Kazakhstan’s citizens can now visit 41 countries visa-free

Kazakhstan is gradually making a mark on the global tourism map. Kazakh citizens can now enjoy visa-free access to 41 countries, as reported by Kazinform. In the last 10 years, Kazakhstan has expanded its visa-free access, adding over 30 new destinations. As per the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, there are now 81 countries where Kazakh citizens can travel without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival, with six more agreements awaiting implementation. Some countries offer particularly long stays for Kazakh citizens. Georgia leads with a visa-free period of up to one year. Armenia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines permit up to 180 days of stay, while around 15 other countries, such as Russia, Türkiye, Mongolia, Albania, and Moldova, allow stays of up to 90 days. Shorter visa-free stays of 14 days are available in destinations like Hong Kong, Iran, and Oman. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working to improve the global standing of the Kazakh passport. Kuanysh Zhaikov, an economist and head of the DESHT Institutional Transformation Group analytical center, emphasized the long-term benefits of securing visa-free agreements. He noted that these deals can help Kazakhstan negotiate similar arrangements with larger, more economically significant nations. In 2023, Kazakhstan continued expanding its list of visa-free countries, establishing agreements with Bangladesh, Seychelles, San Marino, China, and Vietnam. Ongoing discussions with the European Union aim to simplify visa procedures, potentially reducing fees, expediting processing, and extending the validity of multiple-entry visas.