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British Citizen Becomes First Holder of Kazakhstan’s New Neo Nomad Visa

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that Sertac Yener, a British citizen, has become the first foreign national to receive the new Neo Nomad Visa. Kazakhstan introduced updated visa regulations on November 18, 2024, to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the new offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for IT specialists, and the Neo Nomad Visa, designed for “neo-nomads” with a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa are required to provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The first Neo Nomad Visa was issued at Kazakhstan’s embassy in the UAE. Sertac Yener brings 30 years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on project development, financing, and corporate partnerships. In addition to his professional pursuits, Yener has a deep interest in Kazakhstan’s language, culture, natural landscapes, and gastronomy. His daughter completed studies in Kazakh language and Central Asian studies at the University of Chicago. “Kazakhstan is an amazing country!” Yener said. “With the Neo Nomad Visa program, I have the opportunity to stay in this country for up to one year. The visa will allow me to work remotely in my company and get to know Kazakhstan, immersing myself in nature, a friendly atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions, and language. Thanks to my daughter, I 've been enjoying the melody and richness of the Kazakh language for some time now.”

Tourism China Visa Bilateral Cooperation international tourism tourism industry

Kazakhstan Sees 50% Surge in Chinese Tourism During Landmark Year of Collaboration

The Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China concluded on November 27 with a closing ceremony in Almaty, attended by over 300 representatives from the tourism sectors of both countries. The initiative, officially launched in Beijing on March 28–29, aimed to foster greater connectivity between Kazakhstan and China while encouraging mutual cultural and economic exchange. It also facilitated stronger partnerships among tourism industry stakeholders from both nations. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, highlighted the year’s success: “This year was marked by a significant expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in the field of tourism. The tourist flow between our countries demonstrated significant growth, which once again emphasizes that we are united not only by good neighborliness but also by a common desire for mutual understanding and cultural exchange.” According to Kazakhstan’s Border Service, the number of trips by Kazakhs to China increased by 31% in 2024, while visits by Chinese tourists to Kazakhstan rose by 50%. Data from Kazakhstan’s National Bureau of Statistics reveals that 566,500 foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan between January and June 2024. Among these, Chinese tourists were the second-largest group, totaling 69,918. Visitors from Russia topped the list at 186,100, followed by tourists from India (53,695), Turkey (30,312), and the United States (19,597). The Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China attracted substantial media attention. Chinese media corporations extensively covered Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, achieving an overall media indicator of 1.8 billion views. Posts about Kazakhstan on social media platforms reached 160 million users, significantly boosting the country’s visibility in China. Building on this momentum, the governments of Kazakhstan and China have designated 2025 as the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. Additionally, an agreement on mutual visa-free travel came into effect in November 2023. Under the agreement, citizens of both countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 calendar days within a 180-day period. This arrangement applies to tourism, medical treatment, business trips, and transit travel.

France Sports mountains international tourism tourism industry

France to Support Development of Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Ski Resort

Kylychbek Rysaliyev, President of Kyrgyzstan’s Tourism Development Support Fund, recently met with French Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Nicolas Faye to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in tourism. During the talks, Ambassador Faye reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the development of a major skiing complex in the Issyk-Kul region. Highlighting the importance of the Three Peaks Ski Complex project, Ambassador Faye described it as a priority for the French Embassy, promising France’s expertise in its design and execution. “The lack of direct flights between Kyrgyzstan and France currently hinders a broader influx of tourists,” noted Ambassador Faye, emphasizing that improving air connectivity could significantly boost tourism potential. Rysaliyev underscored the value of French expertise, pointing to France’s robust tourism industry, which is a key driver of its national economy. He expressed confidence that collaboration on the Issyk-Kul ski complex would facilitate valuable knowledge exchange and elevate Kyrgyzstan’s position as a global tourist destination. The Three Peaks Ski Complex, a flagship initiative announced by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, is already in its preparatory phase. Infrastructure improvements, including road construction, power supply, and water systems, are underway. The state-owned company Kyrgyz Courchevel has been tasked with overseeing the project’s development. The first phase of the resort, set to open by 2030, will include 60 kilometers of ski tracks out of an anticipated 200 kilometers, six ropeways, and a range of facilities such as hotels, restaurants, ethno-towns, and conference halls. The project is expected to position the Issyk-Kul region as a premier skiing destination, fostering economic growth and attracting international visitors.

tourism industry Tourism Infrastructure international tourism railroads Bilateral Cooperation Regional Cooperation

First Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan is launching a new international train tour called “Silk Road,” connecting the cities of Almaty, Turkestan, and Tashkent. The first train on this route will depart on November 16. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, the four-day tour will allow travelers to plunge into the atmosphere of ancient cities along the historic Silk Road. The itinerary covers the most important sights of Turkestan and Tashkent and includes guide services, meals, transfers, and entrance fees. Vice-Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Erkinbayev mentioned that the route will strengthen cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and make travel more comfortable and affordable. The tour program includes visits to historical places such as the ancient city of Otyrar, the mausoleum of Arystan Baba, the historical and cultural complex Azret Sultan, and the most significant tourist complex in Central Asia, Caravan-Saray. In Tashkent, tourists can familiarize themselves with historical sights and modern architecture. Earlier, the media reported on the launch of a tourist route between China and Kazakhstan. The train from China, which began running in July 2024, passes through the Khorgos-Altynkol border crossing, adding a new opportunity for travel in Central Asia.

international tourism visas Government Migration

New Visa for Modern Nomads Introduced in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has introduced a new "Neo Nomad" visa for modern nomads and working tourists who combine work and travel. The new visa regime was developed using the experience of more than 50 countries that have introduced similar programs after the pandemic. To obtain a Neo-Nomad visa, foreign citizens must prove a stable income of at least $3,000 per month, provide health insurance, and provide a certificate showing that they have no criminal record. The visa is designed for representatives of various industries, including IT, marketing, finance, consulting, design, and e-commerce. The visa holder can stay in Kazakhstan for up to one year while continuing to work for a foreign company. This will allow foreign citizens to immerse themselves in the local culture, and Kazakhstan to generate additional revenue -- which, according to estimates, could amount to about $8 million a year if visas are issued to 500 individuals. Foreigners who take advantage of Neo Nomad will reside and spend the funds in Kazakhstan. The program also does not affect Kazakhstan's labor market, as foreign citizens do not take local jobs. Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabasynov said the joint efforts of several ministries have made Kazakhstan attractive to digital nomads, whose number globally has reached 35 million. Almaty and Astana are already on the list of the 150 best cities for this type of tourist. Many countries have already introduced visas for digital nomads, attracting remote workers and stimulating the economy. For example, Spain offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows you to live and work remotely for up to 12 months with the possibility of an extension. Portugal has a D7 Visa program targeting passive income earners, including remote workers. These visas contribute to the development of the local economy, increase consumption, and attract skilled professionals.

international tourism tourism industry Airports Infrastructure Development Tourism

Kazakhstan to Construct Three New Airports

Kazakhstan has started the construction of airports in the resort zones of Katon-Karagai, Zaisan, and Kenderli, which are popular tourist destinations. The airports will link the three resort areas with Astana and Almaty. Together with other measures, this will give the tourism industry a new push. Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park is the largest national park in the country. It is located in the East Kazakhstan region and is included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve. Lake Zaisan is also located in Eastern Kazakhstan. It is a beautiful freshwater lake fed by the Irtysh River and surrounded by cliffs. Kenderli is a resort in the Mangistau region located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It is becoming increasingly popular every year. The Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) said reaching these tourist destinations will be much easier. The sites for the construction of airports have already been identified. CAC reported that “In Zaisan, the airport will be located on the territory of the former military airfield named after Satpayev. The distance from the construction site to the city of Zaisan is 25 kilometers. In Katon-Karagai district, a new air harbor will be built between the villages of Katon-Karagai and Ulken Naryn, near Soldatovo. The distance from the construction site to Katon-Karagai village is 38 kilometers”. The Kenderli airport will be built 13 kilometers from the resort area. Construction of the three airports will begin in 2025 and provide direct air routes from Astana and Almaty. In December 2023, the Ministry of Transport reported that it plans to spend 16 billion KZT to build the airport in Zaisan and an additional 23.2 billion KZT in Katon-Karagai. Other major expenditures are planned for the development of the tourism industry. According to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism budget plan, these expenditures will increase the number of foreign tourists from 2 million in 2024 to 3.5 million in 2026 (+75%). The number of domestic tourists will also grow by 15% over three years to 8.5 million in 2026. It is reported that 4.6 billion KZT will be allocated for the formation and promotion of the tourism industry, including 1.52 billion KZT in 2024. In 2023, 2.44 billion KZT was spent on these purposes. It is further planned to allocate 11.9 billion KZT for the training and education of professionals in the industry, including 3.5 billion KZT in 2024, for this purpose. Efforts to modernize the industry are already bearing fruit. In May 2024, Kazakhstan improved its position in the tourism development index. Kazakhstan ranked 52nd among 119 countries, beating Qatar, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, and Latvia. Kairat Sadvakasov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Tourism, called it a victory. He stated, "Our long-term goal is to enter the TOP-50 in this rating”. Achieving this ambitious goal will require serious efforts. In the summer, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev listed the shortcomings of the tourism sector and outlined priority areas of work. One of the most important points was logistics, as it...