tourist visa kazakhstan

The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024

This is the most complete and updated online guide to travel in Kazakhstan. If you find yourself fascinated by this vast, beautiful country and love unusual destinations , this travel guide will tell you everything you need to know to prepare you to visit Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan , a former Soviet republic, is a Central Asian country that extends West from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains in the East. It’s one of the few countries in the world that can still be considered an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Kazakhstan borders both Russia and China and is the 9th largest country in the world so there’s a lot for you to explore. The word Kazakhstan literally translates to ‘the Land of the Wanderers’.

From arid plains, endless steppes, and dusty desert villages where you’ll see more camels than people; to lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and modern cities, travel in Kazakhstan will surprise you every step of the way.

This travel guide will provide you with useful and up-to-date travel information regarding Covid 19, Kazakhstan travel tips, and recommendations to visit Kazakhstan.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kazakhstan Travel Essentials & Resources

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• The 26 best places to visit in Kazakhstan
• 15 useful safety tips to travel in Kazakhstan
• Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel in Kazakhstan by train
• Plan your trip: Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Tours & Experiences: City Tours, Adventure Tours
• Visa: Check the required Kazakhstan travel documents!
• Getting there: Search for flights to Almaty or Nur Sultan
• Where to stay : Find a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or homestay in Kazakhstan
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Getting around : Rent a car in Kazakhstan or travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visit Kazakhstan in 2024 – Kazakhstan Entry Requirements

As the world regains some kind of new ‘normal’ following the global pandemic, it’s really important that you do your research on the current regulations in place regarding Covid-19.

You may be wondering, ‘is Kazakhstan open for tourism?’ and the answer would be yes. The majority of Kazakhstan travel restrictions have been lifted and international flights into and out of the country have now resumed. All commercial flights to and from Kazakhstan are operating as normal too.

1.1 Kazakhstan entry Requirements COVID

Travelers arriving in Kazakhstan no longer need to present a negative PCR test result or proof of vaccination.

Almost all Covid restrictions have been lifted in Kazakhstan, except for medical facilities where face coverings must still be worn.

Upon taking your outgoing flight from Kazakhstan, you may be screened and have your temperature taken and assessed for any coronavirus symptoms. It’s still important that you check with your airline for the latest updated travel information.

1.2 Kazakhstan vaccination requirements

It is not compulsory to get any vaccinations in order to travel to Kazakhstan. You only need proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country where there’s a risk of yellow fever.

2.  Do I need a visit to travel in Kazakhstan?

2.1 kazakhstan visa requirements.

For the last few years, due to the global pandemic, Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime has been suspended. However, in 2022, it has now been reinstated. If your country is on this list , you’ll have to apply for a visa at the embassy where your residence is.

However, the embassies are willing to make an exception if you don’t have an embassy in your home country. Find out what you need to apply for a visa for Kazakhstan here .

There is a list of the countries eligible to visit Kazakhstan without a visa. If your country is on the list , you’ll get a free visa (in the form of a stamp and a registration card) on arrival at the airport or at any land border.

The Kazakhstan Tourist visa is valid for a single visit of up to 30 days, two visits of up to 30 days each within a 60-day period, or three visits of up to 30 days each within a 90-day period.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months beyond the expiry date of your visa. Your passport should also have at least 1 blank page for your visa.

When visiting Kazakhstan, no matter if arriving in the country at the airport or at a land border, all visitors must fill in a registration card . This card will then be stamped twice at passport control upon arrival, showing that you’re registered. If you only see one stamp, make sure you ask nicely for the second one.

You must then keep this registration card with you throughout your stay in Kazakhstan. If you don’t have this card with you when you leave the country, you will have to pay a fine or even face deportation.

However, since 10 January 2020, it’s the responsibility of the host or hotel to register travelers. They have to do this within three working days from the date of the guest’s arrival in Kazakhstan and can be done on the Visa and Migration online portal or in writing to the Migration Service.

Travelers who need to obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to visit Kazakhstan, must register with the Migration Police. 

2.2 Can I extend my Kazakhstan visa?

It is no longer permitted to enter and re-enter visa-free as many times as you like, indefinitely.

Now all visa-free nationalities are only allowed a maximum of 90 days within 180 days of traveling in Kazakhstan . You can still leave and re-enter the same day. A tourist visa however can not be changed or extended once issued.

2.3 What happens if I overstay my Kazakhstan Visa?

If you happen to overstay your visa whilst in Kazakhstan, you’ll need to go to the nearest OVIR station and pay $4 for an extension and a B20 exit visa valid for up to 15 days.

Extensions are usually only granted for reasons such as flight cancellations or emergency medical care.

3. When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

Depending on what you want to do during your trip, you can visit Kazakhstan any time of the year. Kazakhstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers and the temperature will vary depending on the region of the country.

The period between May – October is the best time to visit Kazakhstan, especially the northern region and the southeastern region. The temperatures are not too high to go hiking and camping in places like Charyn Canyon , the Kolsai Lakes and the Tian Shan mountains around Almaty as well as in the highlands of the Altai mountain range.

If you can cope with the heat, it’s also a good period to go on a road trip or a train trip through the steppes and visit other parts of the country .

Spring and Autumn each last for about a month every year: April and October in the south, and May and September in the north.

The temperature on average can be a pleasant 20°C which is ideal for sightseeing in the steppes and visiting the cities and areas in the south of the country.

The 26 best and most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan

3.1 What is the hottest month in Kazakhstan?

The Summer in Kazakhstan is between late May and September and the hottest month is July. The summers in the south of the country and in the steppes can be scorching hot with temperatures known to reach 40°C (104°f).

4. Kazakhstan Travel Insurance

It’s not mandatory to have travel insurance if you are traveling to Kazakhstan. However, it’s always a good idea to have international travel insurance just in case the unforeseeable happens.

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend  IATI travel insurance  as it covers both medical costs and theft or the budget-friendly travel medical insurance by  SafetyWing .

The 3 best travel insurance companies compared!

5. What is the best way to get to Kazakhstan?

You can fly to Kazakhstan, enter by road via a border crossing, or by taking a cargo ship across the Caspian Sea .

5.1 Flying into Kazakhstan

There are many daily international flights to Kazakhstan.

There are the 3 main international airports in Kazakhstan: Almaty International Airport (ALA), Astana International Airport (TSE) and Shymkent International Airport (CIT). 

5.2 How to travel to Kazakhstan by road

Kazakhstan shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan , and Turkmenistan.

Are you planning to travel overland between the Central Asian countries? Then the following guides will come in handy:

• How to get from Almaty to Tashkent (Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan) by train or bus?
• How to get from Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan) by bus?
• How to get from Bishkek to Almaty (Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan) by bus?

For information about the different border crossings, read this page on Caravanistan

5.3 How to travel to Kazakhstan By boat

I entered Kazakhstan by taking a cargo ship from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Aktau (port in West Kazakhstan) across the Caspian Sea.

8 things you need to know about how to cross the Caspian Sea from Baku to Aktau by ferry.

6. IS Kazakhstan a safe country to visit?

A lot of people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan because of the ‘stan’ part. But I can assure you, it’s very safe to travel in this vast country!

Kazakhstan is not a country where you’ll see a lot of violence. The majority of the locals are very helpful and hospitable and the only way you might get hurt is from a bad hangover from drinking too much vodka.

Some people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan, but it’s very safe to travel in this vast country. There are the normal risks of pickpockets and petty crime, and travelers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. They are also advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars. However, Kazakhstan is generally a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.

I have walked many times on the streets in Almaty and Shymkent alone at night as a woman and not once did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. During our road trip through the steppes , I’ve never encountered a person who wanted to harm me and my friends in any way.

There’s not as much corruption in Kazakhstan as there used to be, but if you travel around the country with your own car, the traffic police might stop you and find a reason to fine you.

How do you deal with bribes and corruption? First of all, don’t panic, get angry or be impatient. Stay calm and friendly, keep smiling and act like you have all the time in the world.

Most officials only speak Russian so even if you understand the language a bit, pretend that you don’t. If the office happens to speak English, you suddenly can’t speak English anymore.

Talk to them in a foreign language, and pretend that you have no idea what’s going on. They’ll soon realize they aren’t going to get any money from you and that you’re wasting their time and will eventually give up and let you go.

Remember: never give in and pay a bribe. If you do, you’ll encourage the offices to continue doing this. This doesn’t only affect tourism and travelers in a bad way, it also affects the local people as they become victims of bribery as well.

