South Africa to Kazakhstan visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need a visa for Kazakhstan. South Africa is not on Kazakhstan's visa-free list, but it is among the 100+ countries eligible to apply online for a Kazakhstan electronic visa (eVisa) for tourism through the official Visa and Migration Portal (vmp.gov.kz). As of mid-2026, a South African (ZA) ordinary passport holder traveling to Kazakhstan for tourism requires a visa; there is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel for South Africans. The recommended route is the Kazakhstan electronic visa (eVisa), applied for online via the official government Visa and Migration Portal (vmp.gov.kz). The official egov.kz portal lists South Africa among the 109 countries whose citizens may apply for an eVisa for tourist, business, or medical purposes. The single-entry tourist eVisa carries a consular fee of about USD 60, is valid for roughly 3 months from issue, and permits a stay of up to 30 days. A tourist eVisa generally requires an invitation/booking reference issued through an authorized Kazakhstan tour operator or hotel, which is registered on the portal before you apply. The eVisa is valid for entry only through international airports (such as Astana/Nur-Sultan and Almaty), not land borders. Kazakhstan is in Central Asia and is NOT part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Travelers should apply at least 5 working days (ideally several weeks) before departure, and must print the approved eVisa to present on arrival. Always reconfirm details on vmp.gov.kz immediately before applying, as fees and eligibility lists can change.