Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa System
Kazakhstan has streamlined its eVisa process for 2026, allowing online applications for over 100 nationalities with faster processing times of 3-5 business days. The fee is around $20-60 depending on visa type, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 30 days. Always check the official eVisa portal for the latest updates before applying.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Kazakhstan, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Biometric passports are preferred for smoother processing at borders.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged, as this could lead to entry denial; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 60 countries, including the US, EU nations, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes.
This policy applies to air, land, and sea arrivals, but overstaying can result in fines up to $200 and potential bans; track your stay carefully.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply online via the official eVisa website (evisa.gov.kz) with a $20-60 fee, submitting a passport scan, photo, and proof of accommodation or funds (at least $50/day).
Processing typically takes 3-5 days, but apply at least two weeks in advance; printed eVisas must be presented upon arrival.
Border Crossings
Major entry points like Almaty and Astana airports offer efficient e-gates for visa-free travelers, while land borders with Russia, China, and Kyrgyzstan may involve more thorough checks and require registration within 3 days of arrival.
Expect customs declarations for valuables over $10,000; drone operators need prior permits to avoid confiscation.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip delays, and adventure activities like hiking in Tian Shan mountains is highly recommended, as healthcare facilities vary outside major cities.
Policies should include at least $50,000 in medical coverage; providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day for Kazakhstan trips.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days at local migration offices for valid reasons like medical needs or extended tourism, with fees around 10,000 KZT ($20).
Apply before your initial stay expires with supporting documents; eVisa holders can request extensions online in some cases, but approval isn't guaranteed.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Kazakhstan uses the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Almaty or Astana by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak summer travel to Central Asia.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at chaikhanas (tea houses) for affordable meals like beshbarmak under 2,000 KZT, skipping upscale tourist spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Bazauchis markets in Almaty offer fresh produce, horse meat skewers, and ready-made dishes at bargain prices for authentic, budget-friendly eats.
Public Transport Passes
Get a monthly Astana Card for unlimited metro and bus rides at 3,000 KZT, cutting urban transport costs by 70% compared to taxis.
Long-distance trains via Kazakhstan Temir Zholy offer sleeper berths for 10,000-20,000 KZT across the country, far cheaper than flying short routes.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the vast steppes around Lake Balkhash, Almaty’s Panfilov Park, and Astana’s modern architecture walks, which are cost-free and provide genuine cultural immersion.
Many national parks like Kolsai Lakes have low entry fees (under 1,000 KZT), and hiking trails are free once inside for nature lovers on a budget.
Card vs Cash
Cards like Visa/Mastercard are accepted in cities, but carry cash (KZT) for rural areas, bazaars, and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates (avoid airport exchanges), and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks in remote regions.
Multi-Site Passes
Use the Almaty City Pass for bundled entry to museums, cable cars to Kok-Tobe, and transport at 5,000 KZT for 48 hours, ideal for cultural explorers.
It covers 10+ attractions and pays for itself after just a few visits, plus includes discounts on local eateries and souvenirs.
Smart Packing for Kazakhstan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for Kazakhstan's extreme continental climate, including thermal base layers, fleece jackets, and a windproof shell for sudden weather shifts in the steppes.
Include modest, loose-fitting clothes for cultural sites like mosques in Almaty, and quick-dry fabrics for summer heat reaching 35°C in the south.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F for 220V), high-capacity power bank for long days in remote areas without outlets, and a VPN app for unrestricted internet access.
Download offline maps like Maps.me for navigation in areas with spotty coverage, plus a translation app for Kazakh and Russian phrases during your travels.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds for Tian Shan hikes, personal prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for intense UV exposure.
Include water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water isn't safe outside cities; add DEET repellent for mosquitoes in lake regions during summer.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for day trips to sites like the Aral Sea, a reusable insulated water bottle to stay hydrated in arid zones, and a lightweight sleeping bag liner for variable hostel conditions.
Bring photocopies of your passport and visa, a RFID-blocking wallet for security in crowded bazaars, and duct tape for quick gear repairs on the road.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for rugged trails in Altai Mountains or Charyn Canyon, paired with breathable trail runners for urban exploration in Astana.
Pack wool socks for winter chills down to -30°C and lightweight sandals for summer bazaar strolls; break in shoes beforehand to prevent blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized, eco-friendly toiletries, moisturizer for dry steppe winds, and a compact multi-tool with scissors for everyday needs in remote areas.
Don't forget wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene on trains or in markets; a hat and sunglasses are essential for dust storms and high-altitude sun in the east.
When to Visit Kazakhstan
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures 10-20°C makes it perfect for blooming tulip fields in the Ili Valley and early hikes in Almaty’s Ile-Alatau National Park without summer crowds.
Fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodations, ideal for exploring Silk Road sites like Turkestan with comfortable days and crisp evenings.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings warm to hot weather (25-35°C) for festivals like Nauryz celebrations and beach time at Lake Balkhash, though the steppes can be scorching.
Expect vibrant yurt camps in the countryside and longer daylight for adventures, but book ahead as domestic tourism surges; great for eagle hunting demos in the west.
Autumn (September-November)
Golden foliage in the Tian Shan mountains with cooling temps of 5-20°C offers excellent hiking in Kolsai Lakes and harvest festivals featuring apple picking in Almaty orchards.
Lower prices post-summer and fewer crowds make it ideal for road trips across the endless steppes, with clear skies for stargazing in the remote east.
Winter (December-February)
Cold snaps (-10 to -30°C) transform Shymbulak into a ski haven near Almaty, with budget-friendly indoor cultural experiences like visiting Astana’s Khan Shatyr mall.
Christmas markets and nomadic winter traditions provide unique vibes, though rural travel requires preparation; perfect for snow trekkers seeking solitude in Altai.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). ATMs are common in cities; exchange USD/EUR at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash rules in rural spots.
- Language: Kazakh (official) and Russian widely spoken. English is limited outside tourist hubs; learn basic phrases or use translation apps for smoother interactions.
- Time Zone: Multiple zones: UTC+5 (west, e.g., Aktau), UTC+6 (most of country, including Almaty and Astana)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance; 103 for ambulance, 102 for police specifically
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; round up taxi fares or add 5-10% at restaurants for good service in tourist areas
- Water: Tap water unsafe for drinking; stick to bottled (widely available at 100-200 KZT) or purified sources, especially in arid regions
- Pharmacies: Readily available in cities (look for "аптека" signs); stock up on basics before heading to remote areas like the Caspian Sea coast