General information about Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country of vast steppes, majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes and ancient traditions. Here East meets West, creating a unique cultural fusion, and hospitality becomes a real art.
From modern metropolises of Astana and Almaty to secluded corners of nature, from bustling oriental bazaars to mysterious mounds of ancient nomads — Kazakhstan opens many facets to its guests. It is a country where high technology and age-old traditions coexist, where everyone will find something special — be it breathtaking scenery, rich history or dynamic development.
The country has a rich history, influenced by nomadic cultures, the Mongol Empire, and later the Soviet Union. It gained independence from the USSR in 1991 and has since developed into one of the strongest economies in the region.
Legend about the emergence of Kazakhstan:
Many centuries ago, when the steppe still knew no borders and people lived in the open air, roaming with herds of horses and flocks of sheep, one great khan thought about the fate of his people. He wanted to find a land that would become a home for his descendants for centuries — an expanse of freedom, strength and unity.
It is said that in those times a wise old man named Aksakal lived in the heart of the Great Steppe. He knew the secrets of the land, spoke to the wind and heard the whispers of the mountains. His faithful warriors and elders came to the Khan, and he asked them:
— Where shall we find such a land that it may become the cradle of a great nation?
The elder Aksakal raised his staff and pointed to the vast expanse:
— Where the steppe meets the sky, where the rivers nourish the land and the mountains guard the borders, there will be your homeland. Your land stretches from Altai to the Caspian Sea, from Tien Shan to the steppes of Saryarka. It is the land of nomads, brave warriors and wise rulers.
Khan followed the old man’s testament and led his people to the place where the sun golden grasses, where fast horses knew no barriers, and the sky seemed endless. Thus was born the Great Steppe — the future Kazakhstan.
Since then, the Kazakh people honor their land, their traditions and their ancestors, remembering that they are the children of the vast steppes, heirs of the free spirit and ancient wisdom.
Location
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest country overall, covering an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers. It is located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Kazakhstan shares borders with five countries. Here is their length:
— Russia — 7,644 km (the longest land border in the world between two states)
— Uzbekistan — 2,330 km
— China — 1,783 km
— Kyrgyzstan — 1,212 km
— Turkmenistan — 413 km
The total length of Kazakhstan’s border is 13,382 km, making it one of the longest in the world.
Time
On March 1, 2024, Kazakhstan switched to a single time zone UTC+5. Until then, the country used two time zones: UTC+5 and UTC+6, with most of the territory being in UTC+6. The decision to switch to a single time zone was made to improve coordination and simplify business processes across the country.
Climate
Kazakhstan is located in the center of Eurasia, which determines its continental climate. There are sharp seasonal temperature fluctuations, little precipitation and dry air.
— Winter (December through February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -30°C, and in the northern regions it can drop to -40°C and below. Astana, one of the coldest capitals in the world, has strong winds in winter.
— Summers (June through August) are hot, with temperatures ranging from +25°C to +40°C, especially in the southern and western regions.
— Spring and fall are transitional seasons, often accompanied by sharp temperature changes.
Precipitation in Kazakhstan is low — about 200-300 mm per year in the steppes, and even less in the desert areas. In the mountains of Tien Shan and Altai precipitation is much higher — up to 1,000 mm per year, which makes them green oases among the arid steppes.
The main features of Kazakhstan’s climate are contrasting temperatures, low precipitation and long frosty winters, which makes the country’s nature unique and diverse.
Landscapes
Kazakhstan is a country where a variety of natural zones are found, from majestic mountains to vast steppes and deserts. The country’s landscapes are amazingly diverse, creating unique landscapes.
Most of Kazakhstan’s territory is occupied by steppes, which occupy more than 40% of the country’s area. These expanses, covered with grasses, create an impression of boundlessness. The steppes of Kazakhstan are the homeland of ancient nomads and the main place of pastoralism. In the summer months they turn into green carpets, and in winter — into snowy expanses.
In the south and east of Kazakhstan there are majestic mountain systems: Tien Shan, Altai and Zhetysu. High peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows and deep gorges create a vivid contrast to the neighboring plains. The highest point of Kazakhstan is Mount Khan-Tengri (7010 m), located on the border with Kyrgyzstan.
In the southern and central parts of Kazakhstan there are extensive desert regions such as Kyzylkum, Betpak-Dala and Moyinkum. These areas are characterized by hot climates, low precipitation and large temperature fluctuations. Desert landscapes with sand dunes and rocky areas create a unique wilderness atmosphere.
Kazakhstan is rich in water resources, although most of the country’s rivers and lakes are inland bodies of water. The Caspian Sea, the largest inland sea in the world, and Lake Balkhash, one of the largest freshwater lakes, are important natural features. Rivers such as the Irtysh, Ural and Syr Darya play an important role in water supply and agriculture.
Forests cover about 5% of Kazakhstan’s territory and are mainly concentrated in the mountainous areas in the east and northeast of the country. Coniferous and deciduous trees such as larch, pine and birch grow here. Forests play an important role in preserving the country’s ecosystem.
Flora and fauna
Kazakhstan has a diverse flora, from steppe grasses to mountain forests and desert plants. In the steppes, there are mainly cereal plants such as sagebrush, tipchak and wheatgrass. Coniferous forests with larch, pine and cedar are found in the mountains, while solanaceae, wormwood and camel thorns dominate the deserts. Rare plant species such as wild rose and herbaceous plants adapted to arid conditions are also found in steppe and desert areas.
