30 to 90 days

The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date of expiry of the visa

Passport must have 1 free visa page

The price of a visa depends on the country of stay

Prices start at $80

Tourists from 117 countries can take advantage of the electronic tourist visa. You can find a list of them on this page.

Residents of other countries must apply at the consulate or through the visa center.

You can visit the nearest consulate or fill out the form on this page

You can find the address of the nearest consulate or embassy and their contacts on this page.

Free import of:

Children must be accompanied by a parent. One parent or person accompanying the child must have the appropriate permits

Cats, dogs and birds (excluding pigeons) must have a veterinary health certificate stamped by the local health department and must be issued no more than 10 days prior to arrival. Pets must be vaccinated against rabies no earlier than 12 months and 30 days prior to arrival.

Kazakhstani tenge (₸)

1 tenge = 100 tiyn

KZT

Banknotes in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20,000 tenge

Coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 tenge.

Where can I change my currency?

Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices, which are very common in many cities. Do note that banks may only accept new bills. Traveller’s checks are often not accepted in the country.

Opening hours

Banks are open from 09:30 am to 17:30 pm, from Mondays to Fridays. On weekends, they are not open. Some exchange offices are open for 24 hours.

ATMs are quite widespread and can be found in many shopping centres, hotels, banks, train stations and etc. In rural areas, ATMs are scarce.

Commission

A small amount of money may be charged for the withdrawal.

What currency should I take with me?

In certain regions of the country, you can pay with roubles, but it’s much more expensive than just paying with tenge. For exchange, US dollars, euros and roubles are the best currencies to have. Tajik somoni and Mongolian tugrik are two currencies that are not accepted.

Is it profitable to cash and change money at the airport?

Exchanging money at airports is not usually a problem, as rates are fair compared to banks and exchange offices.

How to pay in hotels, shops, restaurants, taxis?

Roubles may be accepted in certain places, but not eveywhere. In major cities, like Almaty, many hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Cash, especially smaller change, is extremely useful for things like taxi rides and public transportation.

Other

1 and 2 tenge coins are not accepted in public transport.

Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate with very cold winters almost everywhere, warm summers in the north and hot in the south.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn, in particular, from mid-April to mid-May and the second half of September.

In the north, temperatures can reach -50 ° C (-58 ° F) in winter

In the south, it can reach 45 ° C (113 ° F) in summer.

Kazakhstan is an exciting country, having visited it once, I want to see and feel the atmosphere a few more. It is a unique country, in which there are many traditions and customs, however, local residents, unlike common stereotypes, usually do not live in yurts and do not move only on horseback This is a progressive country with a rich history.

Here are a couple of facts about Kazakhstan:

1. Kazakhstan is home to the first and largest cosmodrome in the world – Baikonur. It is located in the Kyzylorda region, near the village of Tyuratam. The territory of the cosmodrome is 6717 km².
2. Kazakhstan is one of the largest states in Europe and Asia. Despite this, the country is not washed by any of the oceans.
3. In some regions of Kazakhstan, traditions are still adhered to. For example, the payment for the bride. Previously, the groom gave this payment in the form of livestock, now animals are in less demand, so they were replaced with various valuable things. As a rule, these are dishes, bedding, and other household items.
   Also, one of the traditions is playing national games, for example, a team game of pulling people off horses or “”chasing a girl””, where boys and girls catch up with each other on horses.
4. Kazakhstan is often called the homeland of apples and tulips, as evidenced by the old name of the former capital of the country – Alma-Ata, which means “the father of apples”. Now the name of the city has not changed much, now it is Almaty.

Lake Issyk is located in the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, east of the city of Almaty. This is a beautiful lake, and especially its history will conquer everyone who loves nature, hiking and unusual places. In 1963, a strong mudflow descended from the mountains, which claimed thousands of lives of vacationers near lakes of people, as well as residents of the city of Issyk. Around the lake bloom clean meadows, forests of extraordinary beauty, plants that are listed in the Red Book. Above the lake there is a reserve with such representatives of fauna as: rainbow trout, mountain goats, lynxes, wolves, bears and many others.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BhcN9MnpoZhufWABA
The distance from Nur-Sultan to Lake Issyk by road is 1313 km (approximately 816 miles)
Travel time by car is 22 hours 1 minute.

