Kazakhstan begins visa-free regime for Indian, Iranian, Chinese citizens

Kazakhstan unilaterally introduces a visa-free regime for citizens of India, Iran, and China beginning July 8, 2022.

At the same time, the earlier special 72-hour visa-free transit regime for India and China has ceased to operate, the Kazakh news service Kazinform informs, citing the press service of the Kazakh Interior Ministry's Migration Service Committee.

Under the terms of the visa-free regime, citizens of India, Iran and China will be able to enter and stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 14 calendar days from the moment of crossing the border. Travel for business, private, tourist and purposes is allowed.

The total period of stay in Kazakhstan under a visa-free regime should not exceed 42 calendar days for every 180-day period. Violation of this condition entails administrative liability of a foreigner in the form of:

- a fine from 10 to 25 Monthly Calculation Index (MCI);

- arrest up to 15 days;

- expulsion from the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a ban on entry into Kazakhstan for five years (by a court decision).

In addition, foreign citizens are prohibited from carrying out labour and other paid activities under the visa-free regime. For these purposes, the host party (individual or legal entity) must obtain an appropriate work permit and visa to Kazakhstan in advance.