Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, with a landmass four times the size of France. Although little visited by outsiders, it is a country with a rich historical and cultural past, and a wonderfully diverse ethnic make-up. Bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan has become home to many nations and is known for its friendly and hospitable people.

Kazakhstan was formerly a Soviet Republic, but gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is a country of immense and diverse natural beauty ranging from the arid, treeless steppes of the centre to the snow capped peaks and glaciers of the Tian Shan mountain range, to the Almaty area, with its canyons, turquoise lakes and alpine meadows.

Rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas and minerals, Kazakhstan is a country of huge economic potential. Although there is still widespread poverty in the country, and unemployment and inflation are rife, oil development has brought rapid economic growth and the country is already a significant oil exporter.

Astana, declared a world city by UNESCO in 1999, is the capital of Kazakhstan and is one of the main commerce centres with all government organisations and foreign businesses located there. Leafy Almaty, situated in the fertile fruit-producing region in the southeast is the former capital of Kazakhstan and is the largest city in the country. Famed for its beautiful architecture, grand ballet and opera houses, public sculptures and market stalls, Almaty is the cultural centre of Kazakhstan and well worth a visit.

Other sights and activities in Kazakhstan include skiing, visiting the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the prominent spaceport launch site, bird watching in Korgalzhyn and visiting one of the country's striking nature reserves where bears, ibex and raptors can be observed.

Climate

The lack of moderating bodies of water make Kazakhstan's climate extremely continental and very dry. Seasonal temperatures are polarised and vary depending on the region. The best time to visit Kazakhstan is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild. In spring the desert comes into flower and autumn is harvest time, where market tables are overwhelmed with freshly picked fruit. Average winter temperatures during the day are 3 to -1°F (-16 to -18°C) in the far north and about 21°F (-6°C) in the south; summer temperatures average 70°F (21°C) in the north and 81°F (27°C) in the south. Snow starts to fall around November and the mountain passes fill with snow until April, sometimes even May. Climbers are advised to visit in summer when the mountain temperatures are at their best.

Money

The official currency is the Tenge (KZT), which is divided into 100 tiyin. ATMs are generally accessible in Kazakhstan and major European and international credit cards, such as Diners Club and Visa are accepted in central hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques are cashed at large hotels catering for foreigners and should be in US dollars.

Passport Visa

Most foreign passengers require a visa to enter Kazakhstan. Holders of a letter of invitation (issued by either an organisation or a national of Kazakhstan) can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival, for a stay of up to one month, provided that (i) the visa is pre-arranged by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and (ii) they are arriving at Aktau, Almaty, Astana, Atyrau or Uralsk airports. The visa fee is approximately USD 80. Additionally, foreign visitors holding tourist visas (i) must be in possession of hotel vouchers covering their period of stay in Kazakhstan, and (ii) if staying longer than 5 days in Kazakhstan, must register themselves at the OVIR (Upravlenie Passportno Visovoi Raboty Registration Office). Failure to do so will result in penalties upon departure. OVIR offices can be found in large cities in Kazakhstan. Note that if visitors are holding a tourist visa, return/onward tickets are not required. However, if they are holding a transit visa, it is also required that they hold onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Kazakhstan, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan. A visa is required (see note, below).

Health

All travellers arriving from a yellow fever area are required to have a certificate of inoculation. It is recommended that travellers to Kazakhstan immunise themselves against hepatitis A. Bird flu was discovered in poultry farms in Kazakhstan, but there have been no reports of human infection. Medical care in Kazakhstan is extremely limited and shortages of essential medical supplies are common. Doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Blood screening is inadequate and HIV/AIDS is a risk due to contaminated blood or inadequate sterilization of instruments and syringes.

Embassy Consulates

• Kazakhstan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 232 5488.
• Kazakhstan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)207 590 3490.
• Kazakhstan Embassy, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 593 4043.
• Kazakhstan Embassy, Singapore (also responsible for Australia): +65 653 661 00.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Astana: +7 727 323 1378.
• British Embassy, Astana: +7 (717) 2556 200.
• Canadian Embassy, Almaty: +7 (717) 2790 364.
• Australian Embassy, Almaty: +7 (701) 766 5710.
• South African Embassy, Almaty: + 7 (717) 292 5327.
• Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kazakhstan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
• New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kazakhstan): +7 (495) 956 3579.