Kazakhstan's 90-in-180 Rule: How Long You Can Really Stay Without a Visa

Kazakhstan admits many nationalities without a visa, and that makes it a common base for travel across Central Asia. The visa-free arrangement has two limits, though, and travellers who move in and out of the country tend to break the second one without realising.

How long can I stay on each visit?
Up to 30 days per visit, for business or tourism, for eligible nationalities.

Is there a limit beyond the 30 days?
Yes. Total time in Kazakhstan without a visa must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

That second limit is the one that matters for regular visitors. Three back-to-back visits of 30 days each, separated by short trips to Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan, use up the whole allowance.

Does leaving reset the count?
It resets the 30-day clock for the next visit. It does not reset the 90-day total. Every day spent in Kazakhstan in the previous 180 days still counts.

How is the 180-day period measured?
It is rolling. On any given day, look back 180 days and add up the days spent in Kazakhstan. If the total, including the planned stay, would exceed 90, you need a visa.

Do I need to register?
Yes. Your host, or your hotel or other accommodation, must register you with the authorities within three working days of arrival. Hotels usually do this automatically. Travellers staying in private accommodation should confirm that their host has done it.

What if I need to stay longer, or am not visa-exempt?
Then you need a visa, applied for through the government's electronic system. Applicants aged 17 and over are required to give fingerprints.

The purpose matters as well. The visa-free allowance covers business and tourism. Work, study and other purposes need the appropriate visa.

What should I do?
Keep a list of your entry and exit dates in the region. Before each re-entry, count the days spent in Kazakhstan over the previous 180.

If you are staying somewhere other than a hotel, ask your host to confirm your registration in writing.

Verified against UK FCDO Kazakhstan entry requirements, checked 1 October 2026.