Is Kazakhstan Safe? 15 useful tips to travel safely in Kazakhstan

7. Money and Currency in Kazakhstan

7.1 what kind of money do they use in kazakhstan.

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT).

• Banknotes circulating in Kazakhstan: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 tenge.
• Coins circulating in Kazakhstan: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 tenge.

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 451 KZT
• €1 Euro = 475 KZT
• £1 British Pound = 552 KZT

7.2 Which credit cards are accepted in Kazakhstan?

Visa is probably the most widely accepted credit card. However, Kazakhstan has a cash economy which means paying with a credit card can be quite difficult in many places.

Many taxis, restaurants, local tour operators, and small shops will still only take cash, not cards. It’s only been over the last few years that credit card usage has been more widely accepted. So make sure you’re prepared to bring plenty of cash with you if you’re planning a trip.

7.3 ATMs in Kazakhstan

ATMs are very easy to find in the cities but make sure to bring cash money when you visit remote villages and regions. You can use Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kazakhstan.

It’s also worth noting that withdrawing small amounts of cash from ATMs can be costly due to the charges by the credit card companies and the banks handling the transactions.

7.4 Exchanging money in Kazakhstan

There are plenty of exchange offices, especially in the big cities, if you want to exchange some of your currency.

Rates are competitive as soon as you leave the airport and an important tip once you have exchanged your cash into tenge is to hold onto your small change.

Your 10, 20, 50, and 100 tenge will be really handy and useful when paying for bus tickets and snacks, larger notes won’t be accepted in small shops.

7.5 How much money do you need in Kazakhstan?

You may be wondering about how to budget for your trip and asking ‘Is it cheap to travel in Kazakhstan?’. Like most of Central Asia, travel in Kazakhstan is relatively cheap.

A good meal will cost around $3 in a local restaurant, a dorm bed in a hostel for around $7, and a train ticket around $15 every 1000km or so.

Tourism is still pretty new In Kazakhstan but with more visitors coming each year, more services are being offered which means that tours and activities are still relatively cheap.

7.6 Should you tip in Kazakhstan?

Tipping is not compulsory in Kazakhstan because a service charge is usually included in restaurant and hotel bills.

However, it is becoming a more common practice based on the growing number of tourists. Taxis and train travel have a fixed charge already included in the price.

8. Kazakhstan transportation: How to Get around Kazakhstan

8.1 does kazakhstan have good transportation.

The public transport in Kazakhstan is quite well developed. You can get around Kazakhstan by train, bus, mashrutka (min-bus), (shared) taxi, and plane.

8.2 Are there trains in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan has a rather good railway system. As it’s a huge country and the easiest and most comfortable way of getting around Kazakhstan is by taking a train.

Not only is it a cheap way to travel long distances, but there are also regular connections between all of the main cities and towns and you’ll meet many locals along the way.

It’s better to buy your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out during the summer and on holidays. You can book your train tickets on tickets.kz where you can select your seat/bunk bed in advance.

If you’re going on an overnight journey you will get sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Bring enough food and drinks with you as the food prices on the train are very expensive. It’s also forbidden to drink alcohol on the train.

Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

8.3 Getting around Kazakhstan by bus

Buses are great for travel within cities like Almaty , Shymkent and Nur Sultan for short and quick journeys.

The average price for a bus ticket in Almaty is around 200 tenge, which you pay to the driver when you get onto the bus. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt so you can show it to the ticket inspector when he/she comes around.

Every bus has a number and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find out which one to take. You can ask your hostel or hotel which number you need to get on or you check the bus routes within cities via  maps.me  and  wikiroutes .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the number of the bus going there.

For longer journeys and travel in Kazakhstan, I would recommend taking the train for reasons regarding both cost and comfort.

8.4 Getting around Kazakhstan by minibus (marshrutka)

A marshrutka is a mini-bus that looks like a van and is a popular public transport for the locals. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it’s definitely a cultural experience.

They run on fixed routes around a city and you’ll also see many marshrutkas within smaller cities and towns. When taking a marshrutka in a city, each marshrutka has a number, and to avoid any confusement, you can either ask at your hostel or hotel which number to get on or you can download the app called Maps.me .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the marshrutka going there.

8.5 Getting around by (shared) taxi

Taking a shared taxi is more expensive than a bus or a marshrutka (about triple the price) but it is a much faster way to get around in a city. Sharing a taxi means that you share the car with other people and you split the costs so you pay per seat.

As it is a shared taxi, with many seats, it’s important that you tell the driver that you only wish to pay for one seat, not for the entire taxi before leaving. They leave when all of the seats have been filled. You’ll find these taxis everywhere in the cities and near bus and train stations.

You’ll often see locals waving down cars on the side of the road. The drivers that stop for them are often unofficial taxi drivers who earn a bit of extra money by giving locals a ride and charging them for the gas costs. If you want to catch a ride like this, it’s good to know in advance how much you should pay (some drivers like to charge foreigners more).

If you want to take a taxi in a city but you don’t feel confident waving down cars and/or bargaining for a good price, you can always use the Yandex Go app . This app works similar to Uber and these taxis work with a standard rate per kilometer which you can see on the app or on the meter inside the taxi. 

8.6 Domestic flights in Kazakhstan

If you don’t have much time to make a long-distance journey by train, you could always take an airplane to fly between the main cities in Kazakhstan. You can book your tickets on this website .

8.7 Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan

Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan is similar to hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan . Although you’ll see a lot of people standing on the side of the road waving down cars as a sign that they want to get a lift, it’s standard to pay the driver for the costs of the petrol.

If you’re after getting free rides, you’ll have to explain this to your driver before you get in the car.

If you’re hitchhiking long distances in Kazakhstan, you’ll often have to travel across the steppes and desert. Make sure you bring enough water and food in case you’re stuck without a ride in the middle of nowhere!

8.7 Driving in Kazakhstan

Going on a road trip in Kaz akhstan is definitely a worthwhile adventure. It’s a brilliant way to explore this vast country at your own rhythm.

As long as you’re an experienced and confident driver, renting a car gives you the opportunity to reach far and remote places. Since many of the country’s attractions are difficult to reach on public transport, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore places off of the beaten path.

The state of the roads is generally good if you are driving along the main highways. If you want to drive across the steppes or on secondary roads, you can expect dusty tracks and countless potholes, so take care!

There are a few ‘must haves’ when hiring a car that is important to take note of before you set off on a road trip.

You’ll need an international driving license and proof that you have insurance. You will also need to have the vehicle’s ownership documents with you as most likely, you will meet traffic cops along the way.

If you are driving your own car with a foreign registration plate, you will probably be stopped a few times. As long as you haven’t broken any traffic law, you won’t be fined (see how to deal with bribes in section 6. Is Kazakhstan safe ).

You have to drive on the right side of the road in Kazakhstan and crossing a solid white line is a big no-no. Another traffic law that you should keep in mind is that your car lights must always be switched on when you’re outside of a city. Here’s a great guide with info about driving and traffic rules in Kazakhstan here.

There are several petrol stations along the way but make sure you have enough petrol in the car to drive a distance of a minimum of 300km before you come across the next petrol station. A good tip is to bring a spare jerry can for fuel if you’re planning on driving long distances.

And lastly, be aware that whilst on the road, some Kazakh drivers love to push the gas pedal and overtake other cars in the craziest ways!

Going on a road trip through Kazakhstan is definitely worthwhile as long as you’re an experienced and confident driver! You’ll be able to reach very remote places and camp under the stars!

Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty

9. Kazakhstan Tours

With more tourists choosing to travel to Kazakhstan, tourism in Kazakhstan is developing slowly.

Because of this growth in tourists, there are more tour companies now than ever before meaning that there are more scheduled tours for you to choose from.

Going on a tour is particularly interesting to get to remote destinations like Charyn Canyon , Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy , Altyn-Emel National Park , etc., as they are hard to reach by public transport.

You can search online for tours in Kazakhstan , organized by local tour companies or you can join my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour!

Join the 10-day Best of Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Adventure and visit Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Karakol, Son Kul lake, and many more! 

10. Where to stay in Kazakhstan

There are now many great accommodation options in the big cities and towns of Kazakhstan.

10.1 Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Kazakhstan

Hostels are the cheapest option for accommodation, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm.

