Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Kazakhstan

1. Visa-Free Travel Agreement (Effective November 10, 2023)

 

Kazakhstani citizens do not need a visa for short-term visits to mainland China under the following conditions:

 

  • Permitted Purposes: Tourism, business activities (e.g., negotiations, trade fairs), family visits, medical treatment, international transit, or private affairs.
  • Stay Limits:
    • Single Entry: Up to 30 days from arrival.
    • 180-Day Cumulative: Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Valid Documents: A valid Kazakhstani passport or national return certificate.

 

Exclusions:

 

  • Does not apply to 公务活动，long-term study (over 30 days), missionary work, or residency.
  • Hong Kong and Macau: Kazakhstani citizens enjoy visa-free access to Hong Kong for up to 14 days but require a separate visa for Macau.

2. Visa Types for Non-Exempt Purposes

 

For stays exceeding 30 days or activities not covered by the visa-free agreement, Kazakhstani citizens must apply for the relevant visa:

Work Visa (Z Visa)

 

  • Validity: Matches employment contract duration (up to 1 year).
  • Requirements: Chinese work permit, invitation letter, and medical exam for stays >6 months.

Study Visa (X1/X2 Visa)

 

  • X1: Long-term study (>180 days; requires JW201/JW202 form + 录取通知书).
  • X2: Short-term study (≤180 days; requires 入学通知书).

Business Visa (M Visa)

 

  • Validity: Up to 1 year (multiple entries).
  • Requirements: Invitation letter from a Chinese company and business credentials.

Family Visit Visa (S1/S2 Visa)

 

  • S1: Long-term visits (>180 days) for immediate family of Chinese residents.
  • S2: Short-term visits (≤180 days; invitation letter and proof of relationship required).

3. Application Process for Non-Exempt Visas

 

  1. Online Form: Complete the COVA application and print the confirmation.
  2. Document Submission:
    • Passport (valid ≥6 months, 2 blank pages).
    • Recent passport photo (48mm × 33mm).
    • Proof of purpose (e.g., invitation letters, employment contracts).
  3. Biometrics: Fingerprint collection mandatory for applicants aged 14–70.
  4. Processing Time:
    • Standard: 4–6 weeks.
    • Express: 3–5 business days (additional fee).

4. Transit Policies

 

  • 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Available at all international airports.
  • 72-Hour Transit: Permitted through select cities (e.g., Guangzhou, Shanghai) for eligible travelers.
  • 144-Hour Transit: Valid in major cities (e.g., Beijing, Xi’an) for citizens of 53 countries, including Kazakhstan.
    • Restrictions: Cannot visit Urumqi, Fuzhou, or Yanji during transit.

5. Key Entry Requirements

 

  • Passport Validity: Minimum 6 months beyond intended departure.
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements or employment letters to demonstrate financial sufficiency.
  • Accommodation/Itinerary: Hotel reservations and confirmed return tickets.
  • Customs Limits:
    • Cigarettes: Up to 200 sticks.
    • Alcohol: Up to 3 liters (for travelers ≥18 years).
    • Cash: Declare amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (in equivalent) upon entry/exit.

6. Chinese Embassies/Consulates in Kazakhstan

 

  • Embassy in Astana:
    • Address: 37 Kabanbai Batyra Ave., Astana
    • Tel: +7-7172-703-444
  • Consulate-General in Almaty:
    • Address: 12 Baitursynov St., Almaty
    • Tel: +7-727-244-17-00

7. Important Reminders

 

  • Stay Compliance: Overstaying visas may result in fines or bans.
  • Health Insurance: Recommended but not mandatory for short stays.
  • Policy Updates: Check the Chinese Consular Service Network for the latest regulations.

 

Kazakhstani travelers can leverage the visa-free policy for convenient trips to China but should plan ahead for longer stays or specialized activities. Always verify requirements with official sources before traveling.