If a visa is required to enter the territory of a foreign country, we recommend that you apply in advance (1-2 months in advance) to obtain it at a diplomatic mission or consular office of the relevant state in Kazakhstan personally or through a reputable travel agency. The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RK provides a list of countries to which citizens of the RK do not need a visa to enter, depending on the type of passport and the dates of the planned trip.

Keep in mind that the visa processing period in some embassies of foreign countries sometimes takes a long time, especially during the period of increasing tourist flow abroad. Each embassy determines the procedure for issuing a visa, including an interview with a consul, the cost of the visa and the list of documents required to obtain a visa.

Strict compliance with the requirements imposed by foreign embassies to the documents for obtaining a visa (the size of the photo, the correct and readable completion of the questionnaire, payment of consular fees, etc.) will contribute to a positive and timely consideration of your application for a visa.

You should not pay for your trip before you get your visa. Please note that foreign embassies are not responsible for any financial losses that you may incur in the event of a visa being refused or delayed.

You should also not expect that your ticket with fixed dates will help you to get a visa on an urgent basis. Although some embassies have such a requirement.

If you follow the transit through the territory of other states to the destination country, consult in advance about the need to issue transit visas, including their validity and multiplicity for successful crossing of borders.

When you receive a visa from a foreign country, check the correctness of the data indicated in it: your passport number, name and surname, date of birth, category, number and duration of your visa, total number of days during which you are allowed to stay in a foreign country. Remember that mistakes made in a visa, even if not due to your fault, can have undesirable consequences - both when entering and while in a foreign country.

Below are the peculiarities of visa rules of the most visited by Kazakh citizens of the countries.

Due to stricter safety requirements for air transport and a thorough inspection of personal belongings, please specify the list of items prohibited for carriage in advance. Keep in mind that it is not allowed to carry stabbing or cutting objects, toys or other items similar in shape to weapons in your hand luggage. In addition to the usual restrictions on hand luggage, Europe and America have introduced restrictions on the entry of liquids and gels taken with them and purchased prior to the inspection of air passengers.

Do not forget to fill in the customs declaration at the airport. Note, however, that it is up to each country to impose restrictions on the importation of cash. Therefore, it is desirable to have a part of the imported money on bank cards, traveler's checks, etc. Keep the coupons for checked-in baggage, which will be required if it is lost. Tickets, passports, money and other valuables should be kept to yourself.

When passing passport and border control in a foreign country, in addition to a valid passport with a visa, it is recommended to have other documents related to your trip (invitation of the host person/organization, hotel reservation and others).

When traveling abroad, refrain from taking other people's things through inspection points under the pretext of, for example, overweight luggage, and do not accept items (letters, parcels, luggage, etc.) from strangers that may be used as caches for the illegal movement of drugs, explosives, poisonous substances and pathogens of dangerous diseases.

During your stay in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws, which you must strictly observe. However, ignorance of the laws of the country of residence does not exempt you from liability.

While abroad, follow the generally accepted norms of ethics and morality, adjust your behavior in accordance with the environment, it is important to observe local customs and traditions, especially in the states of Asia and Africa.

Don't forget that knowing at least the basic words and phrases in a foreign language will make your stay in the country easier, as well as being welcomed by the local population.

In general, the following recommendations should be followed

Upon arrival at the hotel, pay special attention to the rules of accommodation and fire safety; it is advisable to always have your hotel card with you (in addition, you can always get booklets with maps in the hotels).

In case of unforeseen circumstances (detention by local law enforcement agencies, threats from other persons, traffic accidents, etc.), you have the right to demand a meeting with an employee of the Kazakh consular office in the receiving state. Do not sign any protocols or other documents in a foreign language in the absence of employees of the consular institution of the RK.

It is also recommended that you bring a copy of your passport, visa and invitation with you during your trip abroad, if that was the reason for issuing it. A copy of your passport or identity card of a citizen of the RK will help you, in case of possible theft or loss of these documents, get a "Certificate of Return to the RK" from the Consulate of the RK. If you do not have any documents or their copies with you (in case of theft or loss), you will have to go through the procedure of identification of your identity at the Consulate of the RK in order to issue this Certificate.

It is recommended that Kazakhstani citizens arriving in a foreign country for the purpose of study, work or permanent residence should register with the nearest Kazakhstani diplomatic mission or consular office. Consular registration will make it possible to solve many issues without leaving for Kazakhstan (participation in elections and referendums, issuance of passports, registration of civil status acts, etc.), as well as facilitate your evacuation in case of military actions, mass disorders, natural disasters in the host country.

