us citizen travel to kazakhstan

Update April 12, 2024

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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.

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Kazakhstan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Kazakhstan. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Kazakhstan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Kazakhstan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Kazakhstan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Kazakhstan. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Kazakhstan, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Kazakhstan. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Kazakhstan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Kazakhstan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Kazakhstan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Kazakhstan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Kazakhstan may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Kazakhstan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Kazakhstan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Kazakhstan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Kazakhstan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Kazakhstan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kazakhstan.

Can I travel to Kazakhstan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kazakhstan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Kazakhstan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kazakhstan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Kazakhstan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Kazakhstan.

Can I travel to Kazakhstan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Kazakhstan?

Mask usage in Kazakhstan is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Kazakhstan?

Restaurants in Kazakhstan are open. Bars in Kazakhstan are .

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US Citizen Travel to Kazakhstan: A Comprehensive Guide

Visa Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is an up-and-coming destination for US travelers, but before you start packing your bags, it’s important to know what you’ll need in order to enter the country. US citizens are required to have a valid passport and a visa to enter Kazakhstan, and the visa application process can take up to a month. It’s recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any delays.

Exploring Kazakhstan’s Local Customs and Attractions

Kazakhstan is a diverse and fascinating country with a rich culture and history. US travelers will be greeted with a warm welcome, but it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette. For example, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, and it’s considered impolite to refuse an offer of tea. As for attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Kazakhstan, from the futuristic architecture of Astana to the ancient Silk Road city of Turkestan.

Safety and Security Tips for US Citizens Traveling to Kazakhstan

While Kazakhstan is generally a safe country to travel in, US citizens should be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, and there have been instances of terrorist attacks in the past. It’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times, as well as to stay informed of any local security alerts.

Planning Your Trip to Kazakhstan with Minzifa Travel

At Minzifa Travel , we specialize in creating custom travel itineraries that cater to your specific interests and needs. Whether you’re looking to explore Kazakhstan’s vibrant cities, venture into the wilderness of the Altai Mountains, or immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture, our expert guides and travel planners are here to help. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to Kazakhstan!

• [email protected]
• Legal Advice

Insurance policy

Rules of entry and stay

Transit rules

Entry with pets

Emergency numbers

Information for motorists

Customs regulations

All passengers arriving in Kazakhstan from foreign countries aren’t required now to provide a vaccination certificate and a PCR certificate with a negative test result for COVID-19.

You need a visa to Kazakhstan if you aren’t from one of the visa-free countries, such as the USA, all EU states and other so-called "migration-safe" countries.

List of countries that don’t require a visa to Kazakhstan 

Since January 1, 2022 year, Kazakhstan has resumed visa-free regime for citizens of 54 countries.

Duration of stay. Citizens of 54 countries can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa up to 30 calendar days on each visit. The number of visits is unlimited. However, the total period for such visits shouldn’t exceed 90 calendar days during a 180-day period.

Foreigners from 54 countries don’t need a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to enter the country. Under the visa-free regime, foreign citizens can visit Kazakhstan for tourist, private and short-term business purposes. At the same time, business trips may include meetings and negotiations, the conclusion of contracts, as well as participation in conferences and forums.

Kazakhstan has tightened the rules of entry and stay in the country for foreigners. A document approved by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov was published on the website of legal acts.

Now, starting from January 27, citizens of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union - Russia, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan - will be allowed to stay in the country for no more than 90 days during each period of 180 days . If this period is exceeded, a foreigner who has left the country will not be able to get back. The new rules will not apply to those who have received a temporary residence permit.

Previously, citizens of the aforementioned countries could use the so-called visaran, crossing the border of Kazakhstan once every three months and coming back. This was enough to renew the term of legal stay in the territory of the state.

Important. As part of visa-free travel, foreigners are prohibited from engaging in labor or other paid activities on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Any installation and repair work is also prohibited. For such purposes, a visa is required. Notification of a foreigner's stay is required within 3 working days from the moment of his entry into Kazakhstan. It doesn’t depend on the order of entry and stay, as well as the purpose of the foreigner's visit.

The notification is submitted by the receiving party (the inviting person) to the migration service in writing or through the Visa-Migration Portal.

Late submission of a notification entails administrative responsibility of the receiving party in accordance with article 518 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

A tourist visa is issued for a short stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the purpose of tourism: visiting cultural events, excursions, sightseeing.

A single-entry tourist visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days and a stay period of no more than 30 days. A multiple-entry B12 visa is issued up to 90 days with the right to stay no more than 30 days at each entry into the country.

Foreigners can get a B12 visa if they have an invitation from a tourist organization in Kazakhstan. According to the rules, such an invitation is not required for foreigners from among the 48 economically developed and politically stable states when applying for a single-entry tourist visa.

Kazakhstan visas are issued single-entry or multiple-entry.

How to get a Kazakhstan visa?

You can get a Kazakhstan visa in one of the following ways:

• Online, through the Kazakhstan portal eVisa. Citizens from more than 100 countries have the right to apply for a Kazakhstan e-visa for tourism, business or medical treatment.
• At the Embassy of Kazakhstan in your country. You need prior permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Upon arrival at the Kazakhstan airport. You need prior permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applying for a Kazakhstan visa online

If you are from one of the countries listed on the link ( https://egov.kz/cms/en/articles/rk_visa_obtaining ), you can apply for a Kazakhstan visa online through the Visa and Migration Portal:

• Register on the Visa and Migration Portal
• Enter the invitation number that your sponsor has sent you. Your sponsor may be an individual in Kazakhstan, a travel agency, a company/organization or a medical institution. They must apply for an invitation through the same portal.
• Fill out the application form for a visa to Kazakhstan.
• Pay the consular fee. A Kazakhstan e-visa costs $80, and you have to pay for it with a credit or debit card.
• Wait for the visa application to be processed. You will receive a confirmation email.
• Print the Kazakhstan visa.
• Take it with you when you travel.

You can use an electronic visa of Kazakhstan to enter the country only through the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport or Almaty International Airport.