The animal world of Kazakhstan is also diverse, with many unique species. Saigas, horses, and birds such as falcons and cranes can be found in the steppes. The mountains are home to leopards, mountain goats and chamois, while sand foxes, marmots and rodents can be found in the desert regions. Kazakhstan is an important habitat for migratory birds such as cranes and ducks. The country’s water bodies are home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, gudgeon and trout.
Population
Kazakhstan is a multinational country with a diverse ethnic composition. As of 2023, the population of Kazakhstan is almost 20 million.
The ethnic composition is:
1. Kazakhs — 67% of the total population, the main ethnic group that traditionally forms the backbone of the population and has a long history in Central Asia.
2. Russians — about 20%. The Russian community has a significant presence, especially in the northern and central regions.
3. Uzbeks — about 3%. The Uzbek diaspora in Kazakhstan is represented mainly in the southern regions.
4. Ukrainians — about 2%. This group is mainly concentrated in the northern regions and large cities.
5. Tatars — about 1.5%.
6. Other ethnic groups are such peoples as Chinese, Kyrgyz, Kurds, Armenians, Azerbaijanis and the Tatar-Bashkir community, among others.
Language
Kazakh language is the main state language spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Turkic group of languages and has had the status of the state language since independence in 1991. Kazakh is actively used in administrative, educational and cultural spheres, and the number of people actively speaking it increases every year.
Russian — has the status of an official language in administrative and business spheres and is widely used in everyday life. Russian is the main language for communication in cities and in the territory where a significant number of Russian-speaking people live. Many Kazakhs also speak Russian fluently.
In addition to Kazakh and Russian, there are other minority languages spoken in Kazakhstan. These include Uzbek, Tatar, Ukrainian and Kyrgyz.
Religion
The main religion in Kazakhstan is Islam, with a predominance of Sunnis. A significant part of the population also professes Orthodox Christianity (mainly among Russians and other Slavic peoples).
Islam — about 70% of the population, of which the majority of the population is Sunni Islam (about 60-65%) and a smaller proportion is Shi’ism (about 5-10%).
Orthodox Christianity — about 26% of the population, mostly among Russian-speaking and Slavic ethnic groups.
Other religions (including Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, and Judaism) make up about 2-3%.
Atheists and people who do not belong to any religion — about 3-4%.
Political system
Kazakhstan is a presidential republic with elements of parallel parliamentarism. This means that the president is the head of state and at the same time the parliament plays an important role in the legislative process.
The President is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the main reference point for foreign and domestic policy. He is elected for a term of 7 years. From 2019 Kasym-Jomart Tokayev is the President of Kazakhstan.
The president has broad powers, including appointing the prime minister, appointing judges, and making decisions on foreign policy and defense.
Kazakhstan’s parliament consists of two chambers:
— Majilis (lower house) — consists of 107 deputies, of whom 98 are directly elected and 9 are appointed by the president.
— The Senate (upper chamber) consists of 49 senators, 34 of whom are elected in the regions and 15 of whom are appointed by the president.
Parliament passes laws, approves the budget, and oversees the executive branch.
The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President. The Prime Minister heads the government and is responsible for the implementation of laws, the realization of state policy and the management of various spheres of economic and social life.
Kazakhstan’s judicial system consists of a constitutional court, higher courts and local courts. The Constitutional Court deals with the constitutionality of laws and legal acts.
Kazakhstan is divided into 14 oblasts and 3 cities of republican significance (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent). Each oblast has its own local administration, which is subordinate to the central government.
Administrative divisions
Kazakhstan has 14 oblasts, 3 cities of republican significance and secondary division into districts, rural districts and auls.
Oblasts is the main administrative unit:
1. Akmola Oblast
2. Aktobe oblast
3. Almaty oblast
4. Atyrau oblast
5. East Kazakhstan oblast
6. Zhambyl region
7. West Kazakhstan region
8. Karaganda region
9. Kostanay region
10. Kyzylorda region
11. Mangistau region
12. Pavlodar region
13. North Kazakhstan region
14. Turkestan region
Cities of republican significance — cities that have a special status similar to oblasts:
1. Almaty — the largest city and financial center of Kazakhstan.
2. Astana — the capital of the country.
3. Shymkent is the third largest city of Kazakhstan.
Districts — regional and urban districts (more than 150 in total). Cities of republican importance also have districts, for example, Almaty has 8 districts.
Rural districts and auls — at the lower level of administrative division, rural districts and auls are the main units where the rural population lives.
Economy
Kazakhstan’s economy is one of the largest in Central Asia and is characterized by abundant natural resources, developed industry and agriculture. The country is actively developing innovative technologies and infrastructure in an effort to diversify its economy.
Kazakhstan has huge reserves of oil, gas, coal and minerals. The oil sector plays a key role in the economy, with major fields in Western Kazakhstan, including Tengiz and Kashagan. The country is also one of the largest producers of coal and uranium in the world, and also mines copper, gold and zinc.
Metallurgy and mining products form an important part of the economy. Kazakhstan is actively developing metal refining and energy, including coal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as solar and wind power. Transportation infrastructure plays an important role, providing trade routes between China and Europe.
Agriculture is a significant part of Kazakhstan’s economy. The country is one of the largest producers of grain, especially wheat, and is actively developing livestock farming. The southern regions produce fruits and vegetables, and cattle and sheep are raised on pastures.
