Kazakhstan Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Kazakhstan. Holders of a letter of invitation (issued by either an organization or a national of Kazakhstan) can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival, for a stay of up to one month, provided that (i) the visa is pre-arranged by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and (ii) they are arriving at Aktau, Almaty, Astana, Atyrau or Uralsk airports. The visa fee is approximately USD 80. Additionally, foreign visitors holding tourist visas (i) must be in possession of hotel vouchers covering their period of stay in Kazakhstan, and (ii) if staying longer than 5 days in Kazakhstan, must register themselves at the OVIR (Upravlenie Passportno Visovoi Raboty Registration Office). Failure to do so will result in penalties upon departure. OVIR offices can be found in large cities in Kazakhstan. Note that if visitors are holding a tourist visa, return/onward tickets are not required. However, if they are holding a transit visa, it is also required that they hold onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Kazakhstan, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

Healthcare

All travelers arriving from a yellow fever area are required to have a certificate of inoculation. It is recommended that travelers to Kazakhstan immunise themselves against hepatitis A. Bird flu was discovered in poultry farms in Kazakhstan, but there have been no reports of human infection. Medical care in Kazakhstan is extremely limited and shortages of essential medical supplies are common. Doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Blood screening is inadequate and HIV/AIDS is a risk due to contaminated blood or inadequate sterilization of instruments and syringes.

Safety

The general rules of safety in Kazakhstan are the same as in any other developed country. There are the normal risks of pickpockets and petty crime, and travelers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. Travelers are advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars. Kazakhstan is generally a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.