Most of the country’s cities now have at least 1 modern backpacker haunt, Almaty has more than 20 now. These hostels are often located in refurbished apartments in the center of town and run by young people themselves. Hostels in Kazakhstan are a good place to meet other young, budget-conscious travelers.

You can find a nice private room in a guesthouse, starting from $15 per night .

Nur-Sultan and Almaty have many great hotel options ($40-$250) for luxury and business travelers, and there are also plenty of apartment rentals ($15-$50). 

10.2 Staying in a yurt in Kazakhstan

Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan , it is difficult nowadays to experience real nomadic life in Kazakhstan.

Most Kazakhs have never even slept in a yurt themselves as there are only a few people who still spend time living in a yurt during summer, either herding camels in the Kyzylkum desert, or whilst shepherding in the Altai mountains.

If you happen to have your heart set on staying in one, it is possible through a holiday rental company or you can pay a visit to a pop-up restaurant or shop/market in a yurt but they are no longer homes for nomadic people in Kazakhstan.

10.3 Camping in Kazakhstan

There aren’t many designated camping sites in the country but wild camping in Kazakhstan is permitted anywhere.

If you can, you should definitely experience camping for at least one night in the steppes ( watch this video to get inspired ). It’s an incredibly unforgettable experience! There are so many scenic spots to spend a night under the stars.

It’s important to note that there are some dangers to watch for when it comes to camping. Bears and wolves roam in the wild in Kazakhstan and ticks are very common, especially in the mountains.

There are also some snakes, spiders, and scorpions in the dryer landscapes, and although they shouldn’t stop you from camping in Kazakhstan, it’s wise to be mindful of these creatures when traveling in Kazakhstan.

11. Kazakhstan Food and drinks

The cuisine in Kazakhstan is quite similar to the food in both Kyrgyzst an and Uzbekistan .

The majority of meals consist of beef, mutton, and chicken, either served within dumplings or on top of noodles, rice, or potatoes. However, if you happen to be feeling adventurous, you could try the canned camel or horse meat.

When eating out, food is generally served with either a soft drink or water. Kazakhs love drinking tea and most meals are followed by tea with milk, salt, sugar, and/or butter.

If you happen to be a coffee lover, instant coffee is usually your main option but coffee culture is now rapidly establishing itself nationwide.

11.1 5 Kazakh Dishes you have to try

1) what is the national dish of kazakhstan.

Beshbarmak is Kazakhstan’s national dish which is eaten daily in homes throughout the country. It is a slow-cooked dish made with boiled mutton, beef, horse or camel, and it is served with either boiled or flat dumplings or thin noodles, and onions.

This dish is usually eaten with your hands which explains its name which translates to ‘five fingers.’ Traditionally, the meat is served in small portions to make sure that the male elders can chew it without difficulty.

Pilaf , also known as plov, is a rice dish that is considered to be a sign of wealth and prosperity in Kazakhstan. The dish contains meat that’s cooked together with onions and carrots and then rice is then added and once plated, the dish is then decorated with dried fruits.

Pilaf is very commonly a centerpiece when celebrating occasions that are meant to bring success and happiness, like weddings.

Kazy is a type of sausage made from horse meat along with a mix of spices. The ancestors of modern Kazakhs, who were hunters, consumed large quantities of horsemeat.

They created kazy as they thought it was a clever way in which to preserve meat. It is considered to be an obligatory dish at weddings.

Manti are dumplings that have been stuffed with meat and then boiled are served with dried mint. If you decide to try Kazakhstani manti, be ready to say goodbye to your voice of reason as these are delicious.

Baursak is a type of soft dough made using wheat flour that has been fried in either lamb or beef fat. Different regions in Kazakhstan are known for different-sized baursak. Kazakhstanis love them so much that they celebrate a day dedicated to them called ‘Baursak Day’ every Autumn.

They are normally rounded or diamond-shaped with some recipes incorporating cottage cheese into the dough. Often served with either tea, shurpa (a traditional soup) or as an appetizer or dessert.

11.2 Is vegetarian food available in Kazakhstan?

It might be challenging for vegetarians to find some typical Kazakh dishes without meat. However, it’s not impossible and you can definitely ask for meals to be made without meat.

In cities like Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent you’ll find many small restaurants that serve vegetarian meals.

If you happen to be traveling during summer, you’ll find your dose of vitamins in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from the markets in the towns and cities.

However, when in the steppes, you won’t find many options when looking for fresh fruits and veggies so be sure to take some with you if you can.

11.3 What is the national drink of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan’s national drink is fermented horse (mare’s) milk known as Kumys or Koumiss. A drink that’s been around for thousands of years, this bitter and sour-tasting milk drink is made with yeast cultures and mare or camel milk (known as shubat) and is believed to be medicinal.

It is slightly alcoholic and said that drinking kumys will improve your overall health, make your soul younger and your feet stronger.

Traditionally made by the nomads of Central Asia, this drink still remains important to people in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan today.

11.4 Alcohol in Kazakhstan

Although the majority of people in Kazakhstan are Muslim, vodka is still a popular drink. Kazakhstan is the world’s seventh-biggest consumer of vodka.

It is customary that young people do not drink alcohol in front of elderly people. The legal drinking and buying age for alcoholic beverages is 21 years old.

11.5 Is tap water safe to drink in Kazakhstan?

I wouldn’t advise you to drink the tap water in Kazakhstan, especially not in small towns and villages. Buy bottles of water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle .

This is a reusable bottle that filters water using a microfiltration device. When you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.

It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water!

They are very light to carry and super useful for when you go trekking in the mountains . You can use it to drink the water from the rivers and lakes without becoming sick! Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .

12. Packing list for Kazakhstan

12.1 what should i wear in kazakhstan.

The cities in Kazakhstan are very westernized so for the majority of the time, you can wear whatever you like.

However, if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, don’t wear miniskirts, short shorts and revealing tops as most people living there are quite conservative. Also, if you are visiting religious buildings and places, such as Turkestan, wear a long skirt or trousers as well as cover your shoulders.

You should also pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re going to travel in Kazakhstan and the type of activities you’re planning on doing.

In winter (November – March) you should always bring warm clothes, a down jacket , a hat, a scarf, thermal underwear , warm boots and maybe a few lighter clothes for the mild days in the southern regions.

The summer (June – September) can be very hot, especially in the southern part of the country so bring light clothes.

If you’re planning on hiking and camping in the mountains around Almaty during the summer, you should also bring warm clothes as the temperature at night can still drop to 0°C.

As Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have similar cultures and climates, you should read The Complete Packing List for Kyrgyzstan to know in detail what to wear and pack.

12.2 Travel essentials for Kazakhstan

There are a few items that I would class as essential when traveling in Kazakhstan:

• Water Filter Bottle : I highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle with a microfiltration device (see 11.5 Is it safe to drink the water in Kazakhstan?) . I use and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle .  Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .
• Portable power bank :  you won’t always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains or in the steppes. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Kazakhstan are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you’ll have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Kazakhstan. With the exception of the guesthouses where you’ll have a western-style toilet, most toilets will be outside in the form of a separate small building with a hole in the ground. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring  biodegradable toilet paper  with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears in the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly!
• The same goes for   biodegradable wet wipes . Some homestays don’t have showers so wet wipes are very handy if you want to refresh.
• Immodium  (or any other anti-diarrhea medicine) : a lot of the travelers eventually suffer from diarrhea at one point or another throughout their first trip to Kazakhstan. As prevention, I use  activated charcoal  (it helps your body get rid of toxins and unwanted substances, ask about it in your local pharmacy).
• a head torch 
• a good pair of walking boots
• appropriate clothing depending on the time of year and planned activities 
• a good day backpack for walking and hiking 
• sun protection (a hat/headscarf/sunscreen)
• passport and a copy of your passport and any other relevant documents
• a copy of your travel insurance policy number written down somewhere  

13. Are drones allowed in Kazakhstan?

According to KAA, drones are allowed in Kazakhstan, subject to AAK regulations .

You must register your drone and gain a license for using it whilst in Kazakhstan. If you do not get a license, you could face a fine, detention, or your drone could be confiscated .

You can get a license from the Aviation Committee in Nur-Sultan and there are certain rules you must follow when operating your drone whilst in the country.

Reading Tip: What’s in my camera bag: photography essentials and camera gear for travel photography

14. How is the internet in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is not a place to head to if you depend on the internet for work. Access to a fast-speed WiFi connection is rare and many websites have been blocked by the government.