Registration of a Kazakh visa at the embassy

If you aren’t eligible for an online visa, you need to obtain a Kazakh visa at the embassy or consulate. The process of obtaining a visa at the embassy consists of two parts:

• Your sponsor (the sponsor may be an individual in Kazakhstan, a travel agency, a company/organization or a medical institution in Kazakhstan) applies for an invitation letter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan. 
• You are applying for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Kazakhstan in your country. The list of diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan can be found here.

Applying for a visa to Kazakhstan on arrival

You can apply for a Kazakhstan visa on arrival if there is no Kazakh embassy in your country, but you still need the prior approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As in the case of an embassy visa, the process is divided into two parts:

• Your sponsor (it may be an individual in Kazakhstan, a travel agency, a company/organization or a medical institution) submits an application for an invitation letter and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
• You travel to Kazakhstan and apply for a visa on arrival. You must have with you an invitation letter and the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as any other documents related to the purpose of your trip.

You can get a Kazakhstan visa on arrival only at the following airports:

• Aktau Airport
• Almaty International Airport
• Atyrau Airport
• Oral Ak Zhol Airport
• Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport

Note. Before your trip, check with your sponsor (it may be an individual in Kazakhstan, a travel agency, a company/organization or a medical institution) and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan if you can get a visa on arrival

Kazakhstan visa requirements

To apply for a Kazakhstan visa, you must provide the following documents:

• A valid passport. Make sure that it has at least 2 blank pages and that it will be valid for at least three more months after the visa expires.
• Application form for a visa to Kazakhstan. You can download the form on the website of the Kazakhstan Visa and Migration portal.
• A recent image on a white background with size 3.5x4.5.
• The number and date of the invitation, registered by your sponsor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Your sponsor should provide you with this.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee
• Any additional documents related to the purpose of your trip.

What is the duration of the Kazakh visa?

Kazakhstan visas are valid for up to 90 days, but depending on whether it is a single or multiple-entry visa:

• One–time: the maximum number of days of stay in Kazakhstan is 30.
• Multiple recording: the maximum number of days is 30 days per entry for a 90-day period.

Is it possible to extend a Kazakh visa?

If you need to stay longer than your Kazakhstan visa allows, you can request a visa extension from the Kazakhstan Migration Service or Migration Police.

The cost of a visa to Kazakhstan

The cost of a visa to Kazakhstan varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. A tourist visa costs approximately $80.

You don’t need a transit visa for Kazakhstan if:

• Transit through Almaty or Nur-Sultan International Airport
• You have a confirmed ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours.
• You don’t leave the international transit area of the airport
• You have a visa to a third country (if a visa is required)

If you don’t fulfill the above conditions, you need to apply for a Kazakhstan transit visa at the embassy or consulate before traveling. This visa allows you to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 5 days in transit.

• All dogs and cats imported to Kazakhstan must be vaccinated against rabies and viral diseases accompanying each of these animal species. The importation of animals into the country becomes possible only at the age from birth to 4 months.
• The transported animal must have a documentary confirmation of the vaccination, namely have a veterinary passport  in which all the vaccinations mentioned above are affixed.

The Republic of Kazakhstan is a part of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic from 08.11.1968 year

In accordance with article 41 of the indicated Convention of the country, the participating countries recognize on their territory any national and international driver's licenses corresponding to the format approved by the Convention. Previously issued certificates are valid until their expiration date.

Thus, if the country in which the driver's license is issued participates in the said Convention, an international driver's license is not required to travel to Kazakhstan.

To get information about the rules of the customs of Kazakhstan, follow the link  https://www.worldbaggagenetwork.com/guidelines/kazakhstan/

Kazakhstan's embassies in different countries can be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/kazakhstan

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• I cannot pay for the insurance, what should I do? If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who are doing the transaction.
• Where can I read the terms and conditions of my insurance contract? You can read about the terms of the insurance contract on our website in the section of the insurance policy registration.
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Rules for entry and exit from Kazakhstan for foreign nationals Printable version

Useful links:.

Notification on arrival of a foreign citizen

According to the applicable rules, a receiving party is obliged to notify a migration service about arrival of a foreign citizen to Kazakhstan, as well as about the change of residence. This should be done within 3 working days from the date of arrival of a foreign citizen.

A notification is required in all the cases, regardless of the order of entry: with visa or under a visa-free regime. The notification is submitted by a receiving party. A foreign citizen does not need to apply to a migration service himself/herself.

There are several options to submit a notification:

· online via the Visa and Migration Portal (vmp.gov.kz)

· in paper to a migration service

· online via eQonaq.kz information system

Note: late submission of a notification entails a fine for a receiving party in the amount from 10 to 20 MCI *. Repeated violation during an year entails a 1-year ban on issuing visa invitations**.

Temporary Residence Permit   (TRP)

A temporary residence permit is issued to citizens of the CIS countries. 

The TRC is issued for a period of up to 1 year for the following purposes:

• labour activity (based on an employment contract and an independent contractor agreement (for the EAEU countries), a work permit, a labor patent)
• entrepreneurial activity as a business immigrant
• family reunion
• medical treatment
• missionary activity

A receiving party (individual or legal person) applies for a clearence via Citizen Service Center or a foreigner himself/herself can do this, if there is a notification available on arrival of a foreign citizen (see page 4) and IIN*.  Temporary residence permit is not needed for children under 16 years old. Though it is requested from a spouse, as well as children older than 16 years old.

Note: when leaving Kazakhstan, TRC remains valid until the end of the issuance period. There is no need to get TRC again, the next time you enter the country.

*An IIN is necessary for a foreigner to open a bank account, receive salary on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, issue a digital signature, get public services, pay national duties, consular fees and make other payments.

Below is a table of national duties for processing Kazakhstan visas for a current year.

The amount of national duty is indicated in the  MCI .

Administrative offenses

In relation to a foreigner

(Article 517 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Administrative Offenses")

In relation to a receiving person (Article 518 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Administrative Offenses")

Laws and regulations

The information in the migration digest has been prepared based on the following regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan as of February 2023:

• Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Population Migration"
• Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Legal Status of Foreigners"
• Rules for issuing invitations, approving invitations for foreigners and stateless persons to enter the Republic of Kazakhstan, issuing, canceling, restoring visas of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as extending and reducing their validity periods
• Rules of entry and stay of immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as their departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan and Rules of migration control, as well as registration of foreigners and stateless persons illegally crossing the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan, illegally staying in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as persons who are prohibited from entering the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Rules for provision by receiving persons of information about immigrants staying with them, as well as transit travel of foreigners and stateless persons on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Administrative Offenses"

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

E-mail: [email protected]

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35 Useful tips for traveling to Kazakhstan

By Joan Torres 1 Comments Last updated on April 11, 2024

Kazakhstan is, by far, one of the strangest countries I have ever been to, along with Azerbaijan .

