WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Kazakhstan

Location

Climate

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and the Caspian Sea, offers a wide variety of landscapes and climates, from snow-capped mountains to desert areas.

Low and high tourist season periods

As with many destinations, tourist numbers in Kazakhstan vary according to the season. Here's an overview of the country's low and high seasons:

• Low season : November to March
• High season : May to September

During the low seasonTemperatures are low, with frequent snowfalls and a generally wintry climate. However, this period can also offer great opportunities for winter sports in Kazakhstan's mountains. Visit high seasonThe summer season is marked by milder temperatures and a generally pleasant climate. This is also the period when most of the country's cultural and festive events take place.

The climate in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures vary greatly according to region and season:

• Winter : from December to February, temperatures can drop to -20°C in some regions, especially in the north and in the mountains.
• Spring : From March to May, the climate becomes progressively milder, with average temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.
• Summer : From June to August, temperatures soar, reaching 35°C in some southern regions.
• Autumn : From September to November, the climate is generally pleasant, with average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

Public holidays and major cultural events

Kazakhstan has many public holidays and cultural events throughout the year. Some of these are common to other countries, while others are specific to Kazakh culture:

• New Year: January 1st
• International Women's Day: March 8th
• Labour Day: May 1st
• Victory Day: May 9, celebrating the end of the Second World War
• Nauryz: between March 20 and 22, Kazakh culture's festival of spring and renewal
• Fête du peuple : August 30, a day dedicated to national unity
• Independence Day: December 16, commemorating Kazakhstan's independence from the USSR in 1991

Other major cultural events take place throughout the year, including music, film and art festivals and sporting competitions. Here are just a few examples of major cultural events:

• Astana International Music Festival: in June, a classical music festival featuring artists from all over the world
• Almaty Jazz Festival: in September, a jazz festival featuring local and international artists
• Go_VIRAL Festival: in October in Almaty, an event dedicated to new technologies, digital art and creative culture
• Biennale d'art contemporain : every two years in Almaty, an exhibition featuring the work of national and international artists

General statistics on immigration to Kazakhstan

Thanks to its strategic position between Europe and Asia, and its constantly growing economy, Kazakhstan is an attractive country for immigrants. According to official data, around 3.6 million foreigners entered Kazakhstan in 2019This represents an increase of almost 10% over the previous year. These arrivals included :

• Tourists come to discover the wonders of the country,
• Migrant workers looking for opportunities in this dynamic country,
• International students attracted by the excellence of Kazakh universities,
• Businessmen and investors interested in the country's economic prospects.

Most popular visas in Kazakhstan: focus on the main categories

Depending on the specific objectives and needs of foreigners wishing to visit Kazakhstan, several categories of visas are available. Here are the most popular visas for Kazakhstan:

Tourist visa

THE tourist visa is one of the most popular visas for foreigners wishing to discover Kazakhstan and its must-see tourist sites, such as the city of Almaty or Charyn National Park. In 2019, around 1.5 million tourist visas were issued, recording an increase of 17% on the previous year.

Work visa

THE work visa mainly concerns migrant workers who come to Kazakhstan to work in various sectors, including energy, construction, industry and services. This type of visa has seen a significant increase in recent years, with almost 900,000 work visas issued in 2019.

Student visa

More and more international students are choosing Kazakhstan for their higher education, attracted by the quality of its academic programs and the professional opportunities it offers. As a result, almost 40,000 student visas issued in 2019a year-on-year increase of 8%.

Business Visa

Finally, the business visa is aimed at foreign investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen who wish to develop their activities in Kazakhstan. In 2019, around 300,000 business visas were issued, up 3% on 2018.

International tourism figures for Kazakhstan

In recent years, Kazakhstan has established itself as a popular tourist destination thanks to its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and historical heritage. International tourism statistics illustrate this growing trend:

• In 2019, over 9 million international tourists have arrived in Kazakhstana 10% increase on the previous year,
• Revenue generated by international tourism reached nearly $1.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 12% year-on-year,
• Kazakhstan is ranked among the most promising emerging destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the World Economic Forum's 2019 rankings.

Among the main markets for international tourists to Kazakhstan are :

• Russia, with over 3.5 million Russian tourists in 2019,
• The other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), such as theUzbekistan, THE Kyrgyzstan and the Tajikistan,
• European countries such as Germany, France and the UK,
• Asian countries, in particular China, India, China South Korea and the Japan.

The growing role of international conventions in Kazakh tourism

In addition to its traditional tourist attractions, Kazakhstan also stands out for its ability to attract major events and international conventions. Indeed, the country has hosted a number of major events in recent years, including :

• The 2017 World Exposition (EXPO), whose theme was "Energy of the Future",
• The annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in 2014,
• The 2015 World Congress of Traditional and World Religions.