In January 2022, there were nationwide anti-government protests in Kazakhstan. Some of these protests turned violent and in order to regain control, the government intentionally shut down the internet across the entire country for five days.

This was permitted due to a law that came into place in 2012, regarding national security in Kazakhstan. This law states that the government can disrupt communication channels for the containment of riots.

14.1 Which is the best sim card in Kazakhstan and how to get one?

The Beeline KZ card is a great SIM card to buy whilst in Kazakhstan and you can pick it up in any local shop.

It will give you enough coverage to update your Instagram feed or call your mum on What’s App and tell her that you’re doing fine.

14.2 REcommended apps for traveling in Kazakhstan

• M aps.Me : This is one of the most practical apps you could use in Kazakhstan. You can download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. It also tells you the number of the marshrutka you need to take when you travel within a particular city. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• 2GIS :  This is very similar to Maps.Me but only works for big cities such as Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana. You can download the map of the city for offline use. This app only works in Russian but it’s the most popular and accurate navigation app in Central Asia.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate:  Translates written and spoken Russian or Kyrgyz. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• iOverlander: Great app for when you go on a road trip. This app serves as a database of places for overlanders. It includes information about (free) camping sites, restaurants, mechanics, petrol stations, water sources,…
• Yandex Go : Great app to use if you want to take a taxi in the major cities without getting ripped off. All the Yandex taxis have a meter so you’ll always know how much to pay. It works similarly to Uber. Just enter your location and a taxi will arrive within 5 to 10 minutes.

15. Culture and etiquette in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh people are descendants of ancient Turkic nomadic tribes and used to travel along the Kazakh steppes for centuries. Their culture was very similar to the nomadic culture that we can still see in Kyrgyzstan today.

The word “Kazakh” means “a free and independent nomad” in Turkic. However, their way of life has changed dramatically over the past century.

When Kazakhstan was still a republic of the former USSR, it rapidly developed its agricultural and industrial sectors because of its massive oil and gas reserve. The majority of the Kazakh people left their nomadic lifestyle and moved to the cities to work. Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan, it’s nowadays very difficult to experience the nomadic culture in Kazakhstan.

Many people from other USSR republics were sent to Kazakhstan to work in the industrial sector. That’s why Kazakhstan became a multinational state inhabited by 17.8 million people belonging to more than 120 nationalities !

Kazakhstan is doing economically very well, better than any other country in Central Asia and when you visit a city like Nur Sultan and Almaty, you can tell that there’s money in the country!

It’s therefore important to tell you that the people of all ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan are called Kazakhstani . Only the people of the Kazakh ethnic group are called Kazakhs and they are becoming a minority in their own land!

The Kazakh are extremely hospitable people. In ancient times, there was an unofficial law that said ‘ Meet a guest as God’s messenger’ and hospitality is seen as a type of sacred duty.

If you are invited to someone’s home, it is customary to be served tea and bread even if you have not been invited for a meal. The serving of bread is seen as a sign of respect in Kazakhstan culture. Meals tend to take a long time as they are seen as social events.

It is common to greet people with a handshake using both hands. The majority of rules and social etiquette circle around the country’s Muslim faith and nomadic traditions.

If you want to learn about the Kazakh people and their traditions, you should go on a road trip and visit the small villages in the steppes. Most people there still live and work as shepherds. But you’ll see that their culture has become a mix of Kazakh and Russian traditions.

16. What is the Religion in Kazakhstan

The vast majority of the Kazakh people are Muslims, but the Islamic religion came late to the area.

The practice of the religion differs from region to region and is in general not so strict. You won’t see many women wearing a hijab and the majority of the men won’t say no to a good shot of vodka.

17. Do people in Kazakhstan speak English?

In the cities and more tourist areas, you will find more and more people who know and understand English.

However, it’s mostly the younger generation who seem to know more, with the percentage growing since the fall of the Soviet Union.

If you want to talk to the locals, it would serve you to learn some Russian. A Russian phrasebook would definitely come in handy.

17.1 Which languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?

The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. Only 64.4% of the population speaks Kazakh while Russian is spoken by almost everyone.

You’ll notice that the people living in the Almaty region and northern areas are predominantly Russian speakers. If you want to be able to communicate with the locals, I’d suggest you learn some Russian.

l study  Russian by using the audio classes of Pimsleur . This is a great learning method to study a new language.

A phrasebook will definitely be useful. I recommend both the  Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook  and  the Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary .  I also recommend installing the Google Translate app and downloading the Russian language pack for offline use.

18. Recommended books about Kazakhstan

I recommend the following books and guides for traveling in Kazakhstan: 

Kazakhstan Bradt Travel Guide   is one of the most comprehensive travel guide books about Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan – Culture Smart!   offers an insider’s view of Kazakhstan’s fascinating history, national traditions, various cuisines, and cultural scene.

Lonely Planet Central Asia  is ideal if you’re also planning on visiting other destinations in Central Asia

Apples Are from Kazakhstan: The Land that Disappeared is Christopher Robbins’ both hilarious and grim travelogue of his travels in Kazakhstan. He finds Eminem-worship by the shrinking Aral Sea, hears the Kazakh John Lennon play in a dusty desert town, joins nomads hunting eagles, eats boiled sheep’s head (a delicacy), and explores some of the most beautiful, unspoiled places on earth.

Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan is a compelling portrait of Kazakhstan by journalist Joanna Lillis. This book explores how a president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, transformed himself into a potentate and the economically-struggling state he inherited at the fall of the USSR into a swaggering 21st-century monocracy.

I wish you such wonderful and fantastic adventures in Kazakhstan! If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below, or don’t hesitate to send me an email . I would love to help you plan your visit to Kazakhstan.

Related Posts

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

The Complete Hiking Guide to Sayram Ugam National Park, one of the most beautiful Kazakhstan National Parks

19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan  – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan

Blown away by the beauty of Charyn Canyon – The Complete Travel Guide

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek by public transport in 2024: Best way to Cross the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border

More kazakhstan travel resources:.

• The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
• The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
• Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
• Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
• The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
• Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
• Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
• Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
• Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
• Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
• A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

10 thoughts on “The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024”

Very useful and comprehensive information

Excellent informative article…

Hi. I want to thank you for good article. I hope you liked Kazakhstan. I would like to add a few comments: You wrote, “Despite being a Muslim country …” Kazakhstan is not a Muslim country, it is a secular state. I know that many people confuse Turkic and Turkish. The word “Kazakh” means “free and independent nomad” in Turkic (non-Turkish). The Kazakh people are a descendant of the ancient Turkic nomadic tribes. Thank you!

Hello Kamshat, thank you! We really enjoy traveling in Kazakhstan 🙂 And thank you for your feedback, I’ve adjusted it in the text! Much appreciated!

Hi! Great article and very useful! Just few comments: Kazakhstan is not Muslim country, even though its true that majority of people are Muslims; Kazakhs are not becoming minority in Kazakhstan, we (Kazakhs) represent almost 70% of the Kazakhstan’s population; there are more than 3 international airports in Kazakhstan (minimum 10).

Hi Zhuldyz, thanks for your comments. I’ve re-read this article and can’t see where I wrote that Kazakhstan is a Muslim country. I mention that the majority of the people are Muslims. I’ve talked with people in Kazakhstan and read several reports on the population of Kazakhstan that tell that the Kazakh ethnic group is becoming a minority. With this I don’t mean the Kazakhstani people. And there are indeed more international airports in Kazakhstan, I’ve just mentioned that those are the 3 main ones 🙂

Cheers to that ability to share your inner-riches got a good tip. nice website I will bookmark this. I like these type of article which enhances my vocabulary keep it up ill be looking forward to your next articles.

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Visa to Kazakhstan

INFORMATION ON APPLYING FOR VISA TO KAZAKHSTAN

• Documents should be submitted only in person .
• Visa processing time   - 5 working days.
• Validity of passport   should not be less than 3 months from the date of expiry of the visa.
• Passport must have at   least 2 blank pages   in the passport.
• Letter of invitation is not required   for obtaining   single-entry   visas to Kazakhstan for the visa categories A3 (service), B1, B3 (business), B10 (private) and B12 (tourist) for citizens of following 48 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Great Britain, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Israel, Jordan, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy,  Canada , Qatar, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, UAE, Poland, Portugal Republic of Korea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Sultanate of Oman, the USA, Finland, France, Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia and Japan.
• Applicants who are not citizens of Canada   must provide a copy of the document confirming their status in Canada (Permanent residence card, study or work permit).
• Parents must submit an application form and a cover letter, signed by both parents, as well as a birth certificate of the child and documents confirming the identity of the parents (passport, etc.).
• If   one of the parents submits visa application, then notarized consent letter from the second parent must be submitted.
• If   a child is under a full custody of one parent, a supporting document must be provided.
• Visa application form
• Cover letter

VISA CATEGORIES & LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Visa for private trip (B10)

Visa recipients :

- Persons traveling for private purposes. - Persons traveling for a funeral or in cases of illness of relatives. - Spouses, children or parents traveling together with citizens of Kazakhstan. - Spouses, children traveling together with ethnic Kazakhs. - Former compatriots.