On the one hand, it is a surprisingly developed country, home to the most Westernized city in Asia, Almaty, whose inhabitants are very European-minded, as well as some striking mountains. 

On the other hand, this oil-rich, barely populated country is also the 9th largest in the world and it is also home to some of the most bizarre places on Earth, like an old nuclear testing town, a drought sea, the Russian Cosmodrome and an extremely vast steppe with the occasional 2-humped hairy camel.

Kazakhstan has two faces and, for this reason, it can really have a place in everybody’s heart, both the traveler who likes to explore a cosmopolitan city and beautiful mountains and the avid traveler who likes to get deep into obscure places off the beaten track.

After traveling in Kazakhstan for a month, I have compiled this guide with all the travel tips you need to know.

In this Kazakhstan travel blog you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel insurance for Kazakhstan
• The country, people and their culture
• Tourism in Kazakhstan
• Food and alcohol
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• More resources

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Kazakhstan

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Kazakhstan from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

🪪 Visa requirements for traveling to Kazakhstan

1 – Visa-free –  Travelers from around 60 countries can travel to Kazakhstan without a visa and they can get it on the arrival at any international airport or land border. This includes EU passport holders, the USA, Canada, most Latin American countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and a large etcetera. The visa is valid for 30 days.

2 – Extending your visa – Like in the rest of Central Asia , extending your visa seems tricky but, if you leave the country and re-enter on the same day, you will automatically renew your visa for 30 more days. The easiest way would be going from Almaty to Bishkek, as Kyrgyzstan has even more liberal visa rules. However, I think the maximum you can stay is 90 days within a 180-day period.

3 – Registration –  For people traveling in Kazakhstan, there is a very strange rule: basically, when you enter the country, they will give you an immigration form which you need to fill in. Once you get it, the authorities will stamp it twice and that second stamp is your police registration. If you lose your card, upon your exit you will have to pay a fine.

Moreover, in the unlikely event that you don’t have a second stamp, you will have to register at the migration police station within 5 days of your arrival. If you don’t register, you could get into some serious trouble.

If you aren’t sure about whether you are eligible for a free visa, check the Caravanistan site .

🚑 Travel Insurance for Kazakhstan

4 – Get IATI Insurance for traveling to Kazakhstan.Why?

• It covers all sorts of adventure activities, including trekking
• It offers long-term plans, perfect for big overlanding trips around the Stans.
• All types of plans: from families to budget backpackers
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

💻 Internet when you travel in Kazakhstan

5 – Wi-Fi – It’s all right throughout the country. Nothing wow but I managed to work online without any problem. 

6 – Sim Card and 3G – SIM Cards and 3G data are really cheap and work well. Plans may vary depending on specific promos but I paid 2,000TEN and they gave me 20GB of data for 1 month. Amazingly cheap. 

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Kazakhstan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Kazakhstan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Kazakhstan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Kazakhstan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money when you travel in Kazakhstan

7 – Currency – In Kazakhstan, they use the Kazakh Tenge and approximately

1 USD = 449 KZT

8 – Currency exchange – You can easily exchange Euros or American Dollars in many banks and offices across the country. Just remember that, except for Russian Rubles, they aren’t very big fans of their neighbors’ currency. I am not sure about Kyrgyz SOM but I was never able to exchange the Uzbek money I had left.

9 – ATMs – In the big cities, ATMs are plentiful and in Almaty, you can pay by card in many places. However, do have cash whenever you are in the countryside.

10 – How much does it cost to travel in Kazakhstan – Personally, I found Kazakhstan particularly expensive, as it was the last country from all the Stans I visited, after 5 months in Central Asia. It is, definitely, the most expensive one but, when I looked at its prices in absolute terms, it became very affordable. These are the prices of the most typical things:

• Dorms – 2,000 to 4,000KZT
• Private rooms – from 5,000KZT
• Meals in local restaurants – Mains from 1,000 to 2,200KZT
• Meals in international, cool places – Mains from 2,000KZT
• Trains – Atyrau to Aralsk, 20 hours, 1,400km, 2nd class (4,000KZT)

Read: Useful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan

11 – Bribes – Would you believe when I tell you that a very common question I receive from travelers is about policemen asking for bribes in Central Asia ? Corruption in Kazakhstan and in the rest of the region is a well-known fact overseas. I personally didn’t have any problems but I heard from a traveler that the police asked him for money after checking his passport, claiming that there was something wrong with his visa.

Honestly, if you decide to pay them, not only are you really stupid but you will also be feeding their corrupt system. Because, seriously, how the hell is there going to be something wrong with your visa?

That guy didn’t pay obviously, basically because he told the policeman that, if there was something wrong, he preferred to be arrested and taken to the police station, so the policemen backed off.

Furthermore, a friend of me told me that he was arrested and taken into a room while he was smoking at the train station in Aktau, which was awful, as there were other people smoking as well. The policeman claimed that they had to pay a 100USD fine each. Smoking was technically allowed and if it wasn’t, no way would the fine be that expensive.

However, the policeman kept insisting, as he knew they were about to miss the train and they were going to Aralsk, which was 1,700km away, so it would have been a big deal to miss that train. They held the pressure, however, and, in the end, they agreed on paying around 20USD between the two of them, so they could catch the train.

Personally, I would have tried to hold a bit more, not because of the money but because I would hate that corrupt policeman to get away with it.

Read: Useful tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan

🛫 Getting to Kazakhstan

12 – By plane – I strongly recommend flying to Almaty, as there are very cheap flights from Europe operated by Pegasus. Alternatively, you could also fly to Bishkek, as it is very close to Almaty and has cheap flights as well. Flying to Astana (today called Nur-Sultan) would also be an option and, if you are in Iran or Azerbaijan , consider flying to Aktau, as there is a daily budget flight.

