Tourism in Kazakhstan experiences a surge, welcoming 7.5 million visitors during the first half of 2025
Boom in Tourism and Medical Tourism in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is experiencing a significant surge in international tourism, particularly in the realm of medical tourism. This growth is driven by several key factors, with strong government support playing a crucial role.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
- Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Development: Kazakhstan is actively moving away from oil dependence towards sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and services, including tourism. The government's National Infrastructure Plan, which extends until 2029, involves an investment of approximately US$80 billion in projects aimed at enhancing transport, energy, water supply, and digital infrastructure [1]. These developments improve accessibility and quality of services essential for tourism growth, including medical tourism.
- Geopolitical and Regional Cooperation: Kazakhstan leverages its strategic location as a transit hub between Europe and China, improving road and railway networks that also benefit tourist inflows. Its regional cooperation efforts, including easing trade barriers, create a more favorable environment for international visitors [1].
- Visa Policy Liberalization and Bilateral Tourism Agreements: Kazakhstan has extended visa-free stays for Turkish citizens from 30 to 90 days, aiming to boost tourism and bilateral investment ties. This policy supports the increase in Turkish tourists visiting Kazakhstan and the reciprocal flow of Kazakh tourists to Turkey [2][4]. Such measures enhance the ease of travel, a major factor in attracting international tourists.
- Growing Bilateral Relations and Cultural Exchange: Education and tourism cooperation between Kazakhstan and Türkiye is robust, with thousands of Kazakh students studying in Turkey and increasing people-to-people contacts fostering tourism flows [2]. These relations indirectly support growth in medical tourism by building trust and awareness.
- Medical Tourism Potential: While specific data on medical tourism growth is not available, the general improvements in infrastructure, service sectors, and government emphasis on diversification suggest increased capacity and quality of healthcare services attracting foreign patients. Government strategies focus on making Kazakhstan a more attractive destination for all services, which would include medical tourism as part of the tourism cooperation highlighted [1][2].
Government Support
- Investment in Infrastructure: The National Infrastructure Plan focuses on transportation and digital connectivity improvements essential for facilitating international tourism and medical service access [1].
- Visa Policy Reforms: Extending visa-free durations for key partner countries directly supports easier entry for tourists, investors, and medical travelers [4].
- Economic Policy Environment: Kazakhstan is streamlining tax laws and improving the investment climate to attract foreign direct investment, including in tourism-related sectors and healthcare [1].
- Promotion of Regional Cooperation: Kazakhstan is enhancing collaboration with neighboring countries and partners like Türkiye to foster cross-border tourism and educational exchanges, which underpin growth in international visitors, including those seeking medical services [2].
In summary, the increase in international tourism and medical tourism to Kazakhstan is propelled by strategic economic diversification, major infrastructure upgrades, visa liberalization (especially for Turkish citizens), and strengthening diplomatic and trade ties with regional partners. The government supports this growth by investing heavily in infrastructure, simplifying travel regulations, and fostering an investment-friendly environment that collectively raise Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as a tourism and medical tourism destination.
[1] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. (2025). Retrieved from https://kazakhstan2050.gov.kz/ [2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2025). Retrieved from https://mfa.kz/ [4] Astana International Exchange. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.aix.kz/
- The nomadic spirit of Kazakhstan, once roaming the steppes, is now welcoming tourists as it cultivates a modern and eco-friendly image, creating an attractive destination for health-and-wellness and lifestyle travelers.
- Hotels in Kazakhstan are catering to the influx of international visitors, providing local experiences that incorporate the region's rich cultural heritage and traditional hospitality.
- Tourism in Kazakhstan is not just for leisure seekers; its growing medical tourism sector is attracting tourists looking for quality and affordable healthcare services, transforming the nation into a regional medical tourism hub.
- As Kazakhstan advances its technology sector, investments in digital infrastructure will further boost tourism, making it easier for tourists to book travel, tours, and appointments with local healthcare providers.
- The government's commitment to research and development in tourism science, as showcased through various educational partnerships with local and international institutions, aims to continuously improve the tourism industry and enhance the overall tourist experience.
- To capitalize on this growth, Kazakhstan is prioritizing cooperation with neighboring countries and promoting tourism as a means to foster cross-border cultural exchange, strengthening regional bonds and attracting more tourists to its destinations.
- Beyond the economic benefits, the increased influx of tourists and medical travelers provides valuable opportunities for health education and global dialogue, contributing to a broader understanding and appreciation of the world's diverse societies and lifestyles.
