Kazakhstan and Turkey have a close relationship in the field of tourism: both countries offer unique attractions and experiences that attract tourists from all over the world. Turkey is the main tourist destination for Kazakhstanis. About 500 thousand Kazakhs come to Turkey every year for rest. Also, more and more Kazakhs choose Turkey for medical tourism.
One of the main factors stimulating tourism between the two countries is the close cultural and historical ties they share. Turkey has long been a popular destination for tourists from Kazakhstan, who are attracted by its ancient ruins, stunning coastline and lively cities. Many Kazakh tourists are also interested in Turkey's Ottoman heritage, with the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul among the most popular attractions.
An undoubted advantage of Turkey is its flexible migration policy. Before traveling to Turkey, you will not have to collect documents for a long time to apply for a visa. The Republic of Turkey is also quite loyal to all foreigners, so today it is a good option for people who want to avoid political/legal persecution or mobilization due to the unstable geopolitical situation in the world.
To further strengthen relations between the two countries, the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkey have taken steps to promote tourism between their states. In 2019, Kazakhstan and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen tourism cooperation with a focus on developing cultural exchanges and increasing the number of tourists visiting each other's countries.
Turkey has abolished all anti-epidemic measures and restrictions on entry from any country in the world because of all border crossings.
As of 01.06.2022, there are no requirements for entry into the country to provide a certificate of vaccination, a negative result of PCR test or a negative result of rapid antigen test.
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Entry Procedure to Turkey for Kazakhs
Do Kazakhs need a visa to Turkey?
There is a mutual visa-free regime between Turkey and Kazakhstan. However, there are some rules and restrictions.
How many days one can stay in Turkey?
One can stay in Turkey without visa for up to 30 days. It should be noted that visa-free regime is valid only for those Kazakhs who visit Turkey for the purpose of tourism. To confirm the purpose of the trip, a tourist must provide a number of documents.
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What documents are necessary for visa-free traveling to Turkey from Kazakhstan?
- Your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel and have at least one free page for stamps.
- A document which confirms you place of residence in Turkey: hotel reservation, voucher from a travel agency.
- Return ticket.
- Medical insurance.
- Proof of funds for the trip (bank statement or other document). Minimal sum is 300$.
Most often, to cross the border with Turkey Kazakhs need only have a foreign passport. However, there are cases when border guards may ask to present one of the above-mentioned documents. If a tourist fails to provide them, he will be refused entry to Turkey.
Read more about How to get to Turkey from Kazakhstan?
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What documents do children need to travel from Kazakhstan to Turkey?
If a child has a valid foreign passport, he or she can travel on general terms. In the absence of a document - information about the minor and his photo should be contained in the passport of one of the parents.
For children who are traveling with one parent must have a notarized authorization to travel from the other parent. If the child is not traveling with mom or dad, but another relative, both parents must give permission.
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How can Kazakhs extend their stay in Turkey (for tourist trips over 30 days)?
To extend your stay beyond this period, citizens of Kazakhstan need to apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) in Turkey.
A residence permit for a period of 3 months may be obtained once in a calendar year by applying to the authorized body. This should be done before the expiry of the 30-day visa-free period.
Read more about obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit for Kazakhs in Turkey here
Also you can stay in Turkey for a period of more than 30 days under the condition of obtaining a visa that corresponds to the purpose of stay - it can be for work, study or medical treatment.
Citizens of Kazakhstan need to have health insurance - it is a mandatory document for a tourist trip to Turkey. In addition to the fact that the policy must be presented at the border crossing, having health insurance can protect the tourist from unnecessary expenses in an emergency situation.
What are the requirements for insurance for a tourist trip to Turkey?
- Insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country by a tourist.
- The validity of the policy begins at least one day before the traveler's arrival.
- The insurance must cover such basic services as emergency care for injuries and unforeseen illnesses, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Important: When choosing an insurance agent, be sure to consider whether the company is accredited for insurance in Turkey.
