Kazakhstan

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precations in Kazakhstan.

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

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

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

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

Telephone Code

7

Local Emergency Phone

Fire 101; Police 102; Ambulance 103

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kazakhstan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

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, Christian (mainly Russian Orthodox), other, atheist

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: Thursday, May 09, 2024