Kazakhstan is actively developing its foreign trade as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and cooperating with China and the European Union. The most important export commodities are oil, metals and agricultural products. The country also plays the role of a transportation hub between China and Europe
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth-largest country overall, covering an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers. It is located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Kazakhstan shares borders with five countries. Here is their length:
— Russia — 7,644 km (the longest land border in the world between two states)
— Uzbekistan — 2,330 km
— China — 1,783 km
— Kyrgyzstan — 1,212 km
— Turkmenistan — 413 km
The total length of Kazakhstan’s border is 13,382 km, making it one of the longest in the world.
On March 1, 2024, Kazakhstan switched to a single time zone UTC+5. Until then, the country used two time zones: UTC+5 and UTC+6, with most of the territory being in UTC+6. The decision to switch to a single time zone was made to improve coordination and simplify business processes across the country.
Kazakhstan is located in the center of Eurasia, which determines its continental climate. There are sharp seasonal temperature fluctuations, little precipitation and dry air.
— Winter (December through February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -30°C, and in the northern regions it can drop to -40°C and below. Astana, one of the coldest capitals in the world, has strong winds in winter.
— Summers (June through August) are hot, with temperatures ranging from +25°C to +40°C, especially in the southern and western regions.
— Spring and fall are transitional seasons, often accompanied by sharp temperature changes.
Precipitation in Kazakhstan is low — about 200-300 mm per year in the steppes, and even less in the desert areas. In the mountains of Tien Shan and Altai precipitation is much higher — up to 1,000 mm per year, which makes them green oases among the arid steppes.
The main features of Kazakhstan’s climate are contrasting temperatures, low precipitation and long frosty winters, which makes the country’s nature unique and diverse.
Kazakhstan is a country where a variety of natural zones are found, from majestic mountains to vast steppes and deserts. The country’s landscapes are amazingly diverse, creating unique landscapes.
Most of Kazakhstan’s territory is occupied by steppes, which occupy more than 40% of the country’s area. These expanses, covered with grasses, create an impression of boundlessness. The steppes of Kazakhstan are the homeland of ancient nomads and the main place of pastoralism. In the summer months they turn into green carpets, and in winter — into snowy expanses.
In the south and east of Kazakhstan there are majestic mountain systems: Tien Shan, Altai and Zhetysu. High peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows and deep gorges create a vivid contrast to the neighboring plains. The highest point of Kazakhstan is Mount Khan-Tengri (7010 m), located on the border with Kyrgyzstan.
In the southern and central parts of Kazakhstan there are extensive desert regions such as Kyzylkum, Betpak-Dala and Moyinkum. These areas are characterized by hot climates, low precipitation and large temperature fluctuations. Desert landscapes with sand dunes and rocky areas create a unique wilderness atmosphere.
Kazakhstan is rich in water resources, although most of the country’s rivers and lakes are inland bodies of water. The Caspian Sea, the largest inland sea in the world, and Lake Balkhash, one of the largest freshwater lakes, are important natural features. Rivers such as the Irtysh, Ural and Syr Darya play an important role in water supply and agriculture.
Forests cover about 5% of Kazakhstan’s territory and are mainly concentrated in the mountainous areas in the east and northeast of the country. Coniferous and deciduous trees such as larch, pine and birch grow here. Forests play an important role in preserving the country’s ecosystem.
Kazakhstan has a diverse flora, from steppe grasses to mountain forests and desert plants. In the steppes, there are mainly cereal plants such as sagebrush, tipchak and wheatgrass. Coniferous forests with larch, pine and cedar are found in the mountains, while solanaceae, wormwood and camel thorns dominate the deserts. Rare plant species such as wild rose and herbaceous plants adapted to arid conditions are also found in steppe and desert areas.
The animal world of Kazakhstan is also diverse, with many unique species. Saigas, horses, and birds such as falcons and cranes can be found in the steppes. The mountains are home to leopards, mountain goats and chamois, while sand foxes, marmots and rodents can be found in the desert regions. Kazakhstan is an important habitat for migratory birds such as cranes and ducks. The country’s water bodies are home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, gudgeon and trout.
Kazakhstan is a multinational country with a diverse ethnic composition. As of 2023, the population of Kazakhstan is almost 20 million.
The ethnic composition is:
1. Kazakhs — 67% of the total population, the main ethnic group that traditionally forms the backbone of the population and has a long history in Central Asia.
2. Russians — about 20%. The Russian community has a significant presence, especially in the northern and central regions.
3. Uzbeks — about 3%. The Uzbek diaspora in Kazakhstan is represented mainly in the southern regions.
4. Ukrainians — about 2%. This group is mainly concentrated in the northern regions and large cities.
5. Tatars — about 1.5%.
6. Other ethnic groups are such peoples as Chinese, Kyrgyz, Kurds, Armenians, Azerbaijanis and the Tatar-Bashkir community, among others.
Kazakh language is the main state language spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Turkic group of languages and has had the status of the state language since independence in 1991. Kazakh is actively used in administrative, educational and cultural spheres, and the number of people actively speaking it increases every year.
Russian — has the status of an official language in administrative and business spheres and is widely used in everyday life. Russian is the main language for communication in cities and in the territory where a significant number of Russian-speaking people live. Many Kazakhs also speak Russian fluently.
In addition to Kazakh and Russian, there are other minority languages spoken in Kazakhstan. These include Uzbek, Tatar, Ukrainian and Kyrgyz.
The main religion in Kazakhstan is Islam, with a predominance of Sunnis. A significant part of the population also professes Orthodox Christianity (mainly among Russians and other Slavic peoples).
