Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Dual nationality is not recognized. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations. Those affected should inquire at the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding their status.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Kazakhstan - ALMATY, Embassy of Canada
Address: 34 Karasai Batir Street (Vinogradov Street), Almaty, 480100, Kazakhstan
Tel.: 7 (3272) 501-151
Fax: 7 (3272) 582-493
E-mail: almat@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/kazakhstan

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Almaty and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Kazakhstan. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

A letter of invitation from a Kazakh citizen or organization is no longer required to obtain a tourist, private or business visa for stays of less than 30 days. Visa applications can be obtained and processed at any Kazakh diplomatic or consular office around the world prior to your arrival in Kazakhstan.

Travellers transiting Kazakhstan who hold valid visas for other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries (including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) require a transit visa or a regular Kazakhstan visa. Travellers who plan to travel to both Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan, with Almaty as their arrival and departure point, require a multi-entry Kazakhstan visa and a Kyrgyz visa. Please note that entry and exit procedures can be lengthy.

Canadians travelling for business, work, or investment purposes are advised to take special care when obtaining a visa for Kazakhstan. Applicants should verify with the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Toronto that the visa corresponds with the type of business, work, or investment activity to be undertaken in the country. Canadian business people have, in some cases, been charged under the administrative law of Kazakhstan for visa infringements and faced a sentence of up to 15 days imprisonment and subsequent deportation.
 
Canadians are strongly encouraged to register with a Kazakh diplomatic or consular office abroad (when applying for a visa) or at the port of entry into Kazakhstan. Otherwise, they must undergo the time-consuming process of in-country registration with the local Migration Police Department and must do so within three working days of their arrival in Kazakhstan.

All foreigners planning to travel or reside in Kazakhstan for more than three months must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) conducted no more than one month prior to registration. The certificate must be presented to OVIR within three days of arrival and must be translated and certified by a local notary and the Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS. The HIV test may be done abroad or locally at the Centre.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The official currency is the tenge. Traveller's cheques and credit cards are rarely accepted outside large hotels catering to foreigners. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. It is illegal to use foreign currency in financial transactions. U.S. dollars can be exchanged at authorized currency exchanges. All U.S. dollar bills must have been issued after 1990 and be in good condition. ATM services are available only in Almaty's and Astana's airports and urban centres.

You can also check VISA or MasterCard for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Kazakhstan (capital: Astana; business centre: Almaty) is located in central Asia, bordering Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Tourist facilities are extremely limited, especially outside Almaty. The official language is Kazakh. Russian is the working language.

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Recent reports indicate that radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defence industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks. Industrial pollution is severe in some cities.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets. Tuberculosis is endemic.

Medical facilities throughout Kazakhstan are scarce and below Western standards. Medical clinics often lack basic drugs and equipment and have poor hygiene standards. Travellers should carry basic medical supplies such as a well-stocked first aid kit and prescription medicine.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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