Nur-Sultan is known for its extraordinary architecture. For example, the excellent theater of opera and ballet “Astana Opera“. Many architects and designers from Russia, Switzerland and other countries worked on the design of the cladding. The theater delights with its beauty on the outside and mesmerizes with its size inside: for example, the Main Hall has a capacity of 1,500 seats, and the chamber hall, with gorgeous sound and acoustics, is designed for 250 spectators. The Astana Opera itself is located in the central part of the city. Placido Domingo, Zubin Meta, Elena Obraztsova, Valery Gergiev, Jose Carreras, Anna Netrebko, Marcelo Alvarez, Svetlana Zakharova, Ildar Abdrazakov – all these stars performed at the Astana Opera.
Famous theaters such as the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Neapolitan San Carlo, the Genoese Carlo Felice, the National Paris Opera, the Mariinsky Theater of St. Petersburg and others have toured here.

Theater website: https://astanaopera.kz/about

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JTY4VXZncuxt2rMg7
Distance from the city center to the opera by road is 6.2 km (4 miles)
Travel time by car: 17 minutes
Cycling time: approximately 50 minutes, walking time: 1 hour 16 minutes.

The pearl of the city of Almaty is the high-mountain sports complex “Medeu” with an ice skating rink, which is a 20-minute drive from the center of the Southern capital. More than 120 world records were set at Medeu. The area itself is more than 10 thousand square meters. m., and the height reaches about 1700 meters above sea level. This later made it possible to hold various sporting events and competitions there. For lovers of hiking, and those who want to go in for sports, “Medeu” has a “Ladder of Health”. This is a large ascent to the dam, with 842 steps. It is not easy, but everyone who made it to the end did not regret the path they had traveled. On Medeo, you will fully absorb the magic of the mountains and admire the richest natural landscapes of Almaty.

Ice rink website: https://medey.info

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LkNYJ1MMBQxsAs987
The distance from Nur-Sultan to Medeu by road is 1277 km (793 miles)
Travel time by car: 21 hours 48 minutes.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – or simply the “Pyramid” in Nur-Sultan shows us 3 main concepts of several religions. For example, the dungeon is in dark colors, as well as white shades, symbolizing the world, and the glass top of the pyramid carries the meaning of the sky. Be sure to visit this beautiful landmark, feel the atmosphere of the institution. At night, this palace opens from the other side, bewitching everyone with its beauty! Tours are conducted in English, Kazakh and Russian.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EZ4dyDdoQGZ3A55Y7
Distance from the city center to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation by road is 5.8 km (3.6 miles)
Travel time by car: 14 minutes
Cycling time: 44 minutes, walking time: 1 hour 11 minutes

There are many attractions in Kazakhstan, but one of the most important is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui. The mausoleum itself was built by Emir Timur in 1405. In addition to the mausoleum itself, there is also: a library, a tomb, a mosque, a bathhouse and much more. This is a shrine in the middle of endless steppes, which beckons to go inside.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5Cr3DQPCX24twio9
The distance from Nur-Sultan to the mausoleum by road is 1,317 km (818.3 miles)
Travel time by car: 18 h 14 min.

Beautiful pictures from oriental fairy tales will open to your eyes when you look at the Nur-Astana Mosque. This dazzling white architectural structure, with minarets topped with golden domes, is stunning after the first glance. Outside the mosque, there is a large fountain and a courtyard. Inside, the room is so large that it can accommodate up to 5 thousand worshipers, and 4 minarets are 62 meters high!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MuBLZc6T26uP8D4XA
Distance from the city center to the mosque is 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
Travel time by car is: 17 minutes.
Cycling time: 53 minutes, walking time 1 hour 25 minutes.

One of the largest natural areas under state protection is the Altyn-Emel National Park. It is located in the middle of endless steppes and magnificent mountain peaks. In this unique place you will meet “singing dunes”, the most ancient Saki burial mounds. There is the purest mountain air that you want to breathe and breathe. There are also well-known healing radon springs there. Give your body rest and freedom in the Altyn-Emel National Park.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HBdyQ12jFGDa9tDt6
The distance from Nur-Sultan to the national park is 967 km (601 miles)
Travel time by car from the city center: 4 hours 17 minutes.

The beautiful resort Borovoe is a group of lakes with almost completely fresh transparent blue water. It is located in the Akmola region. Here you will find a stunning natural landscape, clean air, and various medical services in hotels – mud therapy, salt mines and much more.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WdVPCZsvg2du2KVt5
Distance from Nur-Sultan to Borovoe resort by road: 258 km (160 miles)
Travel time by car: 2 hours 53 minutes.

For beautiful views, clear water and a unique landscape, feel free to go to the Charyn Canyon! The bizarre shapes of the rocks look like a modern installation, and also give room for imagination. Enjoy the nature and views of the Charyn Canyon and have a great time!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KPo3kkiiivhnCLsw5
The distance from Nur-Sultan to the Charyn canyon by road is: 1437 km (893 miles).
Travel time by car: 22 h 35 min.