Islam — about 70% of the population, of which the majority of the population is Sunni Islam (about 60-65%) and a smaller proportion is Shi’ism (about 5-10%).
Orthodox Christianity — about 26% of the population, mostly among Russian-speaking and Slavic ethnic groups.
Other religions (including Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, and Judaism) make up about 2-3%.
Atheists and people who do not belong to any religion — about 3-4%.
Kazakhstan is a presidential republic with elements of parallel parliamentarism. This means that the president is the head of state and at the same time the parliament plays an important role in the legislative process.
The President is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the main reference point for foreign and domestic policy. He is elected for a term of 7 years. From 2019 Kasym-Jomart Tokayev is the President of Kazakhstan.
The president has broad powers, including appointing the prime minister, appointing judges, and making decisions on foreign policy and defense.
Kazakhstan’s parliament consists of two chambers:
— Majilis (lower house) — consists of 107 deputies, of whom 98 are directly elected and 9 are appointed by the president.
— The Senate (upper chamber) consists of 49 senators, 34 of whom are elected in the regions and 15 of whom are appointed by the president.
Parliament passes laws, approves the budget, and oversees the executive branch.
The executive branch is headed by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President. The Prime Minister heads the government and is responsible for the implementation of laws, the realization of state policy and the management of various spheres of economic and social life.
Kazakhstan’s judicial system consists of a constitutional court, higher courts and local courts. The Constitutional Court deals with the constitutionality of laws and legal acts.
Kazakhstan is divided into 14 oblasts and 3 cities of republican significance (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent). Each oblast has its own local administration, which is subordinate to the central government.
Kazakhstan has 14 oblasts, 3 cities of republican significance and secondary division into districts, rural districts and auls.
Oblasts is the main administrative unit:
1. Akmola Oblast
2. Aktobe oblast
3. Almaty oblast
4. Atyrau oblast
5. East Kazakhstan oblast
6. Zhambyl region
7. West Kazakhstan region
8. Karaganda region
9. Kostanay region
10. Kyzylorda region
11. Mangistau region
12. Pavlodar region
13. North Kazakhstan region
14. Turkestan region
Cities of republican significance — cities that have a special status similar to oblasts:
1. Almaty — the largest city and financial center of Kazakhstan.
2. Astana — the capital of the country.
3. Shymkent is the third largest city of Kazakhstan.
Districts — regional and urban districts (more than 150 in total). Cities of republican importance also have districts, for example, Almaty has 8 districts.
Rural districts and auls — at the lower level of administrative division, rural districts and auls are the main units where the rural population lives.
Kazakhstan’s economy is one of the largest in Central Asia and is characterized by abundant natural resources, developed industry and agriculture. The country is actively developing innovative technologies and infrastructure in an effort to diversify its economy.
Kazakhstan has huge reserves of oil, gas, coal and minerals. The oil sector plays a key role in the economy, with major fields in Western Kazakhstan, including Tengiz and Kashagan. The country is also one of the largest producers of coal and uranium in the world, and also mines copper, gold and zinc.
Metallurgy and mining products form an important part of the economy. Kazakhstan is actively developing metal refining and energy, including coal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as solar and wind power. Transportation infrastructure plays an important role, providing trade routes between China and Europe.
Agriculture is a significant part of Kazakhstan’s economy. The country is one of the largest producers of grain, especially wheat, and is actively developing livestock farming. The southern regions produce fruits and vegetables, and cattle and sheep are raised on pastures.
Kazakhstan is actively developing its foreign trade as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and cooperating with China and the European Union. The most important export commodities are oil, metals and agricultural products. The country also plays the role of a transportation hub between China and Europe
Travel information
Shopping
Shopping in Kazakhstan offers variety for all types of shoppers, from traditional bazaars to modern shopping centers, with convenient opening hours.
In major cities, such as Almaty and Astana, you can find stores with a variety of sports equipment, outdoor clothing and footwear. There are modern shopping malls such as Mega Alma-Ata, Dostyk Plaza in Almaty and Khan Shatyr in Astana. These malls offer international brands as well as local vendors. The malls are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00.
Pharmacies in Kazakhstan offer a wide range of medicines, vitamins, cosmetics and health products. Most pharmacies are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, but there are 24-hour pharmacies in big cities.
Traditional markets and bazaars are an integral part of Kazakhstan’s shopping culture. Here you can buy fresh produce, spices, souvenirs and handicrafts. Bazaars are usually open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, but in some cases are open longer.
Money
The local currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). It is abbreviated as ₸. The exchange rate varies, and it’s best to check current rates before traveling. Foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, and RUB are widely accepted in larger cities, but smaller businesses typically prefer Tenge. Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices, and even in some hotels and shopping malls. ATMs are available throughout the country for withdrawing cash in Tenge. In smaller villages, it is preferable to have cash in local currency.
Public transport
Public transport in big cities is well-developed and includes buses, trolleybuses, and metro systems. Buses and trolleybuses operate throughout the cities, covering most areas, and tickets can be purchased with cash or using transport cards. Metro is available in Almaty, with a growing network that helps connect key areas of the city. Taxis are widely available, both through hailing or using apps like Yandex.Taxi and Uber.
Photography
Article 20 of the Constitution of Kazakhstan guarantees citizens freedom of speech and creativity. This norm implies that it is free to take photos for oneself. If you want to take pictures of people, it is advisable to ask before taking the picture. Avoid photographing military objects, airports, police and service personnel.
