Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions 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
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
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: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