13 – Overland (bus or train) – There are open land borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan . Practically, all of them are open and friendly, at least from the Kazakh site. I personally crossed by train from Uzbekistan .

14 – Overland (by boat) – Long-term overlanders like to take the ferry from Baku to Aktau, which takes 24 hours. I haven’t taken it but my friends from Journal of Nomads did. Check their report here .

Read: Kazakhstan 1-month itinerary

🕌 The country, people and their culture

15 – Welcome to the ex-Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan is a republic which, like most former Soviet republics, got its independence from Russia in 1991. It is, however, the country with the largest Russian influence in Central Asia, not only due to its buildings and remaining infrastructure but you can see it in their culture, and Kazakh people actually like Russia:

We like Russia because she takes cares of us’, a Kazakh friend of mine said. Kazakhstan is the only Stan that borders Russia, so it is obvious that their presence and influence is highly visible. 

16 – Kazakhstan today – The development of Kazakhstan is explained by its abundance of natural resources, such as oil and gas. It has really major, rich cities which have been totally built with the help of oil and have become business hubs filled with expats, like Atyrau, the first city I visited in Kazakhstan.

Moreover, the Government has been investing a lot in terms of education, one of their most successful policies being the opportunity of giving loads of scholarships to students to study abroad in major worldwide universities, with the only condition that they must come back and work in Kazakhstan after X years. This has led to a highly educated work-force for Kazakhstan.

However, Kazakhs claim that, given its abundance of natural resources, the situation should be much better and they blame a very corrupt and human rights-abusive President named Nursultan Nazarbayev , the first and only President that Kazakhstan has ever had. Since he was elected president of Kazakhstan back in 1991, Kazakhstan has never celebrated fair elections. 

17 – The Kazakhs – Kazakhs are descendants from Turkic and Mongolian tribes. They are very ethnically mixed but most of them have strong Mongolian features. The Kazakhs used to be a nomadic nation that moved across the steppe and their biggest contribution to the Silk Road trade was animal-related products, like fur.

18 – Language – Kazakh, a Turkic language, is the official language in Kazakhstan. Russian, of course, is widely spoken, more than anywhere else in Central Asia and, in Almaty, it is the preferred language. Actually, many Kazakhs from Almaty claim that their Russian is better than their Kazakh.

As per English, most young well-educated people from the main cities can speak English but, other than that, you should try to learn some Russian words if you decide to visit Kazakhstan. 

19 – Religion – Officially, Kazakh people are Muslim but, like in the rest of Central Asia, they are what I call Soviet Muslim , as their devotion to Islam was pretty much lost during the USSR .

Sure, you will see a few mosques with a couple of worshippers but most people are actually atheist and even those who do go to the mosque, also drink vodka whenever they have the chance. Saudi Arabia has actually invested millions in trying to reverse that.

Read: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

🚶‍♂️ Tourism in Kazakhstan

Remember to get travel insurance for Kazakhstan IATI Insurance offers long-term plans, so it’s perfect for big over landing trips around Kazakhstan. Get your 5% discount if purchasing via this link

20 – The land of the weird stuff – Like I said in the introduction, tourism in Kazakhstan is about very strange, remote places, so it is the perfect place destination those people who really like to get off the beaten track.

On the one hand, you have those long journeys on a Soviet train through thousands of kilometers of boring steppe, yet, it is a great way to meet locals.

Then you have those dark tourism places, like the Aral Sea or Semipalatinsk, a nuclear testing site whose inhabitants are still suffering from its brutal consequences today.

Moreover, there is also the forbidden Russian town where the Cosmodrome is (Baikonur), as well as extremely remote villages surrounded by nothing but steppe and hairy camels. Oh, and if that was not enough, you also have Astana (Nur-Sultan), one of those fake capitals built with the money from natural resources and composed of the most nonsensical buildings, sort of a Dubai concept I would say.

21 – Apart from weird stuff – I fully understand that there are many travelers out there who aren’t really into dark tourism nor visiting remote places just to see strange things, However, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting Kazakhstan, as I strongly believe that the city of Almaty and its surrounding mountains are a first-class touristic destination, as well the Silk Road city of Turkestan and the more traditional-oriented city of Shymkent. 

For more information, don’t forget to check my 1-month itinerary to Kazakhstan

🍲 Food and alcohol when you visit Kazakhstan

22 – Food sucks – I traveled for 5 months in Central Asia and Kazakhstan was the last country I visited, so I am completely biased, but seriously, the food is the same across the region and let’s say that high-cuisine is not their strength, precisely. In Kazakhstan, pelmeni (dumpling soup) would be the most common option, so is lagman  (noodles soup with terribly chewy and fatty beef). 

23 – You must try beshbarmak when you visit Kazakhstan – A national dish which consists of pasta layers, vegetables, and the star-ingredient being horse meat, all served in a huge flat dish with a bit of broth. Usually, it is a sharing dish, so the few restaurants that serve it require a minimum order of a couple of people. Kazakhs reserve beshbarmak for special occasions.

24 – Yes, horse meat is a thing – You can find horse meat in many countries from around the world but nowhere else like in Kazakhstan, where horse meat is the base of many of their dishes, so that’s why you can find farms all around the country.

I actually visited one horse-farm in Zhabagly, a mountain village around Shymkent. They had hundreds of horses and they told me that, when the horse gets into a certain age, they decide whether they keep it as a workforce or send it to the butchery. It was sad but this is life…

25 – Get drunk on vodka with the locals, at least once – In rural Kazakhstan, in places like Aralsk or even when you travel by train , you are likely to meet friendly locals who want to invite you to drink some vodka.

If you say yes, they will order a bottle and you can’t just drink one shot but you need to finish the bottle with them, otherwise, you will be considered a pussy. If you don’t feel like drinking more than a shot, then just say no from the beginning.  Vodka is always served very cold and a bottle costs just a few dollars. 

26 – In big cities you can find everything – I spent 8 days in Almaty and never ever ate any Kazakh food, like no way. It was my last destination in Central Asia before going back home, so I tried Japanese, Thai, Italian, and all sorts of international cuisine. You can seriously find everything. In Atyrau and Shymkent, I also found a few international options. 