Visa multiplicity, validity and permited period of stay :

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period. - Multiple-entry up to 180 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days at each entry   (only if there is an invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan) . - Multiple-entry up to 3 years with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days at each entry   (only for former compatriots) .

Required documents :

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. One of the following documents: - Letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan; - Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a single-entry visa   (only for former compatriots and for citizens of countries who are exempted from providing letter of invitation) . 6. Certificate of loss of citizenship of Kazakhstan   (for former compatriots who have documents confirming their connection with Kazakhstan) . 7. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $80 USD; - 1-year multiple-entry visa - $ 200 USD; - 2-year multiple-entry visa - $ 400 USD; - 3-year multiple-entry visa - $ 600 USD. 8. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Work visa (C3)

Persons traveling to Kazakhstan for the purpose of employment, as well as members of their families.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period. - Multiple-entry up to 3 years with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period.

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. Copy of letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan. 6. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $ 80 USD; - 1-year multiple-entry visa - $ 200 USD; - 2-year multiple-entry visa - $ 400 USD; - 3-year multiple-entry visa - $ 600 USD. 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Visa for private trip of ethnic Kazakhs (C10)

Ethnic Kazakhs.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period. - Multiple-entry up to 3 years with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period   (for the first time the visa is issued up to 1 year) .

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a visa. 6. Document proving the nationality of the applicant   (for example, a birth certificate where the nationality of both parents is indicated as Kazakh) . 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Visa for business trip (B1)

- Participants of conferences, symposiums, forums, exhibitions, concerts, cultural, scientific events, meetings, round tables, exhibitions, expert meetings. - Persons accompanying humanitarian aid. - Persons arriving for the purpose of giving lectures and conducting classes at educational institutions. - Participants of youth, student and school exchange programs   (with the exception of study at educational institutions of Kazakhstan) . - Participants of sport events.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 60 days. - Multiple-entry up to 1 year with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 60 days at each entry   (only if there is an invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan) .

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. One of the following documents: - Note verbal; - Letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan; - Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a single-entry visa   (only for for citizens of countries who are exempted from providing letter of invitation) . 6. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $80 USD; - multiple-entry visa - $200 USD. 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Visa for business trip (B2)

Visa recipients:

- Persons arriving for the purpose of installation, repair and maintenance of equipment; - Persons arriving to provide consulting or audit services.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. - Multiple-entry up to 180 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days at each entry.

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. Letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan. 6. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $80 USD; - multiple-entry visa - $200 USD. 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Visa for business trip (B3)

- Persons arriving for negotiations, conclusion of contracts within the framework of cooperation in the field of industrialization and investment. - Founders or members of the board of directors.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. - Multiple-entry up to 1 year with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days at each entry   (only if there is an invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan) .

Visa to enter Kazakhstan to apply for permanent residency (B8)

Persons traveling to obtain a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period. - Multiple-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for the entire period.

Required documents ::

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a visa. 6. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $180 USD; - multiple-entry visa - $300 USD. 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) . ! To obtain a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan additional documents will be required. Please check in advance the list of the required documents at the territorial departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Tourist visa (B12)

Persons traveling as tourists.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days at each entry. - Multiple-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days at each entry   (only if there is an invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan) .

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. One of the following documents: - Letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan; - Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a single-entry visa   (only for citizens of countries who are exempted from providing letter of invitation) . 6. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $60 USD; - multiple-entry visa - $90 USD. 7. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .

Transit visa (B13)

Persons travelling as transit passengers through the territory of Kazakhstan.

- Single-entry up to 90 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 5 days. - Multiple-entry up to 180 days with the right to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 5 days.

1. Passport. 2. Copy of passport   (only page with holder's information) . 3. Visa application form, filled and signed. 4. One photograph   (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) . 5. Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a visa. 6. Copy of visa of the destination country and copy of air or railway ticket. 7. Consular fee - Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada: - single-entry visa - $20 USD; - multiple-entry visa - $90 USD. 8. Prepaid envelope with a return address for sending the passport to the applicant   (not required if applicant picks up passport in person) .   Business-Immigrant (C5) You can apply for "C5" category Business Immigrant visa (single entry until 90 days) if you are adult visiting Kazakhstan with a purpose of entrepreneurial activity. Documents required Cover letter   of request signed by the applicant;  Visa Application.   A separate   visa application form     must be completed for each person. All fields must be completed, otherwise your application may be refused. Please see Visa application instructions for details. Download the visa application form; Valid passport.   You must submit your passport valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of the requested visa. The passport must have at least two blank pages for a visa and for entry and exit stamps; Photocopy   of your passport’s main page; Photo.   One passport size (3.5cm x 4.5cm or 5 x 5cm) photo of the applicant, which should be stapled to the marked space in the upper right hand corner of the application form.  Medical certificate   confirming the absence of diseases, the presence of which prohibits entry of foreigners and stateless persons to the Republic of Kazakhstan; Medical insurance ;  Criminal record certificate   issued by the authorized body of the country of citizenship or permanent residence;  Certificate of the absence of a ban on entrepreneurial activity   on the basis of a court decision issued by the authorized body of the country of citizenship or permanent residence, if the issuance of such a certificate is provided for by the legislation of a foreign state   (if applicable) . Consular fee -   80 USD . Money orders payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Canada.    Visa Fees are not refundable .

See other types of visas

Visa for permanent residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan (B8) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan to obtain permission for permanent residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan, persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for permanent residence; to persons who are in the Republic of Kazakhstan from countries with which there are international agreements on visa-free entry, ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as citizens of the states provided for in paragraph 17 of the Rules of Entry and Stay of Immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as their departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan, approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 21, 2012 № 148, and who applied to the internal affairs bodies for obtaining a permit for permanent residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Single and multiple-entry visas are issued for up to 90 days.

Visa for a private trip (B10) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for private business; citizens of countries listed in the list of states; persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for funerals or in cases of illness of relatives/folks - in the presence of supporting documents; former compatriots; spouses, children (including adopted) or parents (guardians, trustees) (if there are documents proving the relationship), entering the Republic of Kazakhstan together with citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spouses, children (not ethnic Kazakhs) entering the Republic of Kazakhstan together with ethnic Kazakhs.

Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 180 days.

Visa for the adoption of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan (B11) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for the adoption of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Single entry visa is issued for a period of up to 180 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 1 year.

Tourist visa (B12) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan as tourists. Single and multiple-entry visas are issued for up to 90 days. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 180 days.

Visa for transit travel (B13) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for transit travel through the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 90 days.

Visa for exit from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan (В14, В15, В16, В17, В18, В19, В20, В21, В22) is issued to persons permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan, when leaving the Republic of Kazakhstan for permanent residence, to persons who have lost a passport on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to persons in respect of whom decisions have been taken to shorten the period of stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, to persons against whom administrative decisions have been made, which are not connected with deportation, if there are no grounds for them to stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, persons who have arrived the Republic of Kazakhstan or are staying in the Republic of Kazakhstan without visas, if there are no grounds for them to stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, persons who have served a sentence or released from punishment, as well as to persons whose probation control, deferment of the execution of punishment period has expired, persons who have submitted evidence of force majeure, delay or cancellation of a flight, departure of a train or other means of transport preventing to leave the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan before the expiry of the visa or an allowed visa-free period of stay, persons who reported having suffered acts against them recognized in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a grave or especially grave crime, persons who have been brought to criminal responsibility in respect of whom the criminal case has been terminated, as well as other persons from whom legal restrictions to leave the Republic of Kazakhstan were removed. 

Single entry visa of B14 category is issued for up to 90 days, single B15 - up to 30 days, but not more than the validity of the passport, single B16, B18, B21 - for up to 30 days, single B17, B19, B20, B22 - up to 15 days.

