Travelers visiting Almaty should ensure they have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining and may need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. It's advisable to check with the Kazakhstani consulate or embassy in your country for the latest visa requirements. Additionally, it's recommended to stay updated on vaccination requirements and travel advisories for Kazakhstan. Entry restrictions for foreign visitors may change, so it's important to consult official government sources or travel agencies before planning your trip.
When visiting Almaty, it's useful to learn some basic Kazakh and Russian phrases. The locals appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language. Helpful resources for learning basic words and expressions include language learning apps like Duolingo, as well as phrasebooks and online language tutorials. Common phrases to know include greetings like 'Salam' (hello) in Kazakh and 'Zdravstvuyte' (hello) in Russian, as well as 'Spasibo' (thank you) and 'Da' (yes) in both languages.