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Kazakhstan FAQ

Is tipping customary in Kazakhstan?

A service charge of 10% is included at most restaurants so tipping isn’t necessary.

What is the internet access like in Kazakhstan?

There are internet cafes available in the main towns and in libraries and universities.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Kazakhstan?

Reception is good in the main towns but sketchy elsewhere. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

What are the toilets like in Kazakhstan?

Toilet facilities may be very basic. Expect drop toilets outside of hotels and bring your own toilet paper as there may not be any.

What will it cost for a…?

Bottle of soft drink = 120 KZT
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 400 KZT
Simple lunch = 800 KZT
Three-course meal = 3500 KZT
Short taxi ride = 500 KZT

Can I drink the water in Kazakhstan?

Drinking tap water in Kazakhstan isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Kazakhstan?

Credit cards are accepted in major shops and hotels in Almaty.

What is ATM access like in Kazakhstan?

There’s some access to ATMs in major towns and cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Kazakhstan?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

What public holidays are celebrated in Kazakhstan?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 7 Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
Mar 8 International Women’s Day
Mar 21 Nauryz Meyrami (Persian New Year)
May 1 People’s Unity Day
May 9 Victory Day
Aug 30 Constitution Day
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Dec 16 Independence Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Kazakhstan/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Kazakhstan?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • KAZAKHSTAN:
    ALL visitors to Kazakhstan require a visa. An authorisation letter is not required to obtain a visa for Kazakhstan. However, depending on your nationality you may require what we call a letter of guarantee and hotel confirmation that will be supplied to you by Dragoman.

    Please complete the Central Asia & China visa form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining your visa.

    Visa and other entry and exit conditions change regularly. Please check at your nearest Embassy or Consulate for up to date information on obtaining a visa or contact a visa agency such as Travcour UK.

    Visa processing time:
    - Applications for visas submitted in person will be processed within 3 working days.

    SINGLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA.
    In order to apply for a Kazakhstan 30 day single entry tourist visa, you will need to provide your embassy with the following documents:

    1. A letter with a request to issue a visa addressed to the Consular Section of the Embassy of Kazakhstan (supplied by Dragoman). Please, indicate the purpose of your trip, your contact in Kazakhstan, the dates of your planned trip, and places to be visited.
    2. Printed hotel booking confirmation (Supplied by Dragoman)
    3. A completed visa application form (one per person). All fields must be completed; otherwise your application can be refused.
    4. A valid passport (a photocopy will not be accepted) which should have at least one blank page for a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months longer than the validity of the requested visa.
    5. One passport size photo of the applicant which should be stapled to the marked space in the upper right hand corner of the application form.
    6. Payment should be done by card, cheque/ postal order payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan (no cash) - This costs approximately 35 GBP.
    All nationalities should check with their respective embassies for more information and costs.

    IMPORTANT:
    - On some trips you used to be able to obtain your visa en route in either Bishkek or Tashkent. This is no longer possible and you must now obtain your visa in advance.

    NAME OF HOST - for the application form:
    Wild Nature
    House 14
    Taldybulak St
    Zhabagly
    Kazakhstan
  • KAZAKHSTAN:
    Australia: Yes - in advance
    Belgium: Yes - in advance
    Canada: Yes - in advance
    Germany: Yes - in advance
    Ireland: Yes - in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - in advance
    New Zealand: Yes - in advance
    South Africa: Yes - in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - in advance
    United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
    USA: Yes - in advance

    An authorisation/visa support letter is generally not required to obtain a visa for Kazakhstan. However, depending on your nationality you may require what we call a letter of guarantee and hotel confirmation. Please email russiacentralasiaops@intrepidtravel.com for this letter if requested by your consulate indicating where you will be obtaining your visa.

    The following information may be required when filling out your visa application:

    Temporary address in Kazakhstan:
    10-12, Makhstaev street
    Aralsk, Kyzyl-Orda Region, 120100
    Kazakhstan

    Contact/Inviting Organisation:
    Aral Tenizi
    10-12, Makhstaev street
    Aralsk, Kyzyl-Orda Region, 120100
    Kazakhstan

    Visa and other entry and exit conditions change regularly. Please check at your nearest Embassy or Consulate for up to date information on obtaining a visa or contact a visa agency such as Travcour UK.

Shortlist

No trips.

Kazakhstan at a glance

  • 2
  • Astana (population 700,000)
  • 17.5 million
  • Kazakh, Russian
  • KZT
  • (GMT+06:00) Astana, Dhaka
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
  • +7

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