Travel Vaccines and Advice for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and was the last of the Soviet Republics to do so. Its largest city, Almaty, is a central trading hub and has several landmarks including the Ascension Cathedral.
Do I Need Vaccines for Kazakhstan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kazakhstan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kazakhstan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Kazakhstan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Kazakhstan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Kazakhstan
“I needed a last minute appointment for a trip to Kazakhstan and my doctor recommended Passport Health. The gentleman on the phone was very pleasant and extremely helpful in booking me an appointment. The doctor at the clinic was professional, thorough and most importantly to me, punctual. She did her job and was not pushy in trying to sell me other services/medications. If you’re travelling, I would highly recommend visiting them!”
“Our travel health consultant was knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. We would certainly recommend her to our friends and family.”
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Kazakhstan?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure. Canadians are able to enter Kazakhstan without a visa for 30 days. Stays longer than this will require a single or multiple-entry visa.
Those planning on remaining in the country for more than 3 months must present a negative test for HIV which is no more than 1 month old.
Kazakhstan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Kazakhstan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Kazakhstan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan known for very cold winters with a with snow accumulation. But, there are plenty of blizzards, dust storms, and strong winds. Winter lasts from November until the end of April.
The country is very arid and contains many desserts. Spring in the northern and central region tends to bring flooding. The summers are dry and hot with temperatures in the high-20’s. The end of September until the beginning of November brings the cool Autumn.
How Safe Is Kazakhstan?
All foreigners must carry a valid passport while in Kazakhstan. You may be placed under surveillance. Phone calls and hotels may be monitored as well as searched.
Crimes such as pickpockets, purse snatching and robbery are the most common. Other more serious crimes such as ATM skimming are becoming more common.
To protect yourself from being a victim you take the following precautions:
- Never enter an unmarked or unregistered cab. All cabs should show pre-arranged identification or produce it upon request.
- Always remain aware of your surroundings especially at night or in busy places.
- Avoid violence by complying with street criminals demands. Once you reach safety, report it to the nearest police and Canadian Embassy.
Visiting the Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is in Charyn National Park whose mission is to preserve the geography and nature of the landscape. The area is also home to many endangered species which the park is fighting to protect. The canyon itself has a depth of 200 meters and was formed over 12 million years ago. The canyon is known for its “Valley of Castles,” which is an area of rock deposits in the form of a tower. The canyon itself is also home to over 1500 plant and animal species.
What Should I Pack for Kazakhstan?
Packing for any destination can be stressful. Check out this helpful list for everything you may need for Kazakhstan.
- Warm layers are necessary for cold nights as temperatures can become very cold at night.
- Waterproof boots and jacket are handy for unpredictable rainfall.
- Good hiking boots are better for long hikes than regular sneakers.
- Hand sanitizer can help prevent you from getting sick.
- Insect repellant is a must to protect against mosquitos in the summer.
- Bring all personal medications or other necessities such as contact lenses. You may not be able to buy them in Kazakhstan.
Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Kazakhstan, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan
Kabanbay, Batyr Street 13/1,
Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Phone: 7 (7172) 475 577
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines to Enter Kazakhstan?
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Kazakhstan?
What Is the Climate Like in Kazakhstan?
How Safe Is Kazakhstan?
Visiting the Charyn Canyon
What Should I Pack for Kazakhstan?
Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan
