Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for international visitors. In 2024, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan, marking a 66% increase from the previous year, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The figure does not include those arriving for work or permanent residence. Of the total number of visitors, 10.4 million people stayed in Kazakhstan for more than one day, and the ministry classified them as foreign tourists. Their average length of stay was four days.
The top five countries (excluding the former Soviet republics) whose citizens visited Kazakhstan in 2024:
- China — 655,000 visitors. Significant growth is due to the introduction of a visa-free regime and the expansion of air routes between the two countries.
- India — 146,000. Increased interest is supported by direct flights, a simplified visa regime, and the development of tourist routes tailored to Indian tourists.
- Turkey — 130,000. Due to extensive air connection between many cities in both Kazakhstan and Turkey and developed cultural and business ties between the countries.
- Germany — 92,000. The main interest is in ethnotourism, natural landscapes and cultural sites.
- South Korea — 40,000. The tourist flow from this country shows a steady growth due to the availability of direct flights, a simplified visa regime, as well as a growing interest in the nature of Kazakhstan, national cuisine, and cultural heritage.
