Practical Travel Information

Everything you need to know before visiting Kazakhstan. From visas to local customs, we've got you covered.

Visa & Entry

  • Citizens of 72 countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days
  • Most EU, UK, US, Canada, Japan, South Korea citizens don't need a visa
  • 72-hour transit visa-free stay available for additional countries
  • E-visa available for countries not on the visa-free list
  • Registration with migration police required for stays over 30 days

Getting There

  • Air Astana — national carrier with direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai
  • FlyArystan — low-cost domestic and regional carrier
  • Almaty (ALA) — main international gateway, southern Kazakhstan
  • Astana (NQZ) — capital city, northern/central Kazakhstan
  • Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and other major carriers serve Kazakhstan

Getting Around

  • Domestic flights connect all major cities (Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT)
  • Talgo high-speed trains between Almaty and Astana (12-14 hours)
  • Intercity buses for budget travel between cities
  • Car rental available in Almaty and Astana — 4WD recommended for rural areas
  • Taxi apps (Yandex Go, inDrive) widely available in cities

Money & Costs

  • Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Check current rates before travel
  • Cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted in cities and tourist areas
  • ATMs available in all cities — withdraw KZT directly
  • Budget: €30-50/day for backpackers, €80-150/day for mid-range travel
  • Significantly cheaper than European destinations for comparable experiences

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April-June): Wildflowers, pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists
  • Summer (July-August): Best for mountain trekking, but hot in lowlands
  • Autumn (September-October): Golden colors, mild weather, harvest festivals
  • Winter (December-March): Skiing at Shymbulak, winter landscapes, very cold in the north

Health & Safety

  • Kazakhstan is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates
  • No special vaccinations required for entry
  • Tap water safe in Almaty and Astana; bottled water recommended elsewhere
  • Travel insurance strongly recommended (medical evacuation coverage)
  • 112 — emergency number (English operators available)

Language & Communication

  • Kazakh and Russian are official languages
  • English increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants
  • Google Translate works well for Kazakh and Russian
  • Local SIM cards (Kcell, Beeline, Tele2) are cheap and easy to get
  • 4G coverage in all cities and along major highways

Culture & Etiquette

  • Kazakhs are famous for their hospitality — accept food and drink when offered
  • Remove shoes when entering homes
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory
  • Always accept tea when offered — it's a sign of respect and friendship