27 – Vegetarians are nearly fucked – Local cuisine is meat-based, even salads sometimes, and usually, this is the only options outside Astana (Nur-Sultan), Almaty, and Atyrau pretty much. 

🛺 Kazakhstan travel guide – Transportation

28 – Train – Multi-day train journeys over the Kazakh steppe is an experience by itself and so much fun. For more information, I put together a train guide to Kazakhstan . 

29 – Bus – I never got in any bus when I was traveling in Kazakhstan but I always took the train. However, I know that it is also an option to move around cities.

30 – Shared taxis – In some more remote places where trains don’t go, the locals move around in shared taxis. They are significantly more expensive than any other transportation.

31 – City taxis – To avoid any hassles, I recommend you download Yandex , which is like the Russian Uber. 

🏨 Accommodation

32 – There all of sorts of accommodation – From backpacking hostels to 5-star hotels, in Kazakhstan, you can find all sorts of accommodation. I always booked them through Booking.com .

In my Kazakhstan itinerary , you can find different accommodation options from each city I visited.

Here are the 3 most popular options but, if you want to get deeper into the region, here’s my list of the best books on Central Asia

33 – Kazakhstan travel guide by Bradt –  Bradt just released the latest guide for traveling to Kazakhstan. You won’t find any more complete guide. Seriously, I have the Kindle version of all Bradt guides from all the countries I go because they are great.

34 – Central Asia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet – If you are traveling all around Central Asia, you may prefer to buy one book for the whole region. It’s all right but you will just get an overall picture.

35 – Once in Kazakhstan – If you are looking for good literature and get some political context, this is the one I would recommend, as it tells the story of all the struggles of Kazakhstan when it became an independent country

❗ More resources for traveling to Kazakhstan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Kazakhstan destination

• Travel Guide to Astana
• Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing
• Train Guide in Kazakhstan
• Kazakhstan Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• Pakistan Travel Guide
• Afghanistan Travel Guide

One reply on “35 Useful tips for traveling to Kazakhstan”

Hi. You did a great job writing those 35 tips based on your experience travelling to Kazakhstan. As a Kazakh woman who returned to the US and really misses the place she grew up in, may I ask you to update the information about: 1 – currency (it’s around 485 KZT) 2 – president 3 – prices in the 10th tip (I think it’s too cheap) 4 – yeah, most people are nominal muslims, but there are also many Christians (orthdox or protestants like me) 5 – food doesn’t suck. vodka is a cheap drink to drink. but we also have fancy bars with high quality cocktails, that won many competitions in Central Asia. Thanks!

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Travel Facts

Us state dept travel advisory.

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precations in Kazakhstan. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

+(7) (7172) 70-21-00; EMER: 011-7-717-270-21-00 from the US; US Embassy in Astana, Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Ave, No. 3, Astana, Kazakhstan, 010010; [email protected]; https://kz.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage . Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime , sometimes carrying severe punishment. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

Local emergency phone, vaccinations.

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/

Continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Currency (Code)

Tenge (KZT)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

Major Languages

Kazakh, trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English), Russian (used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication")

Major Religions

Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%

Time Difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Kazakhstan has two time zones

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Road driving side, tourist destinations.

Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve; Ruins of Sauran; Taraz (Talas); Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi; Petroglyphs of Tamgaly

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby, ice hockey, speed skating, weightlifting

Cultural Practices

It is considered impolite to take off one's shoes or to point. Asking a host questions is considered bad manners. Friends usually embrace when meeting then talk about the well being of their livestock.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not customary since a service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills. There is also a fixed charge on taxi and railway transport, so many taxi drivers will refuse tips unless travelers insist repeatedly.

Stringed instruments; wool rugs, coats, vests, and hats; batik and silk scarves, mats, and wall hangings; traditional dresses; leather water flasks and other goods; gold and silver items; camel- and yurt-themed items

Traditional Cuisine

Beshbarmak — horse or lamb meat with flat noodles and onion sauce

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024

• Important Information

Who Can Travel to Kazakhstan without Visa?

• Back to category

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the countries listed below are eligible for visa-free travel to Kazakhstan and do not need to register with the Migration Police. Upon crossing the state border of Kazakhstan, registration is completed by Border Control and confirmed by two stamps on the migration card. Note: Certain countries may have restrictions. (Click the question mark for further details.)

Duration of stay up to 30 days

Duration of stay up to 90 days

Chezh Republic

Duration of stay up to 14 days

Liechtenstein

Netherlands, new zealand, philippines, saudi arabia, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, united states of america, what about citizens of other countries.

Jordanian citizens do not require an invitation, and their single-entry tourist visa is issued through a personal application to the Consulate of Kazakhstan.

Welcome.kz, as a tour operator, offers invitation services for a single-entry tourist visa B12 as part of a comprehensive tourist package. The cost of visa support is 50 USD per person . However, if the visa is not approved by the migration police, the fee for visa support will not be refunded.

All required documents for visa support must be submitted to the migration police at least 15 days prior to the planned date of entry into Kazakhstan.

The 90/180 Rule

On January 27, 2023, the regulations regarding the stay of foreigners in Kazakhstan were updated. The new rules state that foreigners who do not require a visa to enter Kazakhstan are allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days, with the total duration of their stay not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period (or six months). On the other hand, citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are permitted to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is worth noting that a foreigner who has already spent 90 days in Kazakhstan cannot visit the country again until three months have passed, as the duration of stay is not "reset" when crossing the border. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of the number of days spent in the country to avoid any issues with the immigration authorities.

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• Kazakhstan Police Certificates

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General information for the usa.

• General Kazakhstan Entry/Exit Requirements
• Traveling to Kazakhstan with Pets and Animals from USA

Kazakhstan visas in the USA

• Letters of Invitation (LOI) with Visa Support
• Business Visas for U.S. Citizens
• Kazakhstan Work Permits General Information
• Private Visas
• Other Kazakhstan Visas
• Immigration Visa to Kazakhstan and Permanent Residency in Kazakhstan for Americans
• Kazakhstan E-visa (Qazaq or Kazakh E-visa)

Tourist Visas

• Student Visa
• Investor Visa
• Missionary Visa
• Diplomatic Visa

American citizens can travel to Kazakhstan as a tourist and stay there for up to 30 days.