The wonderful mountain resort “Shymbulak” is a place where you can have a great time, relax, play sports and be with your family! Alpine skiing lovers should definitely visit this place. The mountain resort itself is located in the chic gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau, at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level, just 15 minutes from Almaty. On “Shymbulak” there are several restaurants and various eateries, there are hotels, shops of sports and souvenir goods, a ski and snowboard school with highly qualified instructors. There is also a cable car on the territory of the resort, from where wonderful and picturesque landscapes of the Almaty mountains and the nature of the city open.

Resort website: https://shymbulak.com

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UE6PH9G8Fw3dxd968
The distance from Nur-Sultan to Shymbulak by road is 1,281.6 km (796 miles)
Travel time by car: 21 h 40 min.

Please visit this page to find your country’s embassy.

To travel in Kazakhstan, medical insurance is required. Insurance is issued for each tourist and eliminates the need to pay medical expenses for emergency medical care. Since Kazakhstan has a vast geography, it includes mountains, rivers, steppes, canyons, forests, etc. and this country is ideal for hikers, then the insurance package should include the organization of rescue services. If you prefer to visit large cities, then a minimum package of medical services is sufficient.

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements to visit Kazakhstan, however, there are diseases for the avoidance of which, vaccinations are desirable:
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus (once every 10 years), influenza vaccination – seasonal, recommended annually, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and rabies (if you intend to relax in rural areas, far from cities ).

Tap water is chlorinated and relatively safe for health, but drinking this water is not recommended, it is better to use bottled water. Local food products are tested by the sanitary and hygienic authorities, but it is still recommended to wash and heat them. Food in city cafes and restaurants is of a good standard.

There are no dangerous animals and insects in Kazakhstan. In both urban and rural areas, you should not come into contact with stray animals. We recommend using repellents to keep out mosquitoes.

1. Call the assistance company, which is a partner of your insurance company. Contacts can be found in the insurance policy.
2. Provide all the necessary information regarding the insured event and the symptoms with which the illness proceeds.
3. The representative of the assistance company will find a suitable medical institution where you should go. If the clinic is far from your place of stay, ask what type of transport you can use and whether the trip will be paid for by the insurance company later. For payment, keep all documents proving your transportation costs to the medical facility. These documents must reflect the cost and route (if possible).
4. Upon arrival at the medical facility, do not pay for any services other than those agreed with the assistance company. Do not leave any important documents at registration.
5. Keep all documents that prove the costs of purchased drugs.
6. Do not contact medical institutions (individual doctors) before receiving approval from the assistance company. You will have to pay for such requests yourself and there is a high risk that these costs will not be reimbursed by the insurance company in the future.

The level of medical services in Kazakhstan, especially in large cities, has grown significantly recently. The necessary qualified medical care can be obtained in both public and private clinics.

• City hospital No. 1, Nur-Sultan, Koshkarbayev st., 66, +7 7172 231601
• Ambulance hospital (BSNP), Almaty, Kazybek bi str., 96 +7 727 2923101
• Sovminovskaya Hospital; Abylai Khan Avenue 102-104, Almaty; +7 7272 610450
• Ambulance hospital, GKKP; Shymkent, Metalistov st., 1b; +7 7252 541150
• MSE “Kostanay City Hospital” of the Health Department of the Akimat of the Kostanay region; Kostanay, st. Dzerzhinsky, 9; +7 7142 535735

1. Contact the local police as soon as possible, where you will be given a temporary ID. Ask to certify two copies: show one at the embassy, ​​and the second will be useful at home when you restore your passport.
2. Call the embassy, ​​clarify what documents will be required to restore your identity card, and the time of reception.
   Usually this:
   – two photos;
   – an identity document (civil passport, its certified copy, driver’s license, hunting ticket or any document with your name, photo and seal);
   – if any, electronic copies of the international passport and the general civil passport;
3. Go to the embassy. If everything is in order with the documents, a certificate of the right to return to your homeland will be issued to you on the same day within a few hours, and you will present it at the airport at passport control on your way home. Keep in mind that this certificate is valid for 14 days, so if you came for a long vacation and lost your passport on the very first day, it is worth doing the restoration no earlier than 2 weeks before departure.

In large cities in Kazakhstan, the same precautions should be followed as in any other city.
When arriving in the country, use the services of city taxis, and not private drivers, of which there are many in the airport area, and they are quite intrusive, since there is a possibility of deception and miscalculation.
Do not take drinks from strangers and do not carry large amounts of money with you, do not display money and valuables, choose main roads and well-lit places. You shouldn’t buy fast food from small street eateries.
Indoor smoking is prohibited everywhere. There are specially designated places for this.
While walking in national and city parks, observe cleanliness, silence and respect for flora and fauna, do not kindle fires.

