How days of stay in Kazakhstan are counted: 30 per entry, 90 in 180, the backward window and three moments of control

The formula "30 days per entry, 90 days in 180" looks simple until real dates are involved. Paragraph 6 of Decree No. 148 sets a single counting method used by the border service and the migration police. Here it is, with examples.

Two limits at once

For citizens of visa-free countries in paragraph 17 of the Rules, two restrictions apply simultaneously:

1. no more than 30 calendar days from crossing the border per visit;
2. no more than 90 calendar days in total in any period of 180 calendar days.

For EAEU citizens the first limit is 90 days; for citizens of India and Iran — 14 days per visit and 42 in a half-year; for Türkiye — 90 days in a half-year. The counting logic is the same.

How the 180-day window works

The Rules define three moments of control, and in each the window is counted backwards:

All days spent in Kazakhstan within the window are summed. If the sum has reached 90, entry is refused under sub-paragraph 1 of Article 48 of the Migration Law. If the excess is found inside the country, it is an overstay.

Examples

Example 1. One long trip. Entry on 1 March. The per-visit limit is 30 days, so you must leave by 30 March (the entry day counts as day one).

Example 2. Several trips. Thirty-day trips in March, May and July. At the third entry (1 July) the window runs back to 2 January and already holds 60 days (March and May). Thirty remain — the trip is fine. But at a fourth entry on 1 September the window starts on 5 March: 26 March days, 30 May days and 30 July days — 86 in total. Only 4 days remain; a week-long trip is impossible until the March days drop out of the window.

Example 3. The "visa run". Entry 1 April, exit 30 April, back on 2 May. There is a fresh 30 days for the new visit, but the window already holds 30 — after 2 May only 60 days remain for all trips until early October. A one-day exit does not refresh the limit.

Example 4. A street check. On 15 August a police officer checks your documents. The window runs from 17 February. If it holds more than 90 days, you are in breach even if the current visit is a week old.

What is outside the limit

The 90/180 requirement does not apply to immigrants:

• holding an RVP — the permit defines the term;
• who entered on a visa — the visa defines the term;
• aircraft and ship crews, train crews, drivers of international freight and passenger transport, members of official delegations and other categories listed in paragraph 6.

So the only lawful way to "stay longer" is to change regime: obtain an RVP through a host or get a visa. For business purposes, citizens of listed countries may obtain a business visa of up to 30 days from the internal affairs bodies.

Special cases

Paragraph 6 also sets special end dates: for those fined for previous violations — 15 days after the decision; for those who have arranged departure abroad for permanent residence — 30 days after the paperwork; in emergencies or transport disruptions — an extension of up to 30 days with a notice from the internal affairs bodies.

Liability

Overstaying under Article 517: up to 3 days — a warning, 3–5 days — 10 MCI, 5–10 days — 15 MCI, over 10 days — 25 MCI or expulsion. After expulsion entry is barred for five years. In 2026 one MCI is 4,325 tenge.

A practical tool

Keep a trip table: entry date, exit date, days. Before each trip count the 180-day window back from the planned entry date. If you travel to Kazakhstan often on business, a multiple-entry business visa or an RVP is a better option — and you can stop counting.

Visa Navigator calculates your permitted stay from your travel history, selects a ground for an RVP or a visa and arranges it before the limit runs out. See the RVP service page.

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and practice change — verify the current requirements as of the date you apply.