If you want to stay more than 30 days, you need an entry visa .

The Consular Section of the Embassy issues different categories of visas to Kazakhstan based upon the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay in Kazakhstan.

 For Kazakhstan Tourist Visa , Kazakh Service Centre® will need the following:

• The original passport that has to expire no earlier than 6 months from the expiry date of the requested visa. Has to have at least 2 blank visa pages
• Copy of ID page of the passport.
• Visa Application Form , properly completed (preferable on the computer) and signed.
• One recent passport format photograph . In case if you need us to print out the photo, we will charge $5 US per photo.
• Personal Cover Letter properly completed and signed (please use our template).
• Notarized Power of Attorney to represent you at the Embassy (please use our templates for single applicant or family submission).
• Citizens other than from the United States of America, but living in the country, must submit a copy of their permanent residence status .
• For Non US citizens LOI (letter of Invitation with visa support telex number that is registered in the consular database could be needed. We can arrange for you such LOI within 7-10 working days for additional cost, please contact us prior the application to obtain the rate and information.
• Prepaid return envelope or for your convenience, we can also arrange domestic return shipments at an additional cost via FEDEX or UPS or USPS. We can also courier your passport(s) with visa(s) issued anywhere in the world via DHL express at an additional cost to be determined if you provide us the delivery address.
• Copy of the online payment of the official Visa processing fee (see the fees table below). Kazakh Service Centre® can also arrange this payment to the embassy on your behalf. In this case we will charge you additionally 4% of the official consular fee as PayPal charge. Our service fee is $150 US per visa on the top of the official consular fees regardless of type of the visa and speed of visa issuance process. All taxes are included. You can make one lump sum payment. Please contact us prior to sending the documents for finalization of the exact amount.

Official Kazakhstan Tourist Visas Fees

If you are non-American citizen the Letter of Invitation is needed. We can provide you the proper one. Please contact us to get the rates and specific requirements.

After you collect all paperwork, please mail it to our office in Washington, DC, USA:

Kazakh Service Centre®

1725 I (Eye) Street NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20006 USA

https://kazakhservicecentre.com/

1-888-800-9339

Please notify us by email about your envelope tracking # and type of the courier: [email protected]

The payment can be made via Zelle transfer, money order, company or personal checks or credit card here:

https://usa.kazakhservicecentre.com/content/pay-now-kazakh-service-center

Please be advised! All travelers have to be registered in the Migration Police within 5 days after arrival. This rule is applied if he stays in country more than 5 days. Please take this nuance very seriously! If traveler will not be registered, the border officer will penalize him when traveler exits the country. The fine is around $1000 US per person, and also traveler could lose the privilege of enter the country for next 5 years.

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Kazakhstan travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 16, 2024 08:10 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, kazakhstan - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Kazakhstan

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and vehicle break-ins occurs, particularly in Astana and Almaty.

Theft is frequent in or near tourist locations, including:

• public transportation, especially buses
• shopping areas
• open-air markets
• restaurants

During your stay:

• exercise caution
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas
• don’t walk or travel alone at night
• don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• don’t carry large amounts of money
• be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance
• don’t leave valuables within reach or in plain sight 

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners rarely occurs. However, there have been reports of attacks, muggings and robbery.

There have been incidents involving tourists outside of bars and nightclubs, especially at night, in Almaty, Astana and Atyrau. Residences of foreigners have also been targets for burglary.

Kazakhstan is a transit country for drugs, but there is also an increase in local production and consumption in urban areas, especially of synthetic drugs. Illicit drug trafficking and use may lead to violent spillovers and street crime.

• Exercise caution
• Avoid areas that seem unsafe
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Choose living accommodations that have adequate security measures
• When at home, don’t open your door to strangers under any circumstance
• Keep windows and doors locked at all times

There is a threat of terrorism. There are security concerns about extremism and radicalization, but Kazakh authorities have reinforced security measures. Terrorist attacks could still occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit card as well ATM fraud occur.

• Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs frequently in Kazakhstan, especially online extortion and identity theft. There are several reported cases of Canadian citizens transferring money to individuals in Kazakhstan and losing contact with the swindlers once the transaction is completed.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information. They can also monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations. 

• Don’t transfer money to strangers
• Don’t share personal information over the phone or online, including on social media
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks 
• Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when browsing on the Internet
• Avoid shopping on unencrypted websites 
• Don't click on suspicious links that ask for your banking information in an e-mail or text message 

Fraudulent police officers

Thieves posing as police officers have approached foreign travellers and asked them to pay alleged fines. There are also reported cases of online scams by individuals posing as investigators asking people to confirm their personal information in the context of an ongoing investigation.

If you face a similar situation:

• offer to go to the nearest police station
• ask to see police credentials
• remain vigilant

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place occasionally and require approval from local authorities.

In 2022, security forces strongly intervened in large-scale demonstrations across Kazakhstan. The demonstrations led to vandalism and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, which resulted in hundreds of casualties.

The situation has since returned to normal without any further disturbances, but you should expect a heightened presence of security forces on or around politically important days.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.   

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. 

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions.

Road conditions vary throughout the country. They are generally in good condition in and around major cities, but in rural areas, they are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• large potholes
• malfunctioning or absence of traffic lights
• insufficient lighting
• uneven surface
• bad road markings and signage

Fuel shortages occur occasionally, even in major cities and gas stations are limited in rural areas.

If you travel to remote areas:

• keep in mind that services and roadside assistance may be limited
• keep your gas tank full
• make sure that you have an adequate supply of food and water

During winter, driving conditions are hazardous, particularly in the Kazakh Steppe. Roads and highways regularly close due to cold, wind and snow.

Driving habits

Drivers are reckless and often disregard traffic laws, especially during rush hours.

Typical behaviours include:

• sudden lane changes without signalling
• driving on the opposite side of the road and astride lanes
• driving and parking on sidewalks
• stopping abruptly

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

If you’re driving in Kazakhstan:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Public transportation

In major cities, buses are generally in good condition. However, they are often overcrowded and  pickpockets are common.

• Always carry your valuables and identification with you
• Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
• Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition

When travelling to or between rural areas, avoid using minibuses called ‘’Marshrutka’’. They often lack security features like seatbelts.