Visa for permanent residence in the Republic of Kazakhstan (C1) is issued to ethnic Kazakhs traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for permanent residence. Multiple entry visa is issued for up to 1 year.

Visa for family reunification (C2) is issued to individuals who are members of the family of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan, ethnic Kazakhs and former compatriots and granted a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Kazakhstan (for a period of not less than two years), foreigners and stateless persons, permanently residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as business immigrants. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 1 year.

Visa for employment (C3, C4, C5, C6) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan or residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the purpose of carrying out labor activity, as well as to members of their families, persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan or residing in the Republic of Kazakhstan for independent employment by occupation in demand in priority sectors of the economy, business immigrants, seasonal foreign workers. A single entry visa C3 is issued for up to 90 days (for citizens of countries whose passports are not recognized by the Republic of Kazakhstan - up to 1 year), multiple C3 - up to 3 years (for participants and bodies of the AIFC, employees of Astana Hub participants or Astana Hub employees – no more than 5 years) or for the duration of the permit, single C4, C5, C6 - up to 90 days, multiple C4 - up to 3 years, multiple C5 - up to 2 years (to ethnic Kazakhs – up to 3 years), multiple C6 up to 1 year, but not over the duration of the permit.

Visa for missionary activities (C7) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for missionary work, as well as to members of their families. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 180 days.

Visa for humanitarian reasons (C8) is issued to volunteers arriving in the Republic of Kazakhstan to provide services in the field of education, health care and social assistance free of charge, as well as to persons arriving in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the framework of international treaties ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan, humanitarian assistance and grants. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 1 year.

Visa for education (C9) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for admission to educational organizations that implement educational curricula of secondary, technical and professional, post-secondary, higher and postgraduate education; persons who study in the educational organizations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who implement educational curricula of secondary, technical and professional, post-secondary, higher and postgraduate education, including organized exchange programs for trainees and preparatory courses, as well as members of their families; ethnic Kazakhs temporarily arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan and enrolled in educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who arrived on a visa-free regime, as well as members of their families. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple entry visa - for up to 1 year.

Visa for a private trip (ethnic Kazakhs) (C10) is issued to ethnic Kazakhs. Single entry visa is issued for up to 90 days, multiple - for up to 3 years.

Visa for underage citizens (C11) is issued to persons under the age of majority (up to 18 years). Single entry visa is issued for up to 1 year, multiple entry visa - for up to 3 years.

Visa for treatment (C12) is issued to persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan for treatment, medical examination or consultation, as well as accompanying persons; persons in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the event of the need to be treated, as well as accompanying persons, persons traveling to the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to care for close relatives - citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan or foreigners permanently residing in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and under treatment in medical institutions, persons in the Republic of Kazakhstan in case of need to care for close relatives - citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan or foreigners permanently residing in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan under treatment in hospitals. Single and multiple entry visas are given up to 180 days.

List of states whose citizens are exempted from the necessity of presenting an invitation for the issuance of visas  

The list of economically developed, politically and migrally stable states, whose citizens are exempt from the necessity of presenting an invitation for the issuance of visas for categories "A3", "B1", "B3", "B10" and "B12" :

External resources

• E-licensing
• Taxpayer cabinet
• Judicial office
• Debtor-creditor
• Activity calendar
• Anti-corruption measures
• State agencies of RK
• Constitution of the RK
• National symbols of the RK
• Address of the President of the RK
• Legislation
• Privacy policy

Government for citizens

• Reserve queue
• Services list

Social networks

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About Kazakhstan

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Visa to Kazakhstan

• Hotels of Kazakhstan
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Visa regime of the Republic of Kazakhstan for foreign citizens

Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established  for citizens of countries below:

Visa-free regime for up to 14 days has been established  for citizens of: Hong Kong

Detailed information on the visa regime for a specific country you can find on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan: https://mfa.gov.kz/en/visa/index

Since 1 January 2019 the electronic visa system has been introduced in Kazakhstan.

E-Visas (business, tourist and medical) can be obtained on the basis of a valid invitation considered by the migration service of Kazakhstan.

Business electronic visas and medical treatment E-visas are available for citizens of 23 countries:

How to obtain an electronic visa to Kazakhstan:

• Register upon the migration and visas portal at www.vmp.gov.kz
• Learn the requirements for obtaining e-visa.
• Enter the number of the invitation from the inviting party in Kazakhstan.
• Fill in the visa form.
• Pay the consular fee (paid consular fees are not refundable).
• Print the electronic visa generated in the personal account and sent to the e-mail specified in the form.

The electronic visa allows foreign citizens to enter/leave the Republic of Kazakhstan only via the checkpoints at the Astana and Almaty international airports . The printed electronic visa is presented when the traveller passes the border checkpoint.

The citizens of the countries from the list below can obtain a visa for Kazakhstan by appealing in person to one of the consular offices of the Republic of Kazakhstan ( no invitation or visa support letter is required in this case):

The citizens of all other countries are to go through two stages to get a visa to Kazakhstan :

A  Visa Invitation Letter  (or a  Visa Support Letter ) is an official invitation to visit a foreign country. The Visa Support Letter is issued by a licensed tourism agency, which submits it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for consideration. The MFA of the Republic of Kazakhstan considers the document, after which it forwards a permit to the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the country, where the tourist is going to receive his/her visa.

Note : the Ministry reserves the right to reject any visa invitation letter application without assigning reasons thereof.

Our company does not offer Visa Support as an individual service . We can provide you with an invitation only if you book a tour at our company.

Documents Required for a Visa Invitation Letter

To receive Visa Support you are to fill a visa support application form and send us a scanned copy of your passport.

As we receive all the required data from you, we issue the visa support letter and submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for consideration. After receiving the permit from the MFA of the Republic of Kazakhstan we send you a telex number (the number of the visa invitation ) by e-mail. All this done, you can appeal to the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where you will be asked to fill the application form for obtaining the Kazakhstan tourist visa ( visa application form ) and to provide the following documents.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kazakhstan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kazakh Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Kazakhstan.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive.

If you have a visa, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after your visa’s expiry date and at least one blank page

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Kazakh-British dual nationality

Kazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you are found to have a Kazakh passport and another passport, you will be fined and your Kazakh citizenship will be withdrawn.

Visa requirements

You can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. You can make as many visa-free visits as you like, but you must not stay more than 90 days without a visa in any 180-day period.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Kazakh Government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the  Kazakh Embassy in the UK . Also see  visa information from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs .  

Check the validity dates of your visa and any restrictions before you travel.

Applying for a visa

You can apply for a visa from the Kazakhstan government’s visa website .   

From 1 January 2024, British nationals who apply for a visa or residency in Kazakhstan will be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application process.

Registering with the Kazakh authorities

Your hotel or the person hosting you must register your arrival with the Kazakh authorities. They must do this within 3 working days of your arrival in Kazakhstan. They can register you online . The visa-migration portal has more details.  

Travelling overland between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus

Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus are in a single customs union. If you want to travel overland in your own vehicle between these countries, make sure your customs declaration and temporary import licence are valid for your whole stay in all 3 countries. You can extend the import licence for up to one year by contacting the customs authorities in any of the countries.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Kazakhstan guide .

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kazakhstan . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

Taking money into Kazakhstan

There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave. For further information visit the  State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.

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Travel Advisory June 30, 2023

Kazakhstan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to the Travel Advisory Level. Exercise normal precautions in Kazakhstan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Kazakhstan.

If you decide to travel to Kazakhstan:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Kazakhstan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months.

Yes, for stays longer than 30 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy astana.

Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue 3 Astrana 010010 Kazakhstan Telephone: +(7) (7172) 70-21-00 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(7) (7172) 70-21-00 (or 011-7-717-270-21-00 from the U.S.) Fax: +(7) (7172) 70-22-80 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Almaty Zholdasbekov Street 97 Samal-2 Almaty, Kazakhstan 050051 Telephone : +(7) (727) 250-49-01 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +7 727-250-76-12 (or 011-7-727-250-76-12 from the U.S.) Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s  Fact Sheet on Kazakhstan  for information on U.S.-Kazakhstan relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Please see the  visa page of Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Washington  for the most current visa information.

• U.S. travelers may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for stays up to 30 days on each visit and may not stay more than a cumulative 90 days within a six-month period.
• Individuals seeking to stay beyond the 90-day limit within a six-month period may apply for a 10-year Kazakh tourist or business visa. These visas contain restrictions, permitting maximum stays of 60 or 30 days per visit, depending on the type of visa.
• Violating the authorized period of stay in Kazakhstan or engaging in activities inconsistent with your visa category may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or delays upon exit.