How to get here
You can reach Bishkek directly by the following airlines:
Please note that timetable due to COVID-19 is subject to change and contact airlines for valid schedule.
Conditions of residence
Visa: The list of nationals who can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free is subject to change, so it is important to check the current regulations before traveling. Most EU countries, the USA, Canada and many others, grant the privilege of visa-free entry for a certain period of time. As a rule, travelers from these countries can stay in Kyrgyzstan visa-free for a period of up to 60 days.
Albania: up to 60 days
Andorra: up to 60 days
Argentina: up to 60 days
Australia: up to 60 days
Austria: up to 60 days
Bahrain: up to 60 days
Belgium: up to 60 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina: up to 60 days
Brazil: up to 60 days
Brunei Darussalam: up to 60 days
Bulgaria: up to 60 days
Canada: up to 60 days
Chile: up to 60 days
Croatia: up to 60 days
Cyprus: up to 60 days
Czech Republic: up to 60 days
Denmark: up to 60 days
Estonia: up to 60 days
Finland: up to 60 days
France: up to 60 days
Germany: up to 60 days
Greece: up to 60 days
Hungary: up to 60 days
Iceland: up to 60 days
Ireland: up to 60 days
Israel: up to 60 days
Italy: up to 60 days
Japan: up to 60 days
Kuwait: up to 60 days
Latvia: up to 60 days
Liechtenstein: up to 60 days
Lithuania: up to 60 days
Luxembourg: up to 60 days
Macedonia: up to 60 days
Malta: up to 60 days
Mexico: up to 60 days
Monaco: up to 60 days
Montenegro: up to 60 days
Netherlands: up to 60 days
New Zealand: up to 60 days
Norway: up to 60 days
OmanPoland: up to 60 days
Portugal: up to 60 days
Qatar: up to 60 days
Romania: up to 60 days
San Marino: up to 60 days
Saudi Arabia: up to 60 days
Singapore: up to 60 days
Slovakia: up to 60 days
Slovenia: up to 60 days
South Korea: up to 60 days
Spain: up to 60 days
Sweden: up to 60 days
Switzerland: up to 60 days
Thailand: up to 60 days
USA: up to 60 days
United Arab Emirates: up to 60 days
United Kingdom: up to 60 days
Uzbekistan: up to 60 days
Vatican: up to 60 days
Vietnam: up to 60 days
Electronic visa for Kyrgyzstan (e-visa):
Kyrgyzstan offers tourists and business travelers the opportunity to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). An e-visa is usually issued for short-term travel and allows entry into the country for a certain period of time. Citizens of some countries can apply for an e-visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the website www.evisa.e-gov.kg. When completing the application, copies of documents such as passport, photos and information about your intended place of stay may be requested. The e-visa usually takes a few working days to process. Once your e-visa has been received, you will receive a confirmation email which you must present upon entry. Restrictions may apply to e-visas depending on the purpose of travel and nationality, so you should read the requirements carefully before applying.
Visas and visa support
Citizens of some countries require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. In this case, you will need a letter of invitation (also known as visa support) from a Kyrgyz travel company, unless you hold a passport issued by the following countries: Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Venezuela, South Africa.
Overseas diplomatic missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Albania-Tirana-Embassy
Algeria-Algiers-Embassy
Armenia-Yerevan-Embassy
Australia-Sydney-Consulate-General
Austria-Vienna-Embassy
Azerbaijan-Baku-Embassy
Bahrain-Manama-Consulate-General
Belarus-Minsk-Embassy
Belarus-Brest-Consulate-General
Belgium-Brussels-Embassy
Brazil-Brasília-Embassy
Bulgaria-Sofia-Embassy
Canada-Ottawa-Embassy
Canada-Toronto-Consulate
China-Beijing-Embassy
China-Shanghai-Consulate-General
China-Hong Kong-Consulate-General
Croatia-Zagreb-Embassy
Cuba-Havana-Embassy
Cyprus-Nicosia-Embassy
Czechia-Prague-Embassy
Egypt-Cairo-Embassy
Estonia-Tallinn-Embassy
Ethiopia-Addis Ababa-Embassy
Finland-Helsinki-Embassy
France-Paris-Embassy
France-Strasbourg-Consulate-General
Germany-Berlin-Embassy
Germany-Bonn-Embassy branch office
Germany-Frankfurt-Consulate-General
Germany-Munich-Consulate-General
Greece-Athens-Embassy
Hungary-Budapest-Embassy
India-New Delhi-Embassy
Indonesia-Jakarta-Embassy
Iran-Tehran-Embassy
Iran-Bandar Abbas-Consulate-General
Israel-Tel Aviv-Embassy
Italy-Rome-Embassy
Japan-Tokyo-Embassy
Jordan-Amman-Embassy
Kuwait-Kuwait City-Embassy
Kyrgyzstan-Bishkek-Embassy
Kyrgyzstan-Osh-Consulate
Latvia-Riga-Embassy
Lebanon-Beirut-Embassy
Lithuania-Vilnius-Embassy
Mexico-Mexico City-Embassy
Moldova-Chișinău-Embassy
Mongolia-Ulaanbaatar-Embassy
Morocco-Rabat-Embassy
Netherlands-The Hague-Embassy
North Macedonia-Skopje-Embassy
Norway-Oslo-Embassy
Oman-Muscat-Embassy
Pakistan-Islamabad-Embassy
Poland-Warsaw-Embassy
Portugal-Lisbon-Embassy
Qatar-Doha-Embassy
Romania-Bucharest-Embassy
Russia-Moscow-Embassy
Russia-Saint Petersburg-Consulate-General
Russia-Astrakhan-Consulate-General
Russia-Yekaterinburg-Consulate-General
Russia-Kazan-Consulate-General
Russia-Omsk-Consulate-General
Saudi Arabia-Jeddah-Consulate-General
Serbia-Belgrade-Embassy
Singapore-Singapore-Embassy
Slovakia-Bratislava-Embassy
Slovenia-Ljubljana-Embassy
South Africa-Pretoria-Embassy
South Korea-Seoul-Embassy
South Korea-Busan-Consulate-General
Spain-Madrid-Embassy
Spain-Barcelona-Consulate
Sweden-Stockholm-Embassy
Switzerland-Bern-Embassy
Syria-Damascus-Consulate
Tajikistan-Dushanbe-Embassy
Tajikistan-Khujand-Consulate
Thailand-Bangkok-Embassy
Turkey-Ankara-Embassy
Turkey-Antalya-Consulate-General
Turkey-Istanbul-Consulate-General
Turkmenistan-Ashgabat-Embassy
Turkmenistan-Türkmenbaşy-Consulate
UAE-Abu Dhabi-Embassy
UAE-Dubai-Consulate-General