Official and unofficial taxis operate in Kazakhstan.

Unofficial taxis don’t always have roof-mounted taxi signs and are not always equipped with safety features like seatbelts.

Unofficial taxis may pick up additional passengers, which poses a risk to your safety. There are reports of passengers being overcharged, and becoming victims of robbery, assault and harassment by unmarked taxi drivers.

At airports, some drivers may insist to get you into their car and will significantly overcharge you.

In major cities, there are ridesharing applications through which you can order taxis with generally safer vehicles and fixed fares, except if you select the cheapest category.

If you choose to take taxis during your stay:

• order your taxi at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
• don’t use unmarked taxis
• never share a taxi with strangers
• confirm the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment

While rail service is reliable and relatively safe, onboard robberies do occur.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t leave your compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Kazakhstan. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry date of your visa, if required. If the purpose of your travel to Kazakhstan requires a visa, you should keep at least two blank pages in your passport. If the purpose of your travel to Kazakhstan doesn’t require a visa, you should keep at least one blank page in your passport.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. Student visa: required

You could face various penalties if you overstay or if you don’t comply with the terms of your visa including:

• deportation
• prison terms

Ensure that your visa corresponds to the type of activity you plan to undertake.

Visa to Kazakhstan - Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Canada

Closed zones

Kazakh authorities prohibit access to certain areas if you don’t obtain prior authorization. This includes areas along the border with China and close to military installations, such as the city of Baikonur.

If you intend to travel in these areas, you should contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan to obtain the necessary approvals.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities are below Canadian standards. The equipment is often obsolete and not adequate for serious medical procedures. Medical facilities may lack basic supplies, especially in rural areas.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medication may not be available in Kazakhstan.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. 

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The law of Kazakhstan doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Kazakhstan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Kazakhstan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Kazakhstan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kazakhstan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Kazakhstan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytizing and certain religious activities are illegal in Kazakhstan, including:

• importing, producing and distributing religious content without prior approval from the government
• practicing private religious education without registration
• holding religious ceremonies without prior approval from the government

If you engage in illegal religious activities, you could face:

• heavy fines
• lengthy jail sentences

Dress and behaviour

Kazakhstan is a secular country. However, Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to, particularly in rural areas.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Photography

Photographing may be restricted or prohibited, including in or near:

• military installations
• airport facilities
• border areas

Some large shops and supermarkets also prohibit photography.

Seek permission before taking photos, especially of official buildings and individuals.

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry valid identification such as your passport and visa with you at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Kazakhstan has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.

A Canadian driver’s licence alone is not acceptable to drive in Kazakhstan. You must carry an international driving permit.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Kazakh tenge (KZT). You should carry cash when travelling to rural areas as credit and debit cards may not be as widely accepted as in major cities.

Foreign currency declaration

There are restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. You must declare all foreign currency in your possession equivalent to more than 10,000 USD.

Foreign currency declarations apply to:

• traveller's cheques
• any other monetary instruments

Import and export of foreign currency – State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan experiences severe weather conditions, especially in the winter when temperatures can fall below -30°C and strong winds can result in wind chills that make it feel below -50°C.

If you’re travelling outside of urban areas in the winter:

• keep informed of local and regional weather forecasts
• warm clothing
• a first aid kit
• food and water

Seismic activity

Kazakhstan is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur regularly, particularly in the Almaty region. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial quake. Earthquakes may also trigger avalanches in mountainous areas, especially in the spring.

Avalanches and landslides can make roads impassable, cause power disruptions and disturb other essential services.

If an earthquake occurs:

• avoid the affected areas
• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey

Wildfires are common throughout the country between July and August, when temperatures can reach +40°C.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the advice of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Air pollution

Industrial pollution is severe in Almaty and Astana, particularly from November to March, when residents burn coal to heat homes and two coal-fired thermoelectric plants operate.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• firefighters: 101
• police: 102
• ambulance: 103
• emergency assistance: 112

Consular assistance

Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, in Astana, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Do I Need a Visa for Kazakhstan?

Most travelers require a visa to visit Kazakhstan, with one exception. US citizens may visit Kazakhstan without a visa for tourist trips that last less than 15 days. Longer trips and trips for missionary work or business, however, require a visa that must be obtained through the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, DC. Visas to Kazakhstan are typically valid for five years and permit multiple entries into the country. Each stay, however, must last for no more than 30 days. If travelers violate the permitted period of stay or engage in activities that are not consistent with their visa class, they may be subject to fines, imprisonment, and lengthy delays upon exit. Be sure to avoid such problems by working with a travel document expert to make sure you have the proper documents before your trip.

Sources: Kazakhstan Embassy and U.S. State Department

Can I Obtain My Visa for Kazakhstan on Arrival?

No. On arrival visas for Kazakhstan are not available. US citizens may enter the country for 15 days for tourist travel without a visa. However, travel for all other purposes or for a longer stay requires a visa in advance. If you arrive in Kazakhstan without the proper travel documents, you can face fines, detention, and delays so be sure to seek out expert advice so you are prepared for your trip!

What Types of Materials Support My Kazakhstan Visa Application?

To apply for a Kazakhstan visa, you will need:

• Valid Passport
• Passport Photos that meet the requirements of the Embassy of Kazakhstan
• Visa Request Letter
• Properly Completed Kazakhstan Visa Application Form
• Money Order

Depending on the details of your trip to Kazakhstan, you may also need:

• Business Introduction Letter

Confused by the document requirements for travel to Kazakhstan? Let the Kazakhstan visa experts help! Call for expert advice.

How Do I Obtain My Visa for Kazakhstan?

Call ! We make the complicated application process for a Kazakhstan visa simple. One of our travel document experts will provide you with a step by step application kit, visa application review service, pre-paid shipping labels, and hand delivery of your documents to the Embassy of Kazakhstan. Once your visa is issued, we are immediately notified, and we pick the document up and mail it back to you so that additional work and hassle are minimized for you.

What Else Do I Need to Do Before Traveling to Kazakhstan?

Make sure your US passport is still valid and will be for 6 months after the date you plan to exit Kazakhstan. Do you need to get your passport renewed at the last minute? We can get you a new passport fast in as few as 1-3 business days.

