Between January and September of this year, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Kazakhstan surpassed 3.4 million, which was an increase of 3.6 times over the same period in 2021, according to data by the Kazakh Bureau of National Statistics.
In March of this year, the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Sports announced plans to develop budget programs to fund infrastructure projects in tourist areas. The plans were announced by Chairman of the Kazakh Tourism National Company Talgat Amanbayev during most recent ministry’s meeting of February 22nd.
On April 30th of 2021, the government adopted a law on tourism, which consolidates the activities of the Kazakh Tourism company and provides new incentive measures of government support for tourism. Last year, the Ministry of Culture and Sport introduced the Kids Go Free program that provides free tickets for children aged 2 to 17 as part of a domestic tour package.
1. Visa requirements
Citizens of all the EU Member States can travel to Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without needing a visa. Additionally, members of the European Economic Area, Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein, as well as Switzerland, also enjoy the 30-day visa free entry.
For other European countries, the visa status varies between 30-day visa free, 90-day visa free or visa required. Detailed information regarding visa requirements for each country can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. Main attractions
2.1 Astana
Astana, known as Nur-Sultan between March 2019 and September 2022, is the youngest capital of the world, as it only became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. Previously, Almaty was the capital.
The Kazakh capital is a modern mega-city like no other. Heritage and modernity blend in perfect harmony here, the financial and technological center being contrasted by the beautiful traditional architecture.
2.2 Almaty
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and the country’s former capital. It is a major commercial and cultural center. It is surrounded by mountains scattered with hidden treasures.
2.3 Lake Karakol
Lake Karakol is situated on the southern outskirts of the city of Aktau, within the Karagye-Karakolskiy nature reserve. The lake is an ornithological paradise, with over 80 species of birds being recorded in the area. The dense vegetation and shallow waters along the shores make it ideal for nesting. Swans, pelicans, herons and owls can be spotted here, but the most famous of all are the flamingos.
A total of 5.5 million people from Kazakhstan traveled abroad, more than doubling last year’s figures, according to the Astana Times.
