AGP Executive Report

Cambodia Tourism Ties: Kazakhstan and Cambodia signed a tourism cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit to Astana. Leaders also discussed direct air links, which could make travel between the countries easier. Inbound Travel Rules: Kazakhstan plans to require electronic entry permits for visa-free visitors from July 2027. Air Links: Air Astana is due to begin weekly nonstop flights between Almaty and Salalah on October 23, adding a new route to Oman. Kuwait and Kazakhstan are also discussing the resumption of direct flights. Aviation Growth: Kazakh airlines carried 12.4 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026. The country’s route network now spans 137 destinations in 31 countries, with 24 international routes launched this year. Sports Tourism: More than 300 swimmers from 39 countries competed in Astana’s first World Aquatics Swimming World Cup stop, held October 15–17.

Sporting Events: Astana is hosting the final leg of the Swimming World Cup through Oct. 17, with more than 300 swimmers from 39 countries competing in Kazakhstan’s first event in the series. Air Travel: Kazakh airlines carried 12.4 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026 as the country’s international network grew to 137 destinations. Air Astana will launch weekly nonstop flights from Almaty to Salalah on Oct. 23. Visitor Entry Rules: Kazakhstan will gradually introduce electronic entry permits for visa-free travelers from Nov. 1; from July 1, 2027, visitors without authorization will be refused entry. Wrestling Tourism: Astana is preparing to host a World Wrestling Championship featuring athletes from 135 countries, with organizers expecting more than 10,000 visitors.

Aviation: Kazakhstan’s airlines carried 12.4 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026. The international network now covers 137 destinations in 31 countries, with 24 new routes launched. Entry Rules: Visa-free visitors will need an electronic entry permit from July 1, 2027. A gradual rollout at airports and land borders begins November 1, 2026, giving travellers time to prepare. Sports Tourism: Astana expects more than 10,000 visitors for the World Wrestling Championships, which will bring athletes from 135 countries to compete across 30 weight categories. New Routes: Air Astana is set to begin weekly Almaty–Salalah flights on October 23, adding to new links to Oman. Vietjet has also launched Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service, connecting Kazakhstan with Southeast Asia and Europe.

Entry Rules: Kazakhstan will roll out electronic entry permits for visa-free visitors from November 1. The system will be phased in at airports and land borders, with permits required from July 1, 2027; travellers should check requirements before departure. New Flights: Air Astana launches weekly nonstop flights from Almaty to Salalah on October 23 and from Astana on October 24, adding a direct route to Oman’s southern coast. Vietjet’s new Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service also strengthens Kazakhstan’s links with Asia and Europe. Regional Connections: Kazakhstan and Kuwait are discussing the return of direct flights, with Jazeera Airways saying it is committed to restoring the connection. Tourism Ties: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan plan to expand cooperation in tourism, alongside transport, logistics and other sectors.

New Oman Links: Air Astana will launch weekly nonstop flights from Almaty to Salalah on October 23 and from Astana on October 24, opening a direct route to southern Oman. Entry Rules: Kazakhstan plans to require a free electronic travel authorization for visitors from visa-free countries from July 1, 2027. Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before arrival; approved permits will be valid for 180 days. More Flight Prospects: Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways is interested in restoring direct service to Kazakhstan when regional conditions allow, after suspending its Almaty route. Regional Connections: Almaty is also gaining links to Hanoi and Prague, while Air Astana is expanding its international network. Culture Abroad: Kazakh performers brought traditional songs to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, sharing the country’s cultural heritage with visitors and local residents.

Entry Rules: Kazakhstan will require travelers from visa-free countries, including Russia, to obtain a free electronic entry permit from July 1, 2027. Applications must be filed at least 72 hours before arrival, and approved permits will be valid for 180 days. New Connections: Vietjet has launched routes linking Hanoi, Almaty and Prague, adding a new Asia–Europe connection through Kazakhstan. Air Astana is also expanding service to Oman, including flights to Salalah. Kuwait Flights: Jazeera Airways says it is interested in resuming direct flights to Kazakhstan when regional conditions allow, restoring a route that previously linked Kuwait City and Almaty. On Foot: At 76, blacksmith Sarsenbay Kotyrashov has walked thousands of kilometres from Kazakhstan through the Caucasus to Istanbul, showing that long-distance adventure has no age limit.

Tourist Entry Rules: Kazakhstan will require visitors from 51 countries, including Russia, to obtain a free online travel authorization from July 1, 2027. Apply at least 72 hours before travel; approved permits will be valid for 180 days. Kuwait Flights: Jazeera Airways is interested in restoring direct flights to Kazakhstan once regional conditions allow. The airline launched a Kuwait City–Almaty service in 2021 before suspending it. New Air Links: Vietjet has launched Hanoi–Almaty–Prague flights, adding a new connection between Asia and Europe. Air Astana has also announced routes to Oman and Tokyo. Rising Interest: Trip.com’s CEO says demand for long-haul trips is growing, with Kazakhstan among the destinations attracting more attention.

Air Links: Kazakhstan and Kuwait are discussing the return of direct flights. Jazeera Airways says it is interested, but services depend on regional conditions. Vietjet’s twice-weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague flights are already connecting Southeast Asia, Kazakhstan and Europe, while Air Astana has launched direct flights to Oman. Business Travel: Kazakhstan’s resort areas welcomed 510,800 business and professional visitors in the first half of 2026; the Almaty Mountain Cluster drew 77.3%. Major MICE events generated nearly $18 million in 2025. Travel Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens in Saudi Arabia to avoid airports unless necessary, check flight status and postpone non-essential travel amid attacks on civilian infrastructure.

