Kazakhstan has a few travel restrictions in place which could affect a visit to the country. These are in place to ensure the safety and security of residents in the nation as well as foreign visitors.
Naturally, it is essential to understand who may and who may not enter the country on arrival before embarking on a trip to the country. To explain what issues travelers may encounter, this article looks at what entry and travel restrictions are in place in Kazakhstan.
Read on to learn about Kazakhstan visa requirements and barriers to travel for international travelers as well as the screening processes being introduced to combat coronavirus in the country.
Who is Restricted From Entering Kazakhstan?
At present, only Kosovan passport holders are prohibited from entry into Kazakhstan. All other nationalities may instead enter with an appropriate national visa or a passport from a country with a visa-free agreement with Kazakhstan.
Travelers from 117 world nationalities may only enter the country with an approved visa or eVisa. Without the correct travel authorization, arriving passengers run the risk of being denied permission to pass through the national border checkpoints.
Visitors to Kazakhstan must also meet the national entry requirements which include:
- Holding a passport with over 3 months remaining validity from the expiry date of a visa
- Having 2 available blank passport pages
What Travelers Cannot Bring into Kazakhstan
Travelers from abroad must remain mindful of the customs restrictions of Kazakhstan. Bringing illegal or contraband items into the country can lead to refusal of entry and prosecution.
On entering Kazakhstan visitors must not be in possession of the following items:
- Over $3000 in undeclared cash
- Firearms
- Ammunitions
- Illegal drugs
- Photographs and printed material directed against Kazakhstan
- Precious metals
- Live animals without a recent veterinarian health certificate
Coronavirus and Travel to Kazakhstan
The first case of the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus outbreak was reported in China’s Hubei province on 31st December 2019, and pneumonia caused by the virus has since resulted in a number of casualties in the country.
Since the appearance of 2019-nCoV in China, it has been confirmed that human-to-human transmission is possible. A number of isolated coronavirus cases have also been confirmed around the world in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, France, and the United States.
Symptoms of pneumonia caused by coronavirus include:
- Dry cough
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Labored breathing
On January 23rd, the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted an emergency panel In Geneva to discuss the outbreak but decided it was too early to designate the virus as a “public health emergency” of international concern.
Nevertheless, a number of countries, including Kazakhstan, have begun to implement measures to prevent the virus from crossing borders, including visa restrictions and virus screening facilities at border entry checkpoints.
At present, the following nationalities may not travel to the country while the COVID-19 outbreak remains an active threat:
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- China
- Germany
- South Korea
- Japan
Additionally, those arriving from affected areas face denial of entry into the country and possible quarantine restrictions. The situation is still developing at present, so ensure to keep fully up to date the latest news from the country before traveling.
Advice for Chinese Travelers to Kazakhstan
Although travel to Kazakhstan will be restricted while the coronavirus outbreak is outgoing, foreign citizenswho comply with and fit the requirements of the temporary application procedures will still be able to obtain a visa for Kazakhstan.
Nevertheless, travelers from unaffected regions with plans to visit Kazakhstan during the eVisa suspension period are advised to anticipate additional security checks at Kazakh airports upon arrival.
Those planning to visit Kazakhstan, are also advised to monitor the situation as it develops and to consider the following advice to reduce the risk of contracting the virus:
- Avoid contact with either alive or dead animals, and markets where animals are sold
- Avoid eating undercooked animal products
- Keep a distance from anyone displaying symptoms of 2019-nCoV, such as labored breathing
- Frequently wash hands and consider wearing a face mask
- Seek medical attention if developing suspected symptoms of the virus. Call emergency services to avoid spreading the virus by visiting a doctor or hospital
- Follow any instructions issued by local authorities and the travel advisory of their home government