent application; it's the final step in a longer, more complex process that requires a sponsor.
Kazakhstan eVisa vs. 14-Day Visa-Free: Which is for You?
Here is a simple comparison for an Indian tourist.
How to Apply for the Kazakhstan eVisa (A Step-by-Step Guide)
If you've decided you need the eVisa for a long stay, here is the process.
Apply for the LOI: Send them your passport copy, travel dates, and itinerary. Pay their fee.
Wait for LOI Approval: The agency will submit your details to the Ministry. This can take 5-10 business days.
Receive Your LOI Number: The agency will email you the official, approved LOI number.
Go to site: Fill out the application form with your details exactly as they appear on your passport and LOI.
Upload Documents: You will need to upload:
A clear scan of your passport.
A digital passport photo (must be 3.5cm x 4.5cm, on a white background, no shadows - this is a common reason for rejection).
Pay the eVisa Fee: Pay the consular fee (approx. $60 USD) on the portal.
Wait for Approval (Again): The eVisa itself is processed in about 5 business days.
Download and Print: Once approved, you will receive the eVisa as a PDF. You must print this in high quality and carry it with you.
FAQ
Q: "I want to stay for 20 days. Can I just use the 14-day visa-free entry and overstay?"
A: NO. DO NOT DO THIS. Overstaying, even by one day, will result in heavy fines, detention at the airport, and being banned from re-entering Kazakhstan. It is a serious offense.
Q: "I want to stay for 20 days. Can I exit to a nearby country (like Kyrgyzstan) and come back?"
A: This is called a "visa run." The 14-day visa-free rule is meant for a single entry every 180 days (though this is not always strictly enforced). It is risky and not recommended. The correct way is to get the tourist eVisa with an LOI for your full 20-day trip.
Q: "What is the 'Migration Police Registration' I keep hearing about?"
A: This is a critical point! All foreigners must be "registered" within 3 business days of arrival.
If you stay in a hotel: The hotel will do this for you automatically at check-in. You don't need to do anything.
If you stay in an Airbnb/apartment: The owner of the apartment is legally required to register you. You must confirm they will do this before you book. If they don't, you are in violation and can be fined when you try to leave the country.
Q: "My eVisa photo was rejected. What do I do?"
A: This is the most common reason for eVisa rejection. The photo must be a perfect, ICAO-standard studio photo. A selfie will be rejected. You must get a new photo that meets the 3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, no-shadow rules and re-upload.
Q: "Does the 14-day visa-free rule work at land borders?"
A: Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official international airports (like Almaty, Astana) and at official land border crossings (like Kordai, if coming from Kyrgyzstan).
Q: "Is the 14-day rule '14 days' or '14 nights'?"
A: It is 14 calendar days. The day you arrive is Day 1, and you must leave on or before Day 14. For example, if you arrive at 10 PM on July 1st, that is Day 1. You must leave on or before July 14th.
Q: "How much money do I need to show for Kazakhstan visa-free entry?"
A: There is no fixed official amount. However, having a copy of your bank statement or a credit card with a good limit is wise. You just need to prove you can support yourself and won't be working illegally.
Your Final Checklist Before Flying from India
For a 14-Day (or less) Visa-Free Trip:
[ ] Indian passport (valid for 6+ months).
[ ] Printed copy of your return flight ticket (within 14 days).
[ ] Printed copy of your first night's hotel/hostel booking.
[ ] A credit card and/or some USD cash.
For a Long-Stay eVisa Trip:
[ ] Indian passport (valid for 6+ months).
[ ] Printed copy of your approved eVisa.
[ ] Printed copy of your Letter of Invitation (LOI).
[ ] Printed copy of your return flight ticket.
[ ] Printed hotel bookings and confirmation of your migration registration.
Conclusion: Kazakhstan is Open for (Almost) Free!
For the vast majority of Indian tourists, the 14-day visa-free rule is a golden ticket. It makes a trip to Almaty as easy as a trip to Dubai or Thailand. Forget the old-world visa complexities.
For those planning a longer, deeper exploration, the eVisa is your path—just be prepared to partner with a local agency for the all-important LOI.
Either way, one of the world's most beautiful and underrated destinations is now waiting for you.
