Kazakhstan
Central Asia · Asia
- Capital
- Astana
- Currency
- Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT ₸)
- Language
- Kazakh and Russian
- Timezone
- UTC+5
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September offer mild weather for both cities and mountain excursions.
Overview
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, a vast canvas of endless steppe, turquoise mountain lakes, and futuristic architecture in the capital Astana. Almaty offers tree-lined boulevards beneath snowy peaks, while the canyons of Charyn and the alien landscapes of Mangystau lure adventurers. Nomadic heritage runs deep across this rising Central Asian power.
Visa requirements
Citizens of many countries enter visa-free for up to 30 days, while others can use a simple e-visa.
Safety information
Kazakhstan is generally safe with low violent crime, though petty theft occurs in cities and occasional protests should be avoided. Roads and weather in remote steppe areas demand preparation.
Travel tips
Cards are widely accepted in cities but carry tenge in rural areas. Buy a local SIM for cheap data. Trains are a comfortable way to cover the huge distances.