Kazakhstan’s tourism has been growing rapidly for the past couple of years because of its government’s campaign to drive in tourism. Thanks to the fact it has the ninth largest country based on landmass, it has many beautiful tourist destinations fit for any tourist. To make things easier for tourists to visit, Kazakhstan’s visa free program now covers 12 new countries.

Which Countries Are Included

According to the announcement on Monday, September 30, the new additions adds to the list released in July. Last July, Kazakhstan released the first 61 countries that can avail the new visa free program. Citizens from 45 of these countries will be able to stay in the country for 30 days. These countries include the members of the European Union and the OECD, the UAE, the US, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

According to the representative of the Foreign Ministry, Aybek Smadiyarov, these twelve countries include the following:

• Bahrain
• Vatican
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Colombia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• Liechtenstein
• Thailand
• Philippines

“The resolution provides for the right to visa-free entry/exit for citizens of these countries if the period of their stay in Kazakhstan does not exceed 30 calendar days from the moment of crossing the state border of Kazakhstan,” he added.

In addition to this list, Smadiyarov said that the program aims to increase foreign investment in the country. Since the country is now open for more people, Kazakhstan will be more welcoming to foreign investment and businesses. This will drive in more competition in the economy and bring in revenue.

Kazakhstan has been investing heavily on tourism since 2014. Currently, the government aims to increase tourism’s GDP contribution to 3% by 2020. So far, the industry contributes up to $3.08 billion to the country’s GDP.

Although tourism in Kazakhstan is underdeveloped, the variety of locations available is nothing to scoff at. Factors such as poor infrastructure, poor customer service and logistical issues also affect tourism’s growth in the country. The locals are also not traveling a lot outside the country, which does affect its growth.

Some also said that the government’s inclination to violate human rights also caused many to stray away from the country.

Kazakhstan Travel Tips

Want to learn more about Kazakhstan before your next visit? You can check out the official tourism website of Kazakhstan or the website of the Committee of Tourism Industry for ideas.

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Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country in terms of landmass. Thanks to this fact, it has beautiful natural reserves which tourists will definitely enjoy. Previously, it is difficult to visit the country because of its visa requirements. But, tourists will now be able to go to the country easier thanks to the new government campaign.

On Monday, July 22, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan announced that the government has established a new visa-free regime. This new regime involves 61 countries. According to the press service of the ministry’s Migration Service Committee, this is the government’s way to attract foreign investment and business to the country.

Kazakhstan’s New Visa-Free Regime

In the announcement, the ministry said that the visa-free regime for 45 of the 61 countries will be good for 30 days. This will also guarantee that citizens do not have to register with the migration service during their stay.

Under the “On Migration of the Population” law, foreigners need to issue registration with the migration service within 5 days after entering the country. To register, the foreigners can register at key entry points in the country.

Prior to the announcement, tourism is not a major player in the country’s economy. In one article written by The Guardian in 2014, many key destinations are underdeveloped. There are also comments about the prices being high, unreliable infrastructure and lack of transportation options. Kazakhs themselves tour outside the country because of these same reasons.

The report also said: “Bilateral visa-free agreements have been concluded with 19 countries. Among them, up to 90 days without the need to register with the migration service bodies – with 8 countries (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia and Ukraine), up to 30 days – with 10 countries (Azerbaijan, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea , Cuba, UAE, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Ecuador).”

How to Get to Kazakhstan

Asian and Middle Eastern tourists can take direct flights to Kazakhstan through major and low-cost airline carriers. Meanwhile, American and European tourists will have to take connecting flights to get to the country. Only Russia, Latvia and Germany have direct flights to Kazakhstan.

Travelers from Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan can drive to their shared borders to get to the country.

Want to learn more about Kazakhstan before your next visit? You can check out the official tourism website of Kazakhstan or the website of the Committee of Tourism Industry for ideas.

The post Kazakhstan Offers Visa Free Travel to More Countries appeared first on Check in Price.