Kazakhstan is the easiest of all Central Asian countries for Indians to travel. There is no need for a visa if you are travelling for less than 14 days. You can also stay for a maximum of 42 days within the period of 180 days. Refer the link here.
It is a revolutionary change from the days of getting a Letter of Invitation, the physical visa and registering at police stations.
We entered Kazakhstan twice during our recent visit to Central Asia. So, how was that experience?
At immigration in Bengaluru Airport
Looking at the boarding pass, the immigration officer could not understand where we was heading. He was surprised to hear that we were travelling to Kazakhstan. He said that it was rare to see people travelling to that country. We then had a casual talk. There was less queue that day, and we also showed our itinerary! He was even more surprised to see our four-country plan.
First entry at Almaty airport
The immigration officials did a detailed check of our passports using a magnifying lens. It was a first time for me! They took some time but stamped on our passports without asking any questions.
First exit at Kazakh-Kyrgyz land border
We travelled from Almaty to Bishkek on a bus. It was an uneventful border crossing, though we had to wait 15 minutes in the queue.
Second entry at Kyrgyz-Kazakh border
We crossed into Kazakhstan again when we were travelling from Bishkek to Tashkent. The border crossing was at midnight, and the immigration area was almost empty. The officials were in a jovial mood that night. On seeing us, they said “India – Raj Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty” and started singing the “Jimmy Jimmy” song! Easy!!
Second exit at Kazakh-Uzbek border
It was a chaotic border. We were singled out and were asked to show the dollars we were carrying. These “customs officers” did not look professional. Anyway, we crossed this stage without losing any money!!
The immigration queue was long, and people did not follow any discipline. The immigration officer, after spending a long time staring at my passport took me to a higher official. He was already dealing with a bunch of passports. Long story short, I was asked to stand in the queue again, only to see the process repeat again!! The “higher official” was surprised to see me back!! Some conversation happened between the officers, and I was allowed to continue!
We never knew why this happened. The officers did not speak English, and it did not help the matters. In this immigration process, they did not ask a single question.
It was not a pleasant experience. Interestingly, my friend also suffered a similar fate though he was standing in a different queue. It seemed that the officials at that border check post were picking out passports of some specific countries!
Summary
Though the experience at Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan land border was not pleasant, I still consider Kazakhstan as the easiest Central Asian country to visit from visa perspective.
Sadanand
Narration is clear any interested person can get clear idea
aravindgj
Thank you.
prashanjit
yet another excellent blog. I simply enjoy reading yours travels and i was privileged to have accompanied you a few of them in central Europe.
aravindgj
Thanks Prashanjit. Great to travel with you!!
Amer
Liked readin your blog. If I get it right , you didnot need any visa to enter Kazakhstan and just travelled with your passport and stamped entry /exit at immigration?
aravindgj
That’s correct.
Jaseem
If we want to cross border from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan (for a Tashkent to Shymkent trip), is it possible to travel by train or bus without having a pre arranged Kazakhstan visa? New visa free policy does not show any restrictions on entry points, but I am still confused.
aravindgj
There are no restrictions on entry points. Indians can cross to Kazakhstan via land border without a need for a visa.
Gurjeet
sir can i enter khazakastan through land border from russia under 14 days visa free travel or it has to be though airport?
aravindgj
You can enter through lands border also.
Mona
At Almaty airport during immigration, did u show hotel bookings for Kazakhastan only (for entire trip duration) or the real hotel
Bookings u might have had for Kazakh+Kyrgyz
aravindgj
They did not ask any question during immigration at Almaty airport.
my thoughts
Nice blog and informative, thanks a lot. just want to ask cause I am planning to go in August, it is really required to have travel insurance. Travel Agency is requiring us to buy for a travel insurance.
aravindgj
Thanks. Travel Insurance is an individual choice. The immigration people did not ask for it.
Neera
Can I get a five day transit visa for Uzbekistan at Land border. I am Indian passport holder. Please advice Thanks in advance.
aravindgj
I am not aware of visa on arrival at land border. Better to apply for e-visa beforehand. It takes 3 days.
RAJESH JUNEJA
ITs a really nice narration….very helpful………Kindly advise about LOI agent details for BIshkek.
juneja62@gmail.com
aravindgj
Thank you. I have responded to your email.
Divya
We’re from India and we’ll be travelling to Uzbekistan and then to Kazakhstan via flight.
Will immigration check happen at Uzbekistan airport when leaving from it and travelling to Kazakhstan?
And if so, then how long will the procedure take, because we have only 2 hours to board the flight after reaching the airport, as we’ll be coming to Tashkent airport from Samarkand by train.
aravindgj
Immigration check will happen at the airport when you leave Uzbekistan. I have travelled on land and hence cannot comment on Tashkent airport. It depends on the time of the day, number of officials in the immigration counter and the crowd. I did see in forums where people say 2 hours is enough.