Prearranged visas can be issued on arrival at
Almaty/Astana airports for a stay of one month but it is recommended to organize a visa prior to departure. Arrivals must hold letter of invitation from a person or organization and hotel voucher. All passports must be valid for six months after the intended stay. All passengers staying longer than five days should register themselves at OVIR (Upravlenie Passportno Visovoi Raboty,
Registration Office), even if they are in possession of a visa. Failure to do so will result in penalties upon departure. OVIR offices can be found in large cities in
Kazakhstan.
Americans: US nationals require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
Australians: Australians require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
South Africans: South Africans require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and visa for entry into Kazakhstan.
Health
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 of the world. There are the normal risks of pickpockets etc., and travelers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. Travelers are advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars following reports of attacks on foreigners. Kazakhstan is a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.
