Kazakhstan travel guide for New Zealanders

Apply for a single‑entry e‑visa on the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. The form asks for passport details, travel dates and a scanned passport photo. Pay the fee online and receive the visa PDF by email.

A valid passport must be at least six months beyond the intended stay. The e‑visa allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once in‑country.

If you hold a multiple‑entry Schengen visa, you still need the Kazakhstan e‑visa; there is no visa‑free arrangement for New Zealanders.

New Zealand does not have a resident embassy in Kazakhstan. The nearest diplomatic mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Moscow, Russia.

Contact details (check for updates):

Embassy of New Zealand, Moscow – 125009 Moscow, Russia. Phone: +7 495 123‑4567. Email: [email protected].

A 10‑day itinerary (Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Astana) typically costs:

- Flights from Auckland to Almaty (return) ≈ NZ$1,800 – 2,200 (check airline rates).

- Mid‑range accommodation: NZ$70 – 120 per night.

- Meals: NZ$15 – 30 per day.

- Internal flight Almaty‑Astana: NZ$120 – 180.

- Transport (airport transfers, car hire for day trips): NZ$200 total.

- Visa fee and travel insurance: NZ$80 total.

Direct flights from Auckland to Almaty are not available; most routes connect via Doha, Dubai or Istanbul. Total travel time is 20 – 26 hours including layovers.

Kazakhstan is UTC+5 year‑round. New Zealand is UTC+12 (standard) or UTC+13 (daylight). The time difference is 7 hours (NZ standard) or 8 hours (NZ daylight).

Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs, 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a voltage converter.

A 10–15 % service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, leave roughly 10 % in cash. For hotel staff and guides, small tips (NZ$5‑10 per day) are appreciated.

112 – general emergency (works nationwide).

101 – fire, 102 – police, 103 – ambulance.