Traveling to Kazakhstan offers a deep dive into a welcoming culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich history of one of the world’s largest countries. To ensure your journey goes smoothly and leaves you with lasting memories, it’s essential to plan every step: from securing documents to choosing your route and setting a budget. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key stages of trip planning and share practical tips for organizing your visit to Kazakhstan.
Define your purpose and timing
Before diving into the details, decide why you’re traveling: tourism, business, visiting family or friends, study or internship
Trip length also shapes your planning: do you have just a week, or are you aiming for a month-long stay? This determines how many regions you can cover and which modes of transport make the most sense.
Obtain a visa and required documents
Most foreign nationals can apply for an electronic visa by completing an online form, uploading an invitation letter if needed, and paying the fee. Tourist e-Visas permit stays of up to 30 days, business e-Visas up to 60 days, medical e-Visas up to 90 days.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. However, regulations can change, so always verify the latest requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the national e-Government portal before you travel.
Other documents: health insurance, international driver’s licence, if you plan to rent a car, proof of accommodation bookings.
Plan your route and transportation
International Flights. The main international hubs are Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and Almaty International Airport. Direct flights are available from Moscow, Istanbul, Delhi, Frankfurt, and other major cities.
Trains. High-speed services like Talgo and Sapsan link western and eastern regions.
Buses and minibuses. Regular intercity and suburban services; schedules and fares can be checked on local aggregator websites.
Car rental. Renting a car is perfect for exploring wide-open steppes and mountain passes. Make sure you have an international driving permit and comprehensive insurance.
Book accommodation
Major cities and tourist areas offer a range of options, from hostels to five-star hotels and Airbnb apartments. We recommend booking one-two months in advance, especially for summer travel. In smaller towns and remote villages, look for guesthouses or homestays via local platforms.
Create a budget
Approximate costs for a 7-10 days trip per person.
Return airfare: 300-700$
Accommodation: 20-100$ per night, depending on level
Meals: 10-30$ per day
Internal transport: 5-50$ — trains, buses, taxis
Tours and entry fees: 5-20$ per site
Allocate an extra 10-15% of your total budget for unforeseen expenses.
Expert tips
Learn a few phrases in Russian or Kazakh — locals appreciate the effort.
Download offline maps — Maps.me, Google Maps, for areas with limited internet.
Monitor the tenge exchange rate in advance and withdraw small amounts from ATMs of major banks.
Acclimatize when visiting high-altitude regions — plan extra time and proper gear.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially in rural communities.