You will face a variety of health risks in Kazakhstan. Prepare your health by scheduling an appointment at the Passport Health travel clinic nearest to you to get all of the vaccines, medications, and travel supplies you need for a healthy trip to Kazakhstan.

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On This Page: Do I Need a Visa for Kazakhstan? Can I Obtain My Visa for Kazakhstan on Arrival? What Types of Materials Support My Kazakhstan Visa Application? How Do I Obtain My Visa for Kazakhstan? What Else Do I Need to Do Before Traveling to Kazakhstan?

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Thousands of Russian soldiers are fleeing the war in Ukraine but have nowhere to go

ASTANA, Kazakhstan — If the choice was death or a bullet to the leg, Yevgeny would take the bullet. A decorated hero of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Yevgeny told his friend and fellow soldier to please aim carefully and avoid bone. The tourniquets were ready.

The pain that followed was the price Yevgeny paid for a new chance at life. Like thousands of other Russian soldiers, he deserted.

“I joke that I gave birth to myself,” he said, declining to give his full name for fear of retribution. “When a woman gives birth to a child, she experiences very intense pain and gives new life. I gave myself life after going through very intense pain.”

Yevgeny made it out of the trenches. But the new life he found is not what he had hoped for.

The Associated Press spoke with five officers and one soldier who deserted the Russian military. All have criminal cases against them in Russia, where they face 10 years or more in prison. Each is waiting for a welcome from the West that has never arrived. Instead, all but one live in hiding.

For Western nations grappling with Russia’s vast and growing diaspora, Russian soldiers present particular concern: Are they spies? War criminals? Or heroes?

“I did the right thing,” said another deserter who goes by the nickname Sparrow, who is living in hiding in Kazakhstan while he waits for his asylum applications to be processed. After being forcibly conscripted, he ran away from his barracks because he didn’t want to kill anyone. “I’d rather sit here and suffer and look for something than go there and kill a human being because of some unclear war, which is 100 percent Russia’s fault. I don’t regret it.”

Asylum claims from Russian citizens have surged since the full-scale invasion, but few are winning protection. Policymakers remain divided over whether to consider Russians in exile as potential assets or risks to national security.

Andrius Kubilius, a former prime minister of Lithuania now serving in the European Parliament, argues that cultivating Russians who oppose Vladimir Putin is in the strategic self-interest of the West. Fewer Russian soldiers at the front, he added, means a weaker army.

“Not to believe in Russian democracy is a mistake,” Kubilius said. “To say that all Russians are guilty is a mistake.”

Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona has documented more than 7,300 cases in Russian courts against AWOL soldiers since September 2022; cases of desertion, the harshest charge, leapt sixfold last year.

Record numbers of people seeking to desert — more than 500 in the first two months of this year — are contacting Idite Lesom, or “Get Lost,” a group run by Russian activists in the Republic of Georgia. Last spring, just 3% of requests for help came from soldiers seeking to leave; in January, more than a third did, according to the group’s head, Grigory Sverdlin.

Overall, Sverdlin’s group says it has supported more than 26,000 Russians seeking to avoid military service and helped more than 520 active-duty soldiers and officers flee — a drop in the bucket compared with Russia’s overall troop strength, but an indicator of morale in a country that has made it a crime to oppose the war.

“Obviously, Russian propaganda is trying to sell us a story that all Russia supports Putin and his war,” Sverdlin said. “But that’s not true.”

The question now is, where can they go?

Farhad Ziganshin, an officer who deserted shortly after Putin’s September 2022 mobilization decree, was detained in Kazakhstan while trying to board a flight to Armenia because local authorities found his name on a Russian wanted list.

“It’s not safe to stay in Kazakhstan,” Ziganshin said. “I just try to lead a normal life, without violating the laws of Kazakhstan, without being too visible, without appearing anywhere. We have a proverb: Be quieter than water and lower than grass.”

He’s still waiting on his asylum applications.

German officials have said that Russians fleeing military service can seek protection, and a French court last summer ruled that Russians who refuse to fight can claim refugee status. In practice, however, it’s proven difficult for deserters, most of whom have passports that only allow travel within a handful of former Soviet states, to get asylum, lawyers, activists and deserters say.

Fewer than 300 Russians got refugee status in the U.S. in fiscal year 2022. And less than 10% of the 5,246 people whose applications were processed last year got some sort of protection from German authorities.

But Russians continue to flee. Customs and Border Patrol officials encountered more than 57,000 Russians at U.S. borders in fiscal year 2023, up from around 13,000 in fiscal year 2021. Affirmative asylum requests nearly quadrupled, to almost 9,000, in the year ending September 2022, the latest data available.

In France, asylum requests rose more than 50% between 2022 and 2023, to a total of around 3,400 people, according to the French office that handles the requests. And last year, Germany got 7,663 first-time asylum applications from Russian citizens, up from 2,851 in 2022, Germany’s Interior Ministry told AP in an email. None of the data specifies how many were soldiers.

Another Russian officer, nicknamed Sportsmaster, made a video diary of his escape. As he was about to leave Russia, he did what he could to make a grand gesture to demonstrate his opposition to the war.

“They wanted to force me to go fight against the free people of Ukraine,” he said to his camera. “Putin wanted me to be in a bag, but it’s his uniform that will be in a bag.”

He shoved his military uniforms in two black trash bags and threw them in a dumpster.

“The worst thing that could have happened has happened,” he said after crossing out of Russia with the remnants of his former life stuffed in one small backpack. “Now only good things are coming.”

Sportsmaster is an optimist. In fact, deserters have been seized by Russian forces in Armenia, deported from Kazakhstan and turned up dead, riddled with bullets, in Spain.

“There is no mechanism for Russians who do not want to fight, deserters, to get to a safe place,” Yevgeny said. He urges Western policymakers to reconsider. “After all, it’s much cheaper economically to allow a person into your country — a healthy young man who can work — than to supply Ukraine with weapons.”

AP journalists Geir Moulson in Berlin, Lori Hinnant in Paris and Rebecca Santana in Washington contributed to this report.

In a joint production, The Associated Press and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting broadcast the story of an underground network of Russian anti-war activists helping soldiers abandon Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.

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