There are 3 main mobile operators in Kazakhstan

Since 2019, it is necessary to register device if you use local Kazakh mobile SIM. To register, you will need to submit your passport number. After registration, it won’t be possible to use any other Kazakh SIM, so to do this you will need to visit local operator’s store and unlink mobile phone’s IMEI from your ID.

We suggest you to select “Kcell”, because this is the largest and the most widespread operator in Kazakhstan. With “Kcell” SIM you will have enough data for all of your needs.

Check if you need an adapter before starting a trip
Plug type F is useful for the socket C
Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world

Kazakhstan is one of the biggest countries in the world and has an above average transport infrastructure. Roads in the country are quite poor, with drivers also being quite aggressive. Moreover, winter conditions can also be dangerous. Public transport in the country is good, with trains and buses being the most common options of travelling. Air travel is also popular and reliable.

Road traffic is on the right side.

Train infrastructure in Kazakhstan is quite good. Trains are reliable, comfortable, but not very fast. There are many routes throughout the country, trains connect most cities and towns in the country. Railway travel is the most recommended option when travelling long distances. Moreover, for long distances, buying tickets in advance is advised, especially on very crowded routes. Train tickets are relatively cheap, definitely travel by train if you’re on a budget. They can be bought online or at train-booking offices. There are a few different types of trains and several different bunk classes, ranging from first to third class. www.tickets.kz is the best site for checking schedules and buying tickets. There are also other sites like www.poezda.net, but they are not as a comprehensive.

Bus infrastructure in Kazakhstan is average. Many buses are old and not as comfortable, but they tend to be fast and cheap. Coverage is okay, with some regions of the country having many routes, while others have barely any buses. Moreover, both intercity and local buses can be unsafe and very overcrowded. Minibuses (also called Marshrutkas) are also popular in the country. They are much smaller than regular buses and run much shorter distances. The upside is that they’re much faster and more modern than other buses. Because of that, they also tend to be more expensive. Bus tickets can be bought at bus stations, online or from bus drivers.

Almaty is the only city in the country with a metro system. This is the fastest way of getting around the city, though there is only 1 route. Metro tickets cost only 80 KZT, which is very cheap. This metro runs from 06:20 am to 23:30 pm, every 8 to 15 minutes.

Only two cities in Kazakhstan have a tramway system: Pavlodar and Temirtau. In former, there are around 20 tram lines, while in latter, there are only two. Trams are a mix of older and newer ones. This is a reliable way of getting around these two cities.

In most Kazakh cities, you can easily find an affordable taxi. Some taxis in the country are metered, some are not. Most of the time, you must negotiate a fare before departing, but be aware that drivers usually charge more if you’re a tourist. Moreover, taxi drivers often refuse to give change, so having the exact amount of money is highly advisable. Taxis can be booked via phone call, found at places like bus or train stations or hailed on the street. Uber is also available in major Kazakh cities and it can be very useful for international tourists, as it’s usually cheaper and drivers tend to be more professional.

There are many international and local car rental services in Kazakhstan, so renting a car is easy. Local services are usually cheaper though, but less reliable. There are many landmarks in the country that don’t have any bus or train services, so renting a car is the best way to reach them. Sadly, most roads in the country are quite poor, with only major roads and highways in a decent condition. Moreover, potholes are common, lighting is usually poor and drivers tend to be aggressive. Mountainous roads can also be dangerous, especially during winter. Furthermore, during the winter season, many roads throughout the country are closed. Traffic police is also a headache, as corruption is widespread and bribes are a common thing in the country. To rent a car in Kazakhstan you must be at least 25 years old and have an International Driving Permit.

Major cities in Kazakhstan are constantly introducing more and more biking lanes, but biking conditions are still only average. There are also many bike rental shops and automated rental services throughout Kazakh cities. Moreover, many roads in the country don’t have much traffic, so biking on them is not very dangerous.

Because Kazakhstan is a huge country, domestic flights are common. Tickets are usually bought online. Air Astana and SCAT are the two biggest airlines in the country. The first airline is more pricey, while the second one is less expensive.

There are many international airports in Kazakhstan, but Almaty International Airport is the most popular.

Bus

There are several buses that will take you directly to the center of Almaty, including routes 79, 92 and 106.

Car rental

There are many car rental companies at the airport.

Taxi

Do not use the services of taxi drivers near the airport, but rather call a taxi through Yandex Go app. This way you will avoid cheating and miscalculation.

