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Kazakhstan Visa Fees - Big Increase for Americans!

Replies: 9 - Last Post: Jan 6, 2013 7:52 AM Last Post By: KazMom

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KazMom

KazMom avatar

Nov 24, 2012 9:05 PM
Posts:  94

Kazakhstan Visa Fees - Big Increase for Americans!

Hi All,

I'm just about to apply for Kaz visas and realized that the prices just shot up as of a week or two ago. Used to be a very reasonable $40 for a one month toursit visa. Now that same visa is $160 for Americans (this is the same cost as a USA visa for Kazakhstan citizens). Pricey, indeed. It's nice that children under the age of 16 are still free of charge.

I haven't been able to confirm with the embassy in Washington DC, but I'm hoping they will issue a visa in December that will still be valid in May. We're going on an RTW trip and won't get to Kazakhstan into several months into our journey. It's such a hassle to pick up visas along the way, so trying to get as many as possible prior to our trip. Last I heard they are a bit flexible on this, unlike Russia, but I can't find anything official. Nor can I get an answer on the phone or via email from the embassy. Arg!

Cheers,
Jenn

letemspeak

letemspeak avatar

Nov 25, 2012 9:02 AM
Posts:  301

1

That's a very big increase indeed. two years ago I paid roughly 20usd in China. Lets hope this increase is only at embassys within the US.

As far as your trip goes, Kazakh visas are generally very easy to pick up in neighboring countries.

KazMom

KazMom avatar

Nov 25, 2012 4:42 PM
Posts:  94

2

I was wondering about getting a Kaz visa in Bangkok, but wasn't sure I wanted to chance it (waiting at the embassy and then waiting around for a few days for it to be done, etc). May just be easier to get a visa here in the USA, albeit possibly at a much more expensive rate!

letemspeak

letemspeak avatar

Nov 26, 2012 8:05 AM
Posts:  301

3

I have no idea about the Embassy in Bangkok. You can try posting on the Thailand branch for more info. Where are you planning on entering Kazakhstan from? Kazakh Embassies in Central Asia usually issue visas in a few days.

KazMom

KazMom avatar

Nov 26, 2012 9:10 PM
Posts:  94

4

Before we visit Kazakhstan, we'll be in Nepal (no embassy) via a brief stop in Dubai. A month or two before Nepal we'll be in Thailand and I think this may be my best option to get a visa IF I don't or can't get one in the USA before I leave....

letemspeak

letemspeak avatar

Nov 27, 2012 5:33 AM
Posts:  301

5

Since you won't be in a neighboring country prior to entering Kazakhstan, even though it's expensive, I'd suggest getting it at home. You can try posting on the Thailand branch, but not many people are applying for Kazakh visas in Bangkok so who knows what you'll get.

aibekut

aibekut avatar

Dec 5, 2012 3:35 AM
Posts:  2

6

I would also recommend you to get Kazakh visa before you start your journey - in Washington DC. It took about a week to my friends to get the visas when they visited Kazakhstan last year.

hopper00

hopper00 avatar

Dec 11, 2012 5:03 AM
Posts:  87

7

Please let us know what happened - really interesting development. Lots of conspiracy theories always flying around in Kaz against the US government, but am surprised to read that the Kaz government would take such a step.

everbrite

everbrite avatar

Dec 19, 2012 8:59 PM
Posts:  5,850

8

Btw Russian visas have changed for US passport holders and you can now get a 3 year multiple entry visa for 180 USD plus processing fees.

Ruth

KazMom

KazMom avatar

Jan 6, 2013 7:52 AM
Posts:  94

9

I did get a visa. It took about two week total including mailing time. I think the embassy has our passports for six business days, which is more or less consistent with what their website says. So we are off to Kaz in April!

There was no problem applying 4-5 months in advance. I know many countries say that your application must be within 90 days.
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