If you wish to apply for a permanent residency permit in Kazakhstan, prior to travel you should determine what documentation is required, including criminal background checks, and obtain any necessary authentication for those documents.

• For information about U.S. background checks, refer to the  Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website . The U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan does not fingerprint U.S. citizens.
• For information on authentication of documents, please see the Department of State Website .
• You must receive permission from the Kazakh government before traveling to certain areas bordering China and cities close to military installations. Please check the  Ministry of Internal Affairs website  for the list of closed areas or contact Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Washington, DC .

Russian Arrest Warrants:  Kazakhstan and Russia have law enforcement cooperation agreements in place that obligate information sharing on certain security and law enforcement matters. Russian authorities may request that their Kazakh counterparts give increased scrutiny to former and current U.S. government and military personnel with prior work in Russia. Additionally, Russian law enforcement or security services may request that the Kazakh authorities detain U.S. citizens upon entry or exit based on existing mutual assistance agreements.

HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS-related restrictions exist for foreign residents and workers in Kazakhstan.

• Visitors who receive a Kazakh work or residency visa must submit a health certification form, including negative HIV test results, with their application to the Migration Police in the city where they intend to work or reside in order to receive a work or residency permit after arriving in Kazakhstan. The results must be less than three months old.
• The city HIV clinic in the place of registration can conduct the test or may certify test results performed abroad.
• If the original test results are in a language other than Russian or Kazakh, they must be accompanied by an official, notarized translation.
• Please verify this information with Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Washington.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  custom regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Demonstrations  may occur. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, or on politically significant holidays. They may be accompanied by internet outages, and communications may be disrupted.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Past demonstrations have ended in mass arrests.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected and/or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Crime:  The most common crimes encountered by foreign visitors are purse snatching, pickpocketing, assaults, and robberies, although all of these incidents are rare. Be vigilant and do not carry large sums of money or valuables on the street. Financial fraud, such as ATM skimming, is prevalent.

The police sometimes conduct identification checks in public areas. Police are not required to demonstrate probable cause to detain individuals. Upon request, you must produce either a passport or an Embassy or Consulate-certified copy of your passport.

Kazakh security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms and telephones may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Harassment and extortion by imposters, genuine law enforcement, and other officials does occur. Never voluntarily give your wallet to anybody. If pressured by a police officer, tell the officer that you will report the behavior to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to the officer’s supervisors. Try to obtain the officer's name, badge number, and license plate number, and note where and when the incident happened.

Do not use unmarked taxis. At the airport, do not leave with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification, even if the person is holding a sign with your name.

The  U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan  is aware of isolated incidents when foreigners have been drugged, robbed, and physically assaulted at bars and nightclubs as well as in unmarked taxis.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+7) 7172-70-21-00 or the U.S. Consulate at (+7) 7272-50-49-01. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during and after the local investigation.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  When traveling to a foreign country, you are subject to that country’s local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Kazakhstan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings or other sensitive infrastructure.
• Kazakh customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export of items such as antiques. Please see our  Customs Information  page for more information.
• Kazakhstan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained immediately if you are driving under the influence of alcohol.

Furthermore, certain acts of U.S. citizens overseas are prosecutable as crimes in the United States even if they are not illegal under the local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  U.S. Department of Justice .

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Embassy or Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and they may be illegal according to the local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up the counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  Visitors to Kazakhstan engaging in missionary work or other religious activities must register with the Local Executive Authority office (Akimat) where the activities will take place. Kazakhstan also imposes restrictions on the importation of religious literature.

You may be fined and deported from Kazakhstan for performing any religious work without proper religious worker registration. Representatives of faith-based non-governmental organizations are considered subject to the registration requirement, even if their activities are not religious in nature.

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Kazakhstan; however, these events may be disrupted by local authorities or members of the public. Negative social attitudes towards LGBTQI+ persons are widespread, and local LGBTQI+ persons are sometimes subject to physical and verbal abuse, as well as unwanted attention from police. See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information   page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Kazakhstan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Domestic violence is common and sexual assaults do occur, though there have not been recent reports of sexual assault committed against U.S. citizens. See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Options for medical care are limited and well below U.S. standards. U.S. citizens often depart Kazakhstan for medical treatment, including many routine procedures. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines are not widely available in Kazakhstan.

For emergency services in Kazakhstan call the Rescue Service by dialing 112. Other provider numbers are: 101 for Fire, 102 for Police, 103 for Emergency Medical Assistance, and 104 in the event of a gas leak.

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country and are unreliable in most areas except in major cities.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with  Kazakhstan’s National Center for Expertise  to ensure the medication is legal in Kazakhstan.

Water Quality : In many areas, tap water does not meet U.S. standards for potability. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested, and ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.  Be aware. Surface waters (streams, rivers, and ponds) are likely to be contaminated with animal waste. Try to avoid contact with these waters.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further Health Information :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Earthquakes:  Kazakhstan is an earthquake-prone country. The U.S. Department of State has ranked the earthquake threat level within the Almaty region in particular as Level 4 (the highest level assigned). Building practices within Kazakhstan do not generally meet U.S. seismic standards. Local authorities do not have sufficient resources to respond to a large-scale disaster.

Adventure Travel 

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Kazakhstan may be in poor repair, especially in rural areas. Signage and lighting on roadways can be poor.

• Potholes are common and are often dangerously deep.
• Mountainous roads, including the highway between Almaty and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, should be avoided at night or during poor weather.
• Roads outside urban areas are often closed in winter months due to high winds and drifting snow.

Traffic Laws:  Drivers sometimes disregard traffic signals, ignore lane markings, drive after excessive alcohol consumption (despite official “zero tolerance”), drive into oncoming lanes of traffic, and move at excessive speed – including during adverse weather. Pedestrians sometimes ignore crosswalks and dart in front of cars.

• Visitors should drive defensively at all times, as many local drivers do not follow traffic laws. Road rage can be a problem, and we recommend a non-confrontational response to such behavior.
• Accidents involving severe injury and/or death do occur.
• Traffic police have reportedly stopped cars to extort bribes on city streets and at periodic checkpoints on major highways.

Public Transportation:  Buses can be crowded and unsafe.

Due to the danger of theft or assault, be selective regarding which taxi you use, and always avoid entering a cab that already contains persons other than the driver. The U.S. Mission highly discourages hailing unlicensed private vehicles on the street and negotiating a fee with the driver on the spot. Ridesharing applications are widely available.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Also, visit the  website of Kazakhstan’s national tourist office  for additional information on road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Kazakhstan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling for official duties on Kazakh airlines without prior approval, except for Air Astana and FlyArystan, due to safety concerns.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Kazakhstan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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What you need to know.

The Kazakhstan Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days with a permitted stay of 30 days.

At iVisa, we hold your application and apply on the appropriate date to ensure that your e-Visa is valid when you arrive. This means you can fill in the application on iVisa.com at any time.

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Last updated: October 2023

Kazakhstan is an under-explored country full of incredible attractions that everyone should discover. It is a natural destination full of lakes that look like seas, mountain ranges, plains, crops, and pastures. The diverse range of sights in Kazakhstan make it ideal for any traveler searching for adventure, culture, and history.

Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis, Almaty, is an ancient commercial center with attractions such as the Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church from the Tsarist era, and the Kazakh State Central Museum.

If you are one of the people who want to visit this wonderful country, we recommend that you verify that you have all the necessary travel documents. One of them, the most important, is the Kazakhstan Tourist Visa . If you want to know more about this travel document, and how to apply, continue reading below.

What is the Kazakhstan Tourist Electronic Visa?

Kazakhstan e-Visa is an online visa introduced in January 2019, which allows foreign citizens to visit Kazakhstan for business or tourism purposes .

This travel document makes the process of obtaining a travel authorization to Kazakhstan much faster and simpler. It also eliminates the need to go to a Kazakhstan embassy or consulate for processing.

Countries eligible to apply for a Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

Travelers can get a visa on arrival for a shorter stay, or have to apply for a visa. Add your nationality at the top of this page to find out if you are eligible for the Kazakhstan tourist visa.

Validity of the Kazakhstan tourist visa

The government of Kazakhstan introduced the Kazakhstan e-visa to streamline the process of obtaining a visa. The online Kazakhstan visa is valid for 90 days with a permitted stay of 30 days in the country.