The fastest way to get from Kazakhstan to Turkey is by direct flight. The average travel time will be 4 hours and 40 minutes.
From which cities of Kazakhstan can I take a direct flight to Turkey?
Direct flights to Turkey depart from many airports in Kazakhstan: Almaty (Almaty), Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev (Astana), Sary-Arka (Karaganda), Shymkent (Shymkent), Aktau (Aktau), Aktobe (Aktobe), Atyrau (Atyrau) and Khazret Sultan (Turkestan).
Major airports in Turkey accept aircrafts from Kazakhstan: Istanbul Airport (Istanbul), Antalya, Ankara and Dalaman.
The most popular routes are Turkestan - Istanbul, Almaty - Antalya, Almaty - Ankara, Aktau - Izmir, Aktau - Adana.
What airlines fly from Kazakhstan to Turkey?
Direct flights from Kazakhstan to Turkey are operated by the following airlines: Aerolineas Argentinas (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday), Pegasus Airlines (every day), SCAT (every day).
How much airfare to Turkey from Kazakhstan?
The minimum round-trip ticket price (Kazakhstan-Turkey and back) is around $166 (flight Aktau-Istanbul-Aktau).
The best time to buy a ticket for Kazakhstan-Turkey is 35 days before departure. And the most expensive way to buy a ticket is 3 days before departure.
If you have the time and want to save money, then we recommend paying attention to indirect flights from Kazakhstan to Turkey. In most cases, indirect flights take longer, but allow you to save a lot of time.
Also in Turkey there is a great flight connection to many countries around the world. Therefore we advise you to consider this country as a transit point for flights to Europe, America and other destinations.
You can plan your route and find the best days to fly to Turkey on the website for air tickets.
Airlines development prospects between Turkey and Kazakhstan
In the second half of 2022 Turkey and Kazakhstan were actively working on expansion of air travel between the states. The impetus was the meeting of the leaders of air communication of the two countries with the participation of representatives of Kazakh airlines Air Astana and SCAT, as well as representatives of Turkish airlines Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Tailwind Airlines, Freebird Airlines. The result of the dialogue was an increase in the number of direct flights more than doubled, from 40 to 93 flights a week in each direction.
- On November 1, Turkish Pegasus Airlines launched flights between Almaty and Ankara.
- On December 5, 2022, a direct flight between Astana and Ankara was launched (the flight is operated by Turkish budget carrier AnadoluJet, which is a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines).
According to forecasts, the number of flights between the states will continue to grow in 2023.
The Kazakh diaspora is one of the largest in Turkey: as of 2021, there were more than 23,000 Kazakh citizens living in the country, with a 12% increase in the last year. Most Kazakhs live in Istanbul; Antalya, Ankara and Bursa are also popular with immigrants.
- Istanbul is a beautiful and large-scale city of Turkey, which is among the most expensive metropolitan areas of the jurisdiction, but also the most promising for investors from all over the world. The high level of education and medical care, which attracts students and retirees from Kazakhstan, ready to move to Turkey for their bright future and a peaceful old age.
- Ankara - there are several reasons why Kazakhs choose it to live in Turkey. One of the main reasons is the educational opportunities. Ankara is home to several prestigious universities, including the Middle East Technical University and Ankara University, which attract many international students, including Kazakhs. Ankara is also the political and administrative center of Turkey, which means that there are many job opportunities in the city, especially in the government and public sectors. Many Kazakhs working in these sectors prefer to live in Ankara because of the convenience and proximity to their workplace. Ankara is also a relatively affordable city compared to other major cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, which may be an important factor for Kazakhs who want to live in Turkey on a tight budget. Ankara is also well connected to other major cities in Turkey by road, rail and air, allowing Kazakhs to easily travel and experience different parts of Turkey.