If you rented a car, inspect the car for external defects/scratches already present, and carefully check all documents, including insurance, to ensure that in the event of an accident, you do not bear the costs of damages and are not subject to legal proceedings.

It is also important to take into account some peculiarities of foreign countries.

In particular, many countries around the world prohibit smoking in public places or allow smoking in designated smoking areas. For example, countries such as Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden have introduced a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. A similar ban applies in some Australian, British and US territorial districts.

Many countries have introduced a complete or partial ban on the use of mobile phones while driving (some countries allow the use of special devices such as "hands-free"). Among them are Australia, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, USA (some states) and others.

It is strongly recommended that hygiene precautions be taken during your stay in hot climates. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, consume water and other drinks from factory-clogged bottles, and refrain from using water and freshly squeezed juices, fresh vegetable and fruit salads, and ice cream in public places.

Many countries have adopted left-hand traffic. These include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Cyprus, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Singapore, New Zealand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Malta, Jamaica and others.

The U.S. strictly adheres to the principle of equality between women and men, and sometimes you may find that you may be involved in legal proceedings if you show your family name or if you flirt innocently (in your opinion) with a woman.

In Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, strict compliance with the rules and laws has been established. When traffic rules are violated, anonymous calls to the police by German citizens are not uncommon. Parking in prohibited places is threatened at best by a fine, at worst by a tow truck.

In China, a country with a rich history and culture, one should always remember to follow local customs and traditions.

The Chinese do not like to say "no", carefully selecting words for a more veiled and evasive answer, which can often be simply incomprehensible to another culture.

You can't pat on the back, waving your hands, tapping one hand in the palm of your hand with your fist on the other, because all this is considered unacceptable.

In India, instead of the usual handshake, Indians greet their guests with a traditional "namaste" (or "namaskar") greeting - two palms pressed one against another at chest level. This, however, does not preclude a subsequent handshake.

When choosing a gift for an Indian partner, it is important to avoid beefskin products, as the cow in India is a sacred animal.

Indians often shake their heads from side to side during communication, which should be seen as a gesture of approval and satisfaction rather than denial. Sitting with your foot on your feet is considered disrespectful to the person you are talking to.

In Thailand, Buddhism and its traditions must be respected. When entering a temple or Thai home, take off your shoes on the doorstep. The same should be done wherever the Thais do it.

Speaking of the King and members of the royal family should be respectful. These are deeply respected people and any disdain or gesture towards them is perceived as a personal insult.

Although Turkey is a secular country, the provisions of the Qur'an are strictly observed in that country. During the holy month of Ramadan, it is not recommended to eat any food or drink, smoke or chew gum in public places. Outside the tourist areas, shorts and t-shirts are undesirable.

When visiting the Muslim world, it is important to know that:

Meeting, acquaintance with representatives of Muslim countries traditionally begins with a handshake. Women greet men with a light bow.

Particular attention should be paid to the appearance. Women's clothes should be spacious and modest. For example, in Iran and Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to go outside in open clothes and with their heads uncovered.

Sharia law is strict and binding, especially during Muslim holidays. Guests of the country in the month of Ramadan should also refrain from smoking, eating and consuming any drinks in public places.

Alcohol is only sold in bars and restaurants in some hotels. Being drunk on the street or driving is punishable by a fine, arrest or deportation. It is strongly discouraged to offer local residents alcoholic beverages as gifts or souvenirs.
You can't go into a Muslim's house wearing shoes. If the owner walks in in his shoes, the ban is lifted.

No meals should be refused on arrival as this may be perceived as an insult or disrespect to the host's home. They are very cherished and proud of their ancient traditions of hospitality.

In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslim foreign nationals are prohibited from visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Nor should we walk among praying people. It is not allowed to photograph state institutions, sheikhs' palaces, military facilities and constructions.

Communicating with local women (outside work) is considered an insult and is punishable by a fine. You can't take pictures of a woman, go behind her, let her go forward. Men can only be photographed with their permission. 

We hope that these simple recommendations will provide you with a pleasant stay and comfortable rest abroad.

In addition, further information on the country of destination would be welcome: political situation, climatic conditions, laws and national traditions, peculiarities of behavior in public and other places.

Have a nice trip!