Kazakhstan: Travel Requirements, Health and Medical Insurance
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, a fact worth keeping in mind when planning your itinerary, since the distances between Astana, Almaty, and other cities often call for domestic flights rather than road travel. Since 2017 the country has maintained a visa-exemption program allowing citizens of more than 60 countries to stay for up to 30 days, while other nationalities must obtain a visa before traveling.
The currency is the Kazakh tenge (KZT), and the official languages are Kazakh and Russian, both in everyday use. The general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Kazakhstan exempts dozens of nationalities from visas for up to 30 days; others must obtain a visa in advance. It is not a Schengen country, and the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Medical care in Astana and Almaty is adequate, but the distances between cities are enormous; insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of countries included in the exemption program can enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism or business. All other nationalities must apply for a visa at the relevant Kazakh consulate before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Check the official list to see whether your nationality is visa-exempt.
- Register your stay with local authorities if your hotel does not do so automatically.
Health, Hospitals and Medical Insurance
Astana and Almaty have good private hospitals, but across the rest of the country, given its enormous size, medical infrastructure is more scattered and may require long transfers in an emergency.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Kazakhstan; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for a plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the Kazakh tenge (KZT). Given the country's vast distances, domestic flights between Astana and Almaty are far more practical than overland travel, which can take more than 15 hours by road.
When to Travel
Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures for exploring the cities. Kazakh winters are extremely cold, especially in Astana, while summer in the south can be very hot and dry.
Travel checklist for Kazakhstan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Kazakhstan.
- Check the visa requirement for Kazakhstan based on your passport: Kazakhstan exempts dozens of nationalities from visas for up to 30 days; others must obtain a visa in advance. It is not a Schengen country, and the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Medical care in Astana and Almaty is adequate, but the distances between cities are enormous; insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Kazakhstan's emergency number: 112 (también 101 bomberos, 102 policía y 103 ambulancia), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Tenge kazajo (KZT)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Kazakhstan?
It depends on your passport: more than 60 nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 30 days, while everyone else must obtain a visa before traveling.
What is the emergency number in Kazakhstan?
112 is the general emergency number throughout the country.
Is it worth flying between cities in Kazakhstan?
Yes; given the country's huge size, domestic flights between Astana and Almaty are much more practical than long overland journeys.
What currency should I use in Kazakhstan?
The Kazakh tenge (KZT); international cards are accepted at most urban establishments.
