A Global Affair | Exploring Kazakhstan - Tourist Visa To Travel Logistics: All You Need To Know

Kazakhstan is the new trending place for Indian travellers for those seeking a blend of American, European, and Russian architecture coupled with rich cultural experiences.

Dreaming of travelling through European roads but finding it beyond your budget? Here we've got you covered. Kazakhstan is the new trending destination for Indian travellers offering a perfect alternative to those seeking a blend of American, European, and Russian architecture coupled with rich cultural experiences.

Despite being relatively less explored, Kazakhstan presents offbeat travellers with a range of hidden gems including natural wonders, diverse cuisine, historical cities, and archaeological marvels. It is the largest landlocked country in the world stretching from the Caspian Sea in the West to the Altai Mountains in the East. The country shares borders with Russia and China and is the 9th biggest in the world, thereby offering a lot to travellers.

Entry Requirements & Visa Procedures:

Before you plan for a trip to Kazakhstan, here we are to guide you with all the required details, including visa requirements. Your explorer spirit must be happy to know that the 'Land of Nomads' (Kazakh meaning in Turkish) offers Visa-Free travel for Indian Citizens for up to 14 days, with a maximum duration of the visitor’s visa-free stays being 42 days within every 180 days. However, if you want to stay in Kazakhstan for more than 14 days at a time, you must apply for a Kazakhstan visa. However, the visa process can differ according to your purpose of visit.

Kazakhstan offers multiple visa categories as mentioned below, each with its own set of requirements and procedures.

• Tourist Visa


• Business Visa


• Work Visa


• Transit Visa


• Student Visa


• Permanent Resident Visa

The tourist visa permits single or multiple entries for up to 90 days, while business visas cater to professionals engaging in business activities. Work visas enable employment, and transit visas facilitate short stays during transit.

Tourist Visa Process:

If you are a Indian passport holder, you can enter the region for a stay of 14 days without any visa. The Kazakhstan government permits 3 trips within 180 days with a maximum stay of 14 days per trip. In addition, during your visa-free stay in Kazakhstan, you cannot work in the nation.

Required Documents:

• Passport.


• Copy of passport (only the page with holder's information).


• Visa application form, filled and signed.


• One photograph (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm).


• One of the following documents:




• Letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan;


• Return Ticket




• Cover letter from the applicant with a request to issue a single-entry visa (only for citizens of countries who are exempted from providing a letter of invitation).

Points to be noted:

• Documents should be submitted only in person.


• Visa processing time - 5 working days.


• The validity of the passport should not be less than 3 months from the date of expiry of the visa.


• The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.

To obtain a visa for an underaged child:

Parents must submit an application form and a cover letter, signed by both parents, as well as a birth certificate of the child and documents confirming the identity of the parents (passport, etc.).

If one of the parents submits a visa application, then a notarized consent letter from the second parent must be submitted.

If a child is under the full custody of one parent, a supporting document must be provided.

Travel Logistics:

The best time to travel if you want to experience autumn is from April to June, and September to November for the snow-capped views.

Flights from Delhi to Kazakhstan usually take around 3.5 hours, with costs 16,000 to 18,000 INR for a round trip with luggage. Upon arrival, you must exchange your currency in Kazakhstani Tenge (as of now 1 Kazakhstani Tenge equals 0.19 INR ) or USD, which is easily available at the airport and in big cities.

For transportation, buses and trains will be your best and cheapest options, as Kazakhstan is a big country, although it also has cab and taxi services which can cost you comparatively more. You can use the Yandex GO mobile app which works similar to Ola and Uber in India, offering affordable options for moving around.

For accommodation, you can opt for hostels or find multiple luxury hotels, if you are looking for one. Do not forget to carry your ready-to-cook food items if you are a vegetarian as there will be fewer options.

Unlocking Kazakhstan's Treasures:

When visiting Kazakhstan, exploring its diverse array of natural wonders and cultural landmarks is an absolute must.

One such destination is the Big Almaty Lake, renowned for its stunning beauty, especially during the autumn season. Embarking on the scenic 20-kilometre hike around the lake offers wonderful landscapes, although you can also choose to go by cab and taxi.

Additionally, don't miss out on the breathtaking Kaindy Lake hike, which takes approximately 45 minutes with the option of cab or horse rides for added convenience. Pair this with a hike to Kolsai lakes and Charyn Canyon for Kazakhstan's natural marvels.

Do not forget to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Kazakhstan by exploring locations like Shymbulak ski resort, and Koktobe for a mesmerizing sunset.

Apart from these, you can also pay a visit to Altyn Emel National Park, Lake Issyk, Medeu, Bayterek Tower, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Alma Arasan Hot Spring, and the Assumption Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

For art and culture enthusiasts, a visit to the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana promises an enriching experience, encapsulating the country's vibrant heritage.

Weather:

It's crucial to be prepared for Kazakhstan's continental climate, which ranges from scorching summers to freezing winters. The temperature can go up to 40°C in summers to freezing -20°C in winters. 

Language:

Language can be a bit tricky here as the official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. English is not commonly used, particularly beyond major cities. So, knowing some basic Kazakh or Russian phrases can be very useful.

You can greet people with 'Salem' in Kazakh or 'zdravstvuyte' in Russian; express gratitude with 'rahmet' in Kazakh or 'spasibo' in Russian; and say farewell with 'Saw bolıñız' in Kazakh or 'do svidaniya' in Russian. 

Travelling to Kazakhstan can be your lifetime experience with the place brimming with amazing natural wonders and ancient historical cities. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an exciting new adventure.