Ukraine-Kyiv-Embassy
United Kingdom-London-Embassy
USA-Washington,D.C.-Embassy
USA-San Francisco-Consulate-General
USA-New York City-Consulate-General
Uzbekistan-Tashkent-Embassy
Uzbekistan-Samarkand-Consulate-General
Vietnam-Hanoi-Embassy
Customs and airport taxes
There is no airport tax on internal flights and most international flights. Standard airline rules apply about baggage allowances/excess baggage — check your weight allowances before departure from your home airport.
Shopping in Kazakhstan offers variety for all types of shoppers, from traditional bazaars to modern shopping centers, with convenient opening hours.
In major cities, such as Almaty and Astana, you can find stores with a variety of sports equipment, outdoor clothing and footwear. There are modern shopping malls such as Mega Alma-Ata, Dostyk Plaza in Almaty and Khan Shatyr in Astana. These malls offer international brands as well as local vendors. The malls are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00.
Pharmacies in Kazakhstan offer a wide range of medicines, vitamins, cosmetics and health products. Most pharmacies are open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, but there are 24-hour pharmacies in big cities.
Traditional markets and bazaars are an integral part of Kazakhstan’s shopping culture. Here you can buy fresh produce, spices, souvenirs and handicrafts. Bazaars are usually open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, but in some cases are open longer.
The local currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). It is abbreviated as ₸. The exchange rate varies, and it’s best to check current rates before traveling. Foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, and RUB are widely accepted in larger cities, but smaller businesses typically prefer Tenge. Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices, and even in some hotels and shopping malls. ATMs are available throughout the country for withdrawing cash in Tenge. In smaller villages, it is preferable to have cash in local currency.
Public transport in big cities is well-developed and includes buses, trolleybuses, and metro systems. Buses and trolleybuses operate throughout the cities, covering most areas, and tickets can be purchased with cash or using transport cards. Metro is available in Almaty, with a growing network that helps connect key areas of the city. Taxis are widely available, both through hailing or using apps like Yandex.Taxi and Uber.
Article 20 of the Constitution of Kazakhstan guarantees citizens freedom of speech and creativity. This norm implies that it is free to take photos for oneself. If you want to take pictures of people, it is advisable to ask before taking the picture. Avoid photographing military objects, airports, police and service personnel.
You can reach Bishkek directly by the following airlines:
Please note that timetable due to COVID-19 is subject to change and contact airlines for valid schedule.
Visa: The list of nationals who can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free is subject to change, so it is important to check the current regulations before traveling. Most EU countries, the USA, Canada and many others, grant the privilege of visa-free entry for a certain period of time. As a rule, travelers from these countries can stay in Kyrgyzstan visa-free for a period of up to 60 days.
Albania: up to 60 days
Andorra: up to 60 days
Argentina: up to 60 days
Australia: up to 60 days
Austria: up to 60 days
Bahrain: up to 60 days
Belgium: up to 60 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina: up to 60 days
Brazil: up to 60 days
Brunei Darussalam: up to 60 days
Bulgaria: up to 60 days
Canada: up to 60 days
Chile: up to 60 days
Croatia: up to 60 days
Cyprus: up to 60 days
Czech Republic: up to 60 days
Denmark: up to 60 days
Estonia: up to 60 days
Finland: up to 60 days
France: up to 60 days
Germany: up to 60 days
Greece: up to 60 days
Hungary: up to 60 days
Iceland: up to 60 days
Ireland: up to 60 days
Israel: up to 60 days
Italy: up to 60 days
Japan: up to 60 days
Kuwait: up to 60 days
Latvia: up to 60 days
Liechtenstein: up to 60 days
Lithuania: up to 60 days
Luxembourg: up to 60 days
Macedonia: up to 60 days
Malta: up to 60 days
Mexico: up to 60 days
Monaco: up to 60 days
Montenegro: up to 60 days
Netherlands: up to 60 days
New Zealand: up to 60 days
Norway: up to 60 days
OmanPoland: up to 60 days
Portugal: up to 60 days
Qatar: up to 60 days
Romania: up to 60 days
San Marino: up to 60 days
Saudi Arabia: up to 60 days
Singapore: up to 60 days
Slovakia: up to 60 days
Slovenia: up to 60 days
South Korea: up to 60 days
Spain: up to 60 days
Sweden: up to 60 days
Switzerland: up to 60 days
Thailand: up to 60 days
USA: up to 60 days
United Arab Emirates: up to 60 days
United Kingdom: up to 60 days
Uzbekistan: up to 60 days
Vatican: up to 60 days
Vietnam: up to 60 days
Electronic visa for Kyrgyzstan (e-visa):
Kyrgyzstan offers tourists and business travelers the opportunity to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). An e-visa is usually issued for short-term travel and allows entry into the country for a certain period of time. Citizens of some countries can apply for an e-visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the website www.evisa.e-gov.kg. When completing the application, copies of documents such as passport, photos and information about your intended place of stay may be requested. The e-visa usually takes a few working days to process. Once your e-visa has been received, you will receive a confirmation email which you must present upon entry. Restrictions may apply to e-visas depending on the purpose of travel and nationality, so you should read the requirements carefully before applying.
