Kazakhstan Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Also known as the B12 visa, the tourist permit is an endorsement that lets people enter the Republic of Kazakhstan for the purpose of tourism. It is only mandatory for nationalities that are not on the visa-exemption list. The Kazakhstan tourist visa from India is provided as a stamp in the passport. It can be issued as a single-entry type for a maximum stay duration of 30 days in a 90-day validity, or it can be issued as a multiple-entry type with a stay duration of 30 days on each entry in a 90-day validity. 

The application for the Kazakhstan tourist visa for Indian citizens has to be made offline. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a tourist visa. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Acquire all the documents as per the requirements.
2. Download the visa application form from the website of the Kazakh embassy. 
3. Take a print out of it and fill in the with all the relevant details.  Ensure that you write it clearly and in block letters. Providing wrong or incomplete information can lead to visa rejection. 
4. Proceed to deposit the application fee at the registered bank account of the embassy of Kazakhstan. 
5. With the fee receipt, complete application form and the tourist permit documents, visit the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India in person and submit the application. 

In order to apply for the tourist category, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be a resident of India if you are applying from India. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it to the concerning authority over there. 
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, as well as submit any old passports.
• Your only purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You will need to possess an invitation letter approved by the ministry of internal affairs in Kazakhstan.

As per the Kazakhstan tourist visa requirements, the following are the set of documents you must submit at the embassy - 

• A passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages and valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. 
• 1 photo as per the photo specifications. 
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Invitation letter approved by the ministry of internal affairs of Kazakhstan. 
• Copy of the national ID of the applicant.
• Receipt of payment of the fees.
• A detailed travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Kazakhstan such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, an invitation letter from a host, etc.

The Kazakhstan tourist visa photo requirements are as follows - 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 70-80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the tourist permit depends on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as on the authenticity of your documents. Normally, they are processed within 5 working days. However, in certain cases, this may take longer. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance.

The fees for the process depends mainly on the number of entries. It can also vary slightly depending on the foreign exchange rates as the fees listed on the embassy website is mentioned in USD. Apart from this, there may be additional services charges if you are applying through a travel agency. As a result, check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your application, the embassy will begin processing it. During this period, you cannot modify or withdraw the application. As a result, ensure that you provide a correct application. Once the visa has been processed, you can collect your passport from the embassy directly during the allocated hours (11:30 am to 01:00 pm) on the working days.

Since the tourist visa application process is done offline, there is no method to track it online. However, you may contact the embassy via email to know the status. You can also contact your travel agency to have them check the status for you.

Once you have received your tourist visa for Kazakhstan, you must keep in mind a few points as it is essential in order to have a hassle-free trip.

Before you travel - 

• Note the visa expiry date and the number of entries on the sticker. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Carry all your travel documents before travelling. 

At the border

• The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. This is dependent on the decision of the border control in Kazakhstan.
• You may have to show a copy of supporting documents you have submitted for your visa application at the border control. 

In Kazakhstan

• While on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work.
• You cannot extend the visa in normal circumstances.
• You must strictly abide by the rules and regulations in the country, as well as respect their culture and traditions.