- Antalya attracts Kazakhs with its pleasant climate and the natural beauty of the city. Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast and is known for its mild winters and hot summers. The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains and forests, which makes it an attractive destination for those who love outdoor activities. Another reason is the thriving tourism industry in the city. Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, which means there are many vacancies in the hotel and service industries. Many Kazakhs working in these fields prefer to live in Antalya to take advantage of the city's thriving tourism industry. Moreover, Antalya is a relatively safe and quiet city. There is a low crime rate and the locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. For many Kazakhs wishing to move to Turkey, safety and tranquility are important factors, and Antalya provides a sense of security and stability. Finally, Antalya is well connected to other parts of Turkey and the world. The city has a modern international airport that offers regular flights to major cities in Turkey, Europe and other countries. This allows Kazakhstanis to travel easily and keep in touch with their family and friends back home.
- One of the main reasons why Kazakh citizens choose Bursa to live in Turkey is the city's historical and cultural significance. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is known for its many historical and architectural landmarks, including the Great Mosque, the Green Tomb and Bursa Castle. Many Kazakhs are interested in Turkish history and culture and prefer to live in Bursa to be closer to these attractions and learn more about Ottoman history and traditions. Another reason is the city's economic opportunities. Bursa is one of Turkey's largest industrial centers, with a thriving manufacturing sector producing textiles, automotive parts and electronics. Many Kazakhs working in these industries prefer to live in Bursa because of the job opportunities and higher wages.
Many tourists from Kazakhstan choose Turkey for a vacation at sea. And for good reason - the resorts of the country just created for a beach holiday, and the abundance of attractions and the special atmosphere encourages to go on tours and hikes through the old streets. In Turkey, you can vacation with friends, as well as with small children. They come here for honeymoon or for recreational purposes.
Some of the most popular resorts in Turkey, which choose the Kazakhs are:
1. Alanya
It is beautiful, inexpensive (up to $ 500 for a week holiday) and interesting.
You can diversify the beach holiday with a number of activities:
- Exciting excursions.
- Water activities. Diving, surfing, yachting - the resort has many educational clubs.
- Visit the local market with a whole neighborhood of authentic cafes and restaurants. Here you can find souvenirs and gifts for loved ones.
- Traveling with kids? Visit one of the two amusement parks or the water park.
2. Antalya
Antalya is one of the top 3 most popular resorts in the country. It is located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast and is suitable for both youth and family vacation. The resort is suitable for both beach and active holidays. Tourists can go scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing, stroll through the old part of town.
By the way, Antalya is also considered one of the most inexpensive resorts in Turkey. The cost of tours - up to $ 600 for two people.
3. Kemer
Top resorts in Turkey for Kazakhs is difficult to imagine without the popular Mediterranean resort of Kemer. The tourism industry here began to develop relatively recently, so the resort can safely be called one of the most modern.
A large part of the resort is part of the National Reserve, and Kemer is surrounded by green forests and high cliffs. There are many museums, restaurants, nightclubs, water parks and amusement parks.
Most often, Kazakhstanis actively buy places in hotels in Turkey in May and early summer.
The most popular among the citizens of Kazakhstan are hotels:
- Rixos
- Gural
- Gloria
- Bellis Deluxe
- Kaya Belek
A vacation for two in Rixos Sungate 5* on "ultra all inclusive" system for 10 nights during the May holidays costs about 3.2 million tenge (including flight from Almaty). On the shore of the Antalya Bay the guests will have 720 meters long beach, spa center, water park and gym.
10 nights for two in Gural Premier Tekirova 5*, including flight, costs about 2 million tenge. This hotel has an "ultra all-inclusive" system. Each room has its own balcony and bathroom with a whirlpool tub. Guests can spend time in the water park, spa, hammam, sauna and Russian bath. There are also several swimming pools at their disposal. The hotel has 10 restaurants of different cuisines of the world, eight different bars, including a vitamin bar and a fitness bar.
An "ultra all inclusive" tour package for two people, including a flight and 10 nights in the Bellis Deluxe 5*, will cost about 1.5 million tenge. This five-star hotel is located in Belek, in an area surrounded by pine trees. It has a private beach on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, five outdoor pools, a water park and an indoor pool. There is also a fitness center, a Turkish bath and a sauna.
Turkey