Private car

You can order a private car that will be waiting for you upon arrival and will take you to your destination immediately.

Kazakhstan is a completely safe country for all ages of tourists. The attitude of local residents is friendly, and the workers of the tourism industry are trying to provide the best conditions for recreation.

The local climate is characterized by hot and dry summers and winters with little snow, high snow cover is present only in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.
The best time for a beach holiday with a child is the beginning or end of the summer season.
Traveling with older children to historic sites or city breaks can be planned for the fall.

In Kazakhstan you will find hotels, boarding houses, sanatoriums, recreation centers and apartments for every taste and budget.
Modern hotels are doing everything possible for a comfortable family vacation: they install a children’s pool, a playground, prepare an animation program, provide a children’s menu, cribs and babysitting services. Outdoor pools and water parks are open in summer.

Groceries and essential goods can be bought in supermarkets or shops that are located all over the place.

Children’s menu and baby food are provided in most hotels.
Necessary items for children can also be purchased in supermarkets, shopping centers, pharmacies or small shops in the hotel or nearby.

• Park recreation areas with playgrounds, attractions, zoos, horse riding. (For example, the Central Park in Almaty)
• Water parks, many of which are open all year round
• Amusement parks
• Dolphinariums, trampoline complexes and climbing walls
• Ice skating rink Mega Ice (Almaty)
• Shopping centers with children’s entertainment
• Museums and entertainment and educational sites

Babysitting services are available in hotels, and for older children, some hotels provide professional animation services.

In the north of the country, it is worth visiting the”” Kazakh Switzerland “”- the Borovoe (Burabay) national park with the”” Blue Mountain “”Kokshetau and mountain lakes.
In the western part of the country you can go to the coast of the Caspian Sea, and in the east – to the sandy beaches of the Balkhash and Alakol lakes, or to the mountains of the Southern Altai.
You can see the Great Steppe and the historical places where the Great Silk Road passed in the south of Kazakhstan.
And if children prefer attractions, water parks and other entertainments to outdoor recreation, be sure to visit the capital Astana, the “southern capital” Almaty and other large cities with modern architecture and all the necessary conditions.
If your child or you are not interested in architecture, ancient cities do not attract you, and deserts and mountains do not seem to be something unusual, then go to Baikonur – the first cosmodrome on our planet.

• Clothes according to the season and purpose of the trip. The climate is sharply continental – very cold in winter and very hot in summer
• Comfortable shoes
• Umbrella, it often rains in the country
• Necessary medicines, especially if you are traveling out of town (cold remedies, pain relievers and antipyretics, antiseptics, bandages and plasters)
• High factor sunscreen
• Insect repellent

Kazakhstan is a very friendly country for tourism with your pets.

You can transport your pet in a public transport in a suitable carrier.

It is better to discuss this issue directly with the driver.

There are enough hotels in Kazakhstan where you can stay with your pets and you can choose one of them when booking.

If all of the above rules are fulfilled, there will be no problems traveling with animals in Kazakhstan.

Buy a comfortable carrier for your pet in which the pet can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. This carrier must be well ventilated and have a waterproof bottom. Don’t forget to sign the pet’s name and your contact details.
Talk to your veterinarian about motion sickness medications, tranquilizers, anti-mite medicines, and more.

• It is forbidden to transport children under 12 years of age without child restraints in the car (car seats; boosters, etc.).
• It is forbidden for the driver and passengers to leave the vehicle when stopped by a police officer without permission from the stopping person.
• During the daytime, be sure to turn on the fog lights, dipped headlights or daytime running lights.
• The driver is obliged to disembark passengers only at a specially designated stopping point. In case of violation – a fine of 10 MCI 26510 tenge ($ 63.21).
• When driving, be sure to keep your hands free of the phone or other distractions.
• You can only talk while driving with a headset or using the speakerphone. In case of violation – a fine of 5 MCI or 13255 tenge ($ 31.60).
• It is forbidden to throw rubbish out of the window.
• For speeding:
  • From 10 to 20 km / h – a fine of 5 MCI or 13255 tenge ($ 31.60)
  • From 20 to 40 km / h – a fine of 10 MCI or 26510 tenge ($ 63.21)
  • More than 40 km / h – a fine of 20 MCI or 53,020 tenge (126.41 $)

Now in Kazakhstan there are 4 toll roads, with a total length of almost 700 km. Namely: “Nur-Sultan-Shchuchinsk”; “Nur-Sultan – Temirtau”; Almaty – Khorgos; Almaty-Kapshagay. If you want to find the prices, visit this page