Kazakhstan

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precations in Kazakhstan. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 30 days or the traveler is engaging in employment or missionary activities that will require a visa.

US Embassy/Consulate

+(7) (7172) 70-21-00; EMER: 011-7-717-270-21-00 from the US; US Embassy in Astana, Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Ave, No. 3, Astana, Kazakhstan, 010010; USAKZ@state.gov; https://kz.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

7

Local Emergency Phone

3

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid

Currency (Code)

Tenge (KZT)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Kazakh, trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English), Russian (used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication")

Major Religions

Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%

Time Difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Kazakhstan has two time zones

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve; Ruins of Sauran; Taraz (Talas); Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi; Petroglyphs of Tamgaly

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby, ice hockey, speed skating, weightlifting

Cultural Practices

It is considered impolite to take off one's shoes or to point. Asking a host questions is considered bad manners. Friends usually embrace when meeting then talk about the well being of their livestock.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not customary since a service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills. There is also a fixed charge on taxi and railway transport, so many taxi drivers will refuse tips unless travelers insist repeatedly.

Souvenirs

Stringed instruments; wool rugs, coats, vests, and hats; batik and silk scarves, mats, and wall hangings; traditional dresses; leather water flasks and other goods; gold and silver items; camel- and yurt-themed items

Traditional Cuisine

Beshbarmak — horse or lamb meat with flat noodles and onion sauce


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023