Kazakhstan travel guide for Britons

UK passport holders must obtain an electronic visa (e‑visa) before travel, or can receive a visa‑on‑arrival at Almaty and Nursultan airports for tourism up to 30 days. The e‑visa costs about $30 (≈£24) and is valid for a single entry. Longer stays, work, study or multiple entries require a regular visa from a Kazakh consulate.

The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.

The United Kingdom Embassy is in Astana (Nur‑Sultan). It provides consular assistance, passport services and emergency help.

A typical 10‑day itinerary (Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Astana) costs roughly £1,200‑£1,600 per person, including flights, mid‑range accommodation, meals and internal transport.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Almaty take about 7 hours 30 minutes. From Almaty to Astana the flight is 1 hour 30 minutes. Kazakhstan is UTC+5 year‑round, three hours ahead of the UK during British Summer Time and four hours ahead in winter.

Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs, 220 V, 50 Hz. UK travellers will need a plug adapter; voltage conversion is not required for most modern devices.

A 10 % tip is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not already included. Small tips (≈£1‑£2) for hotel staff, drivers and guides are appreciated.

Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance). Separate numbers: 101 fire, 102 police, 103 ambulance.