Visas and visa support
Citizens of some countries require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. In this case, you will need a letter of invitation (also known as visa support) from a Kyrgyz travel company, unless you hold a passport issued by the following countries: Indonesia, Iran, Philippines, Venezuela, South Africa.
Albania-Tirana-Embassy
Algeria-Algiers-Embassy
Armenia-Yerevan-Embassy
Australia-Sydney-Consulate-General
Austria-Vienna-Embassy
Azerbaijan-Baku-Embassy
Bahrain-Manama-Consulate-General
Belarus-Minsk-Embassy
Belarus-Brest-Consulate-General
Belgium-Brussels-Embassy
Brazil-Brasília-Embassy
Bulgaria-Sofia-Embassy
Canada-Ottawa-Embassy
Canada-Toronto-Consulate
China-Beijing-Embassy
China-Shanghai-Consulate-General
China-Hong Kong-Consulate-General
Croatia-Zagreb-Embassy
Cuba-Havana-Embassy
Cyprus-Nicosia-Embassy
Czechia-Prague-Embassy
Egypt-Cairo-Embassy
Estonia-Tallinn-Embassy
Ethiopia-Addis Ababa-Embassy
Finland-Helsinki-Embassy
France-Paris-Embassy
France-Strasbourg-Consulate-General
Germany-Berlin-Embassy
Germany-Bonn-Embassy branch office
Germany-Frankfurt-Consulate-General
Germany-Munich-Consulate-General
Greece-Athens-Embassy
Hungary-Budapest-Embassy
India-New Delhi-Embassy
Indonesia-Jakarta-Embassy
Iran-Tehran-Embassy
Iran-Bandar Abbas-Consulate-General
Israel-Tel Aviv-Embassy
Italy-Rome-Embassy
Japan-Tokyo-Embassy
Jordan-Amman-Embassy
Kuwait-Kuwait City-Embassy
Kyrgyzstan-Bishkek-Embassy
Kyrgyzstan-Osh-Consulate
Latvia-Riga-Embassy
Lebanon-Beirut-Embassy
Lithuania-Vilnius-Embassy
Mexico-Mexico City-Embassy
Moldova-Chișinău-Embassy
Mongolia-Ulaanbaatar-Embassy
Morocco-Rabat-Embassy
Netherlands-The Hague-Embassy
North Macedonia-Skopje-Embassy
Norway-Oslo-Embassy
Oman-Muscat-Embassy
Pakistan-Islamabad-Embassy
Poland-Warsaw-Embassy
Portugal-Lisbon-Embassy
Qatar-Doha-Embassy
Romania-Bucharest-Embassy
Russia-Moscow-Embassy
Russia-Saint Petersburg-Consulate-General
Russia-Astrakhan-Consulate-General
Russia-Yekaterinburg-Consulate-General
Russia-Kazan-Consulate-General
Russia-Omsk-Consulate-General
Saudi Arabia-Jeddah-Consulate-General
Serbia-Belgrade-Embassy
Singapore-Singapore-Embassy
Slovakia-Bratislava-Embassy
Slovenia-Ljubljana-Embassy
South Africa-Pretoria-Embassy
South Korea-Seoul-Embassy
South Korea-Busan-Consulate-General
Spain-Madrid-Embassy
Spain-Barcelona-Consulate
Sweden-Stockholm-Embassy
Switzerland-Bern-Embassy
Syria-Damascus-Consulate
Tajikistan-Dushanbe-Embassy
Tajikistan-Khujand-Consulate
Thailand-Bangkok-Embassy
Turkey-Ankara-Embassy
Turkey-Antalya-Consulate-General
Turkey-Istanbul-Consulate-General
Turkmenistan-Ashgabat-Embassy
Turkmenistan-Türkmenbaşy-Consulate
UAE-Abu Dhabi-Embassy
UAE-Dubai-Consulate-General
Ukraine-Kyiv-Embassy
United Kingdom-London-Embassy
USA-Washington,D.C.-Embassy
USA-San Francisco-Consulate-General
USA-New York City-Consulate-General
Uzbekistan-Tashkent-Embassy
Uzbekistan-Samarkand-Consulate-General
Vietnam-Hanoi-Embassy
There is no airport tax on internal flights and most international flights. Standard airline rules apply about baggage allowances/excess baggage — check your weight allowances before departure from your home airport.
Cultural events
Nauryz Meyrami (Nowruz)
Celebrations marking the Persian New Year with traditional music, dance, and culinary delights.