Requirements and documents needed for the Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to obtain your e-visa, you must present the following documents:

Passport with sufficient validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months and have at least two blank pages to process your travel document.

Invitation letter: You must obtain an invitation letter from the Kazakhstan Migration Service before you apply, and provide the invitation number on the eVisa application form.

Email address: An email address is required to send you the digital document, and in case you need to be contacted for any additional questions.

Credit or debit card for payment: You can pay for the process with a debit/credit card.

Another requirement is that the applicant must print a copy of the approved online Kazakhstan visa to present with the passport upon arrival in the country. Applicants with dual nationality must ensure that they use the same passport to enter Kazakhstan that they used to process the visa.

The visa requirements state that entering Kazakhstan on the dates specified on the eVisa application form is necessary.

Do I need a Kazakhstan Tourist Visa to transit through the country?

Transit through Kazakhstan is allowed for travelers who meet the requirements of their final destination, without a visa.

If you are in transit through Kazakhstan on your way to another country and are going through immigration to stay in a hotel to catch a flight the next day, you will need to follow normal entry procedures and apply for a Transit Visa .

How to apply for the Kazakhstan Tourist Visa online

Obtaining this document can be very easy. Just follow these three simple steps to apply for your visa from the comfort of your home and the iVisa experts will do the rest:

First: Complete our questionnaire with your personal and travel information. After this, you will be able to choose the type of processing you wish to acquire.

Second: As a second step, you will have to make the payment for the transaction. Not without first corroborating that all the information entered is correct.

Third: With iVisa, you will receive online assistance on any extra information you need to upload.

Once the process is completed, you will receive a confirmation email . If you do not find it in your inbox, it may be in SPAM.

Costs and processing times of the Kazakhstan Tourist Visa

There are three processing alternatives with which you can apply for the visa. Each of them has a different processing time and price depending on the travel needs of the traveler. They are as follows:

Standard Processing Time: This option takes 7 days for a fee of USD $192.99 including government fees.

Rush Processing Time: You’ll get your visa in just 6 days for a fee of USD $266.99 including government fees.

Super Rush Processing Time: Your visa will be processed in only 5 days for a fee of USD $369.99 including government fees.

Do minors need a Kazakhstan Tourist Visa to enter the country?

All family members must have an electronic visa for Kazakhstan, including young children. The parent or guardian may apply if the child is not old enough to apply alone.

COVID-19 requirements or restrictions

As of 8 June 2022, travelers are no longer required to provide a certificate of vaccination or a PCR certificate with a negative test result for COVID-19.

What else should I keep in mind before traveling to Kazakhstan?

The best time to travel to Kazakhstan is between May and September. July, August, and September are always the most pleasant months for hiking in the mountains. Between November and April, temperatures are very cold, making it difficult to enjoy your trip.

It is also important to ensure the availability of the hotels and tours you have chosen. For that, we recommend that you make a reservation in advance, especially when it is in high season.

Where can I contact you if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about the Kazakhstan e-visa or another travel document, you can contact our customer service team online or at [email protected] . We have a team of experts who are available 24 hours a day to help you.

Related Articles

• How to get a Kazakhstan Visa for Indian citizens

• Kazakhstan Visa for US Citizens

• Kazakhstan Visa for UAE Citizens

My application couldn’t be completed due to an error. What now?

Could my kazakhstan visa get rejected.

Yes, it could happen. iVisa always reviews all documents and assists you during the entire application process to avoid rejections. However, factors such as criminal convictions or submissions of unreliable documents may lead to a visa rejection. If this happens, you will be eligible for a full refund of the iVisa processing fee ; however, government fees are non-refundable.

You may consider re-applying for the Kazakhstan eVisa depending on the reasons for its rejection.

Does my previous nationality matter for getting a Kazakhstan visa?

Do i have to send you my passport to get a kazakhstan visa is it safe to send a passport, i have not received my completed application confirmation email. what now, how do processing times work, where can i read more.

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Floods in Kazakhstan: 75,982 People Evacuated, Relief Efforts Ongoing

By Dana Omirgazy in Editor’s Picks , Nation on 8 April 2024

ASTANA – According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 75,982 people, including 18,681 children, have been rescued and evacuated across the country due to massive floods. This was announced by Saipash Erasyl, a senior officer of the Civil Defense and Military Units Committee, during an April 8 briefing at the Central Communications Service.

Photo credit: Ministry of Emergency Situations

The Akorda press service said that on April 8, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke by telephone with the akims (mayors) of the Akmola, Aktobe, Kostanai, and North Kazakhstan Regions to learn about the flood situation and the measures taken to contain the natural disaster and mitigate its consequences.

According to officials, the situation is under control, and there are sufficient resources and personnel to combat the natural disaster.

At the President’s directive, a government team led by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, who also heads the National Headquarters, was dispatched to the regions affected by the flood.

As of today, a state of emergency remains in 10 regions of Kazakhstan: Akmola, Aktobe, Atyrau, Karagandy, Kostanai, Pavlodar, West Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, Abai, and Ulytau. Currently, 15% of the country is covered in snow, with nearly 40% of the northern, eastern, and central regions under snow cover.

Evacuation of residents

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations , 75,982 people, including 18,681 children, have been rescued and evacuated from the emergency zones since the floods began.

Approximately 7,203 people, including 2,794 children, are staying in temporary accommodation centers. Over 7 million cubic meters of meltwater were pumped out, and nearly 993,000 sandbags were laid.

Water has been diverted from over 1,739 residential buildings and 1,743 courtyard areas. Rescue efforts involve 16,375 people, more than 1,600 pieces of equipment, 377 water pumping equipment, 81 watercraft, and 15 aircraft.

Today, 3,745 private residential buildings and 421 courtyard areas in seven regions remain flooded: Atyrau, Aktobe, Akmola, Kostanai, East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar Regions.

Compensation will be paid to affected citizens after the conclusion of an independent audit.

According to the Defense Ministry, from March 27 to April 7, some 2,357 military personnel, 112 units of military equipment, ten helicopters, and four units of military transport aircraft were involved in the efforts.

Hydrometeorological Service forecast

According to data from the Kazhydromet National Hydrometeorological Service on April 8, the country’s northwest, north, and center are expected to experience precipitation at night and rain during the day. Rainless weather is expected only in the southwest and southeast of the country.

Due to the forecast of increased air temperatures and rain, water levels and outflows are expected to increase further in the Aktobe and Akmola Regions from April 7 to April 10.

Current situation in regions

At the time of writing, the flood situation in the Akmola Region is challenging. Meanwhile, local operational measures prevented the flooding of 2,000 houses in 25 settlements where more than 5,000 people live. Over 18,000 heads of livestock were evacuated.  

The situation in the Kostanai Region is stable yet dangerous. Rescue work continues in Kostanai due to rising water levels in the Tobol River. More than 8,300 people, including nearly 1,700 children, have been evacuated.

In the North Kazakhstan Region, the peak of high water in Petropavlovsk is expected at the end of April. The flood situation is constantly monitored.

The threat of flooding remains in the Aktobe Region, and people are being evacuated. Work is ongoing to pump out meltwater and place sandbags.

A state of emergency was introduced in the Atyrau Region on April 7. Intense work continues on bank protection with 45,900 bags and 174,300 tons of inert material placed.

The local emergency situation was lifted in the village of Zhalauly in the Pavlodar Region. Local forces could not drain water from the settlement for almost two weeks.

Owing to preventive measures, the Karagandy Region has managed to avoid the destructive consequences of flooding. Despite the significant volume of incoming water, flooding of populated areas is minimal.

The situation in the East Kazakhstan Region is stable. According to local akimat (administration), the first wave of floods in the region passed without consequences thanks to preventive measures. However, heavy rains are expected in the region.

More than 25,000 volunteers are involved in addressing the aftermath of floods nationwide. Volunteers provide the affected population with hot food, warm clothing, and sleeping places. According to the National Volunteer Network, work is underway to provide medications to the affected residents. In addition, volunteers are clearing snow in populated areas and taking care of elderly people.

To date, more than 550 tons of humanitarian aid have been collected throughout the country.  Foreign countries have also expressed support and sent relief supplies.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has called on citizens to be extremely careful, strictly observe safety measures during the flood period, and only leave their homes and evacuation centers if permitted.

On April 6, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the nation amid the devastating floods. 

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