New Air Links: Vietjet’s twice-weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service is now operating, with passengers able to book the Almaty–Prague leg separately. Flydubai has also begun weekly cargo flights between Dubai and Almaty, while Air Astana will launch weekly flights to Salalah from Almaty on Oct. 23 and Astana on Oct. 24. Business Travel: Kazakhstan’s resort areas welcomed 510,800 business and professional visitors in the first half of 2026; the Almaty Mountain Cluster drew 77.3% of them. Major MICE events generated nearly $18 million in 2025, up 20% year on year. Travel Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens in Saudi Arabia to avoid airports unless necessary, check flight status and postpone non-essential trips amid attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Travel Advisory: Kazakhstan urged its citizens in Saudi Arabia to avoid airports and crowded or high-risk areas, check flights with airlines and postpone non-essential travel amid attacks on civilian infrastructure. New Air Links: Air Astana will begin weekly Almaty–Salalah and Astana–Salalah flights on October 23 and 24. Vietjet has launched twice-weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague services, opening new links between the city, Europe and Southeast Asia; Vietnamese visits to Almaty rose 20% in 2025. Adventure Tourism: A regional forum in Astana focused on mountain-tourism safety, including visitor preparation, risk assessment, insurance and rescue readiness. Cultural Spotlight: Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are visiting Astana and Almaty, with museum and cultural events on the programme as the two countries deepen ties.

New Air Links: Air Astana will begin weekly flights from Almaty and Astana to Salalah on Oct. 23 and 24, opening a new route to southern Oman. The airline also plans twice-weekly Almaty–Tokyo flights from Nov. 30, subject to government approval. Europe via Almaty: Vietjet has launched twice-weekly Hanoi–Prague flights via Almaty, with passengers able to book the Almaty–Prague leg separately — adding a new connection between Kazakhstan and Europe. Mountain Tourism: A forum in Astana brought regional officials and tourism experts together to discuss safer adventure travel, including risk checks, visitor preparation and rescue-service readiness.

New Air Links: Air Astana will launch weekly flights from Almaty and Astana to Salalah on October 23 and 24. A twice-weekly Almaty–Tokyo Narita service is planned from November 30, subject to approval. More Routes Through Almaty: Vietjet’s new Prague–Hanoi flights stop in Almaty, adding another connection between Europe and Kazakhstan. Passengers can also book the Almaty–Prague segment. Kazakhstan’s Attractions: Recent features spotlighted the country’s dramatic “Grand Canyon” landscapes and historic rock-hewn mosques newly recognised by UNESCO.

New Air Links: Vietjet’s Prague–Hanoi service, launched October 10, stops in Almaty twice a week; travellers can also book the Prague–Almaty leg. Air Astana’s planned direct Almaty–Tokyo flights and new services from Almaty and Astana to Oman’s Salalah add to Kazakhstan’s growing route map. Astana in the Spotlight: Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde begin a state visit to Kazakhstan, with stops including the National Museum and Almaty. Their 110-member delegation brings fresh attention to the country’s culture and attractions. Regional Travel Boom: China’s Golden Week is drawing growing numbers of visitors to Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, where Chinese arrivals rose sharply after visa-free travel began. Destination Notes: Recent features showcase Kazakhstan’s wild landscapes, the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan and historic rock-hewn mosques recognised by UNESCO.

Royal Visit: Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrive in Kazakhstan on Oct. 11 for stops in Astana and Almaty, including a National Museum visit and the opening of an exhibition by Belgian artist James Ensor. Regional Travel: China’s Golden Week is bringing more visitors to Central Asia; Uzbekistan reports Chinese arrivals have risen 3.5 times since its visa-free agreement with China took effect, boosting interest in Silk Road cities. New Routes: Air Astana is adding direct Almaty–Tokyo flights, while new services from Almaty and Astana to Oman’s Salalah will widen holiday options. Easier Cross-Border Trips: Turkmenistan’s new e-visa system could make it simpler for visitors to add the country to a Central Asia itinerary.

Regional Travel: China’s October Golden Week is bringing a surge of visitors to Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. Chinese arrivals have grown 3.5-fold since the countries’ visa-free agreement took effect in 2025. Caspian Coast: Kazakhstan and four other coastal states agreed to establish a commission on the Caspian’s falling water levels, a concern for the sea’s ecosystems, ports and coastal communities. New Flights: Air Astana plans direct Almaty–Tokyo service, while new flights from Almaty and Astana to Oman’s Salalah are also in the works. Heritage: Kazakhstan’s historic rock-hewn mosques have gained UNESCO recognition, adding to the country’s appeal for cultural travelers.

New Routes: Air Astana will launch weekly flights from Almaty to Salalah on October 23 and from Astana on October 24. The airline is also adding a direct Almaty–Tokyo route, expanding holiday options from Kazakhstan. Travel Update: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry says a woman feared missing after Nepal’s floods had cancelled her trip and is now home. Two other Kazakh women remain unaccounted for as search and identification efforts continue in Nepal and Tibet. Caspian Coast: The five Caspian states agreed to form a commission to investigate the sea’s falling water levels and coordinate responses, an issue with implications for coastal communities and tourism. Regional Access: Turkmenistan has introduced e-visas without an invitation-letter requirement, making visits to the neighboring country easier to arrange.