Almaty Marathon
Annual marathon promoting health and community engagement.
Almaty Jazz Festival
A gathering of jazz enthusiasts featuring performances by local and international artists.
OYU Festival
A celebration of summer with music, food, and dance, inspired by the OYU Live online music project.
Almaty International Film Festival
A platform showcasing films from around the world, fostering cultural exchange through cinema.
Useful links
Ministries of Foreign Affairs
e-visa
Phrase-book
English - Kazakh - Kazakh (EN)
| GETTING ACQUAINTED | ТАНЫСУ | Tanisu |
| What is your name? | Сіздің атыңыз кім? | Sizdin Atynyz kim? |
| My name is… | Менің атым… | Menin atym… |
| Where are you from? | Ciз қай жақтансын? | Siz kai jaktansiz? |
| I am(we are) from… | Мен (біз)… | Men (biz)… |
| I am very glad. | Мен өте қуаныштымын. | Men ote kuanishtamyn. |
| Sit down please | Өтінемін, отырыңыз | Otinemin, otyrynyz |
| Thank you. | Рақмет | Rahmet |
| Excuse me, please. | Кешіріңіз | Keshiriniz |
| I am sorry. | Кешіріңіз | Keshiriniz |
| FAREWELLS | ҚОШТАСТЫРУ | QOŞTASTIRW |
| Good bye. | Сау болыңыз. | Saw bolıñız |
| See you | Кездескенше | Kezdeskenşe |
| Good luck | Іске сәт | Iske sät |
| IN THE CITY | ҚАЛАДА | QALADA |
| How do I get to the…? | Мен ... қалай жетемін? | Men ... qalay jetemin? |
| ...Square | ...Шаршы | ...Şarşı |
| ...Center | ...Орталық | ...Ortalıq |
| ...Theatre | ...Театр | ...Teatr |
| ...Museum | ....Мұражай | ...Murajay |
| ...bus station | ...автобус станциясы | ...avtobws stancïyası |
| ...hotel | ...қонақ үй | ...qonaq üy |
| I have lost my way. | Мен жолдан адасып қалдым | Men joldan adasıp qaldım. |
| Where is the taxi stand? | Такси тұрағы қайда? | Taksï turağı qayda? |
| AT THE HOTEL | Қонақүйде | Qonaqüyde |
| Where is the nearest hotel? | Ең жақын қонақүй қай жерде?/ | Eñ jaqın qonaqüy qay jerde? |
| I need a hotel not far from the center. | Маған орталықтан алыс емес жерде қонақүй керек. | Mağan ortalıqtan alıs emes jerde qonaqüy kerek. |
| My last name is… | Менің фамилиям… | Meniñ famïlïyam… |
| Here is my passport. | Міне менің төлқұжатым. | Mine meniñ tölqujatım. |
| I need a room for… | Маған бөлме керек | Mağan bölme kerek... |
| ...one person | ...бір адам | ...bir adam |
| ...two people | ...екі адам | ...eki adam |
| What’s the price per night? | Бір түннің бағасы қанша? | Bir tünniñ bağası qanşa? |
| What is my room number? | Менің бөлмемнің нөмірі қандай? | Meniñ bölmemniñ nömiri qanday? |
| Is there a…in the hotel? | Қонақ үйде... бар ма? | Qonaq üyde... bar ma? |
| ...restaurant... | ...мейрамхана... | ...meyramxana... |
| ...post office... | ...пошта... | ....poşta... |
| ...telephone... | ...телефон... | ...telefon... |
| ...newspaper stand... | ...газеттік стенд.. | ...gazettik stend... |
| ...safe... | ...қауіпсіз сеiф... | ...qawipsiz… |
| IN THE RESTAURANT | МЕЙРАМХАНАДА | MEYRAMXANADA |
| Where is there a…? | Қай жерде...? | Qay jerde...? |
| restaurant | мейрамхана | meyramxana |
| cafe | кафе | kafe |
| snack bar | тағамдар бар | tağamdar bar |
| Menu, please. | Мәзір, өтінемін. | Mäzir, ötinemin. |
| What national dishes do you have? | Қандай ұлттық тағамдарыңыз бар? | Qanday ulttıq tağamdarıñız |
| What do you have to drink? | Сізге не ішу керек? | Sizge ne işw kerek? |
| Bon appetite. | Ас дәмді болсын. | As dämdi bolsın. |
| Give me the bill please. | Маған есепшотты беріңізші. | Mağan esepşottı beriñizşi. |
| NUMBERS | САНДАР | SANDAR |
| One | Бір | Bir |
| Two | Екі | Eki |
| Three | Үш | Üş |
| Four | Төрт | Tört |
| Five | Бес | Bes |
| Six | Алты | Altı |
| Seven | Жеті | Jeti |
| Eight | Сегіз | Segiz |
| Nine | Тоғыз | Toğız |
| Ten | Он | On |
| Eleven | Он бір | On bir |
| Twelve | Он екі | On eki |
| Twenty | Жиырма | Jïırma |
| Thirty | Отыз | Otiz |
| Forty | Қырық | Qirik |
| Fifty | Елу | Elu |
| Sixty | Алпыс | Alpyz |
| Seventy | Жетпіс | Jetpis |
| Eighty | Сексен | Seksen |
| Ninety | Tоқсан | Toqsan |
| One Hundred | Жүз | Jüz |
| Two hundred | Екі жүз | Eki jüz |
| One thousand | Бір мың | Bir mıñ |
