Entry Requirements and Visas
Entering Kazakhstan has become significantly more accessible in recent years. The Kazakh government actively welcomes international visitors, and most travelers can enter without a visa.
Citizens of numerous countries can enter visa-free for varying periods:
- 14 days: China (mainland), Hong Kong, India, and Iran
- 30 days: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Vatican City, United Kingdom, Hungary, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Israel, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Qatar, Cyprus, Colombia, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, United States, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Chile, Switzerland, Sweden, Ecuador, Estonia, and Japan
- 90 days: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine
Check the Kazakh government website for the most current list, as these categories may change. If your country is not listed, you'll need to obtain a visa in advance by presenting a letter of invitation from a Kazakhstan resident. Tour companies can typically arrange this for an additional fee.
If you wish to extend your stay beyond your initial visa-free period, a straightforward option is to travel to neighboring Kyrgyzstan (which also offers visa-free entry to many nationalities) and return to Kazakhstan to receive another visa-free stay. There is no limit to how many times you can do this.
Since 2020, the registration card requirement has been discontinued. You will now receive only entry and exit stamps in your passport.
Getting There
By Air: Air Astana, Kazakhstan's flag carrier, operates flights to Almaty and Astana from Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Delhi, Beijing, Istanbul, Bangkok, Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Frankfurt, and Seoul. Many international carriers also serve Kazakhstan, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai. Taxi fares from the airport to the city typically range from 2,000-3,000 tenge. Note that if you're changing planes in Russia, you'll need a Russian transit visa.
By Train: Trains to Kazakhstan are slow but comfortable and clean. Popular routes include Almaty to Moscow (77 hours), Novosibirsk (35 hours), and Ürümqi, China (34 hours). Allow 3-4 hours at the Russian border or 6-8 hours at the Chinese border for crossing.
By Bus: Buses connect Kazakhstan to neighboring countries. The journey from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty takes 3½-4½ hours and costs approximately 1,200-1,800 tenge. From Ürümqi, China, a sleeper bus to Almaty takes 24-36 hours and costs around US$45.
By Car: You can enter by car through border checkpoints on main roads, but be prepared for queues lasting up to 24 hours with limited facilities.
By Boat: Freighters travel regularly between Baku and Aktau, and it's sometimes possible to arrange passage, though ships may be delayed for weeks before entering port.
Money, Currency, and Costs
The currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). The international dialing code is +7.
Kazakhstan is generally inexpensive compared to Western countries. Public transportation and taxi fares are significantly cheaper than in major Western cities. Accommodation, dining, and activities offer good value for money, particularly outside the major cities of Almaty and Astana.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Kazakh cities are generally safe during the day. However, exercise caution at night in certain areas: avoid all parts of Almaty below Tashkentskaya street, remote microdistricts, and areas with high concentrations of shabby private houses such as Shanyrak. In smaller towns like Taraz, Balkhash, Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Uralsk, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, nighttime travel typically presents minimal risk, though occasional muggings do occur.
Always carry your passport or a certified copy with you. Police may attempt to extort money from foreigners, particularly on trains and long-distance buses. If officers are sober, you may avoid payment by pretending not to understand or claiming poverty. Late at night, foreign language speakers may receive unwanted police attention and false accusations of petty crimes, followed by demands for cash "fines" of 1,000-5,000 tenge. Using your mobile phone to contact a local-language speaking friend can help defuse such situations.
Avoid displaying expensive phones, watches, jewelry, or other signs of wealth, as this may attract pickpockets and criminals—particularly outside Almaty and Astana. Do not solicit local women in streets or nightclubs, as this may provoke unwanted attention or confrontation from local men. Normal Western politeness toward women and children, including smiles or greetings, can sometimes be misinterpreted as threatening.
Be aware that there is zero tolerance for drugs. Even trace amounts can result in criminal investigation, prosecution, and imprisonment. Prisons are known to be dangerous and often inhumane.
The Shu valley between Taraz and Almaty has heavy police presence due to active major criminal organizations. Corrupt police have been reported planting drugs on both locals and foreign visitors in this region.
Additional safety considerations:
- Watch for food poisoning from vendors in smaller towns
- Be cautious with drinks at cafes in Astana, as some legitimate-appearing establishments may include drugs in their drink menus
- Avoid unlicensed taxis, as some drivers demand additional fees before releasing luggage or may steal belongings. Keep valuables and your passport in your pockets and your most valuable bag on your lap
- Exercise caution with careless and drunk driving; always obey traffic rules and wear seat belts
- Cases of violence against foreign workers have occurred in West Kazakhstan
- Excessive alcohol consumption and visiting nightclubs, especially alone, increases personal risk. Travel as a group or with locals when possible
Health
Healthcare quality may vary between major cities and smaller towns, so travel insurance is advisable.
Staying Connected
Mobile phone networks operate in most areas of Kazakhstan. Local SIM cards are available and relatively inexpensive, making them a practical option for maintaining connectivity during your stay. International roaming plans may be available through your home provider, but purchasing a local SIM card typically offers better value.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Kazakhstan is officially secular but is a Muslim-majority country with a significant Christian community. Ethnic Kazakhs form the majority of the population, while ethnic Russians constitute a notable minority. The country has a rich history spanning from nomadic traditions to modern development.
When interacting with locals, observe standard courtesy and respect, particularly toward women and children. Be mindful that normal Western friendliness—such as smiling at or greeting women—can sometimes be misinterpreted by local men as overly forward or disrespectful. A respectful, reserved demeanor in public spaces is advisable, especially in smaller towns where cultural norms may differ from those in major urban centers.