Your questions about Kazakhstan

How to get around in Kazakhstan?

In Kazakhstan, you can travel by plane to quickly connect major cities, by train on an extensive and comfortable network, by bus for economical regional trips, or by rental car to explore rural areas.

Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is generally considered a safe destination with low crime rates. However, stay vigilant against pickpockets in tourist areas and avoid certain radioactive risk zones such as Baikonur and regions south of Kurchatov.

Do I need a visa to travel to Kazakhstan?

No, French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian and EU nationals do not need a visa for a tourist stay of less than 30 days in Kazakhstan. Only a valid passport 6 months after departure is required.

Is Kazakhstan suitable for family travel?

Yes, Kazakhstan is an ideal destination for families. The country offers excellent safety, spectacular landscapes, a fascinating nomadic culture, and child-friendly infrastructure in major cities.

Can you drink tap water in Kazakhstan?

No, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Kazakhstan, particularly outside major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Opt for bottled water or boil tap water before consumption.

What should you pack for a trip to Kazakhstan?

For Kazakhstan, pack clothing suited to extreme seasons: light fabrics for summer, heavy warmth layers for winter. Include hiking boots, European adapter, first-aid kit, sunscreen and insect repellent for rural areas.

What is the climate like in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan has an extreme continental climate with four distinct seasons: freezing winters (-50°C) from November to April, brief and unpredictable spring from mid-April to late May, hot and dry summers (35-40°C) from late May to mid-September, and stable autumn from late September to early November.

What is the time difference between Kazakhstan and France?

Kazakhstan is 4 hours ahead of France in summer and 5 hours ahead in winter. When it's noon in Paris, it's 4 PM in Kazakhstan in summer and 5 PM in winter, as the country does not observe daylight saving time.

What type of government runs Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is a semi-presidential republic with authoritarian tendencies, where the president holds most executive power. The political system concentrates powers in the hands of the head of state.

What is the capital of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan's capital is Astana since 1997. This modern city with futuristic architecture replaced Almaty and briefly bore the name Nour-Soultan between 2019 and 2022.

What language is spoken in Kazakhstan?

Kazakh is the official language of Kazakhstan. Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in business and major cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, serving as a lingua franca among different ethnic communities.

What is the currency of Kazakhstan and its exchange rate?

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the tenge (KZT). Exchange rates fluctuate regularly, typically ranging from 500–600 KZT per 1 EUR. Bank cards are accepted in major cities, but cash remains essential for local markets and villages.

What is the area of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan spans 2,724,900 km², making it the 9th largest country in the world by area, after Russia, Canada, the United States, China, Brazil, Australia, India, and Argentina.

What activities can you do in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan offers hiking in the Tien Shan mountains, trekking in Altyn Emel National Park, winter sports in Almaty, horseback exploration of the steppes, visits to the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, safaris at Lake Balkhash, and stargazing at Baikonur.

What are the typical dishes of Kazakhstan?

Typical Kazakh dishes include Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), the national dish, Kazy (horse sausage), Shashlyk (grilled skewers), Manti (meat dumplings), Plov (pilaf rice), and Baursak (fried pastries).

What souvenirs should I bring back from Kazakhstan?

From Kazakhstan, bring back felt handicrafts (yurt miniatures, slippers), traditional leather goods, silver jewelry, the dombra (two-string guitar), Rakhat chocolate, dried kurt cheese, and Kazakh cognac.

What types of accommodation can you find in Kazakhstan?

In Kazakhstan, you'll find 5-star luxury hotels in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, budget 2-3 star accommodations, resorts near lakes and mountains, rental apartments, hostels, boutique hotels, and traditional yurts for an authentic nomadic experience.

Which vaccines are mandatory and recommended for a trip to Kazakhstan?

No vaccines are mandatory for Kazakhstan, except a yellow fever certificate if you're coming from an endemic area. Recommended: DT-Polio booster, hepatitis A and B, and tick-borne encephalitis for rural and forested areas.