Kazakhstan is experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourism, with a significant surge in Chinese visitors driving the nation’s travel sector to new heights. In 2024, the country welcomed 655,000 Chinese tourists, a remarkable 78% increase from the 367,000 recorded in 2023, and early 2025 data indicates this trend is accelerating. From January to May 2025, Chinese arrivals reached 280,000, a 42% rise compared to the same period last year, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This growth is largely attributed to a mutual visa-free travel agreement with China and an expanded network of direct flights connecting the two nations.
The visa-free regime, implemented in November 2023, allows Chinese citizens to visit Kazakhstan for up to 30 days per trip, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, covering tourism, business, medical visits, and transit. This policy has significantly lowered travel barriers, making Kazakhstan an increasingly attractive destination for Chinese travelers seeking cultural and natural experiences. “The visa exemption has been a game-changer,” said Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Erlan Erkinbayev at the Kazakhstan-China Cultural Forum in Astana. “It has made travel more convenient and strengthened our cultural and economic ties with China.”
Complementing the visa policy, Kazakhstan has bolstered air connectivity with China through new and expanded flight routes. Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Yining are now linked to Kazakh hubs like Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent. FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s leading low-cost carrier, launched a direct Almaty-Yining route in May 2025, operating twice weekly, while Air Astana now runs 23 weekly flights to Chinese cities, including a recently introduced Almaty-Guangzhou route with a 70% load factor. These developments have made travel more accessible and affordable, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
The 2025 Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan, officially launched on June 16 in Astana, has further amplified these efforts. The initiative, attended by Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov and Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli, includes tailored programs like the Welcome Chinese initiative, which enhances hospitality services with Chinese-language support, cultural amenities, and guided tours designed for Chinese visitors. Events like the “Bronze Meets the Golden Man” cultural festival at Nazarbayev University from June 22–24, 2025, and the proposed China-Kazakhstan marathon aim to deepen cultural exchanges and attract more tourists.
Kazakhstan’s rich blend of nomadic heritage, stunning landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Tamgaly petroglyphs and the Silk Road corridors, is resonating with Chinese travelers seeking unique destinations. The Horgos border zone, a hub for trade and tourism, has also seen a 104% increase in cross-border movement, with many Chinese visitors treating it as a cultural and shopping destination.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan is committed to sustaining this tourism boom. The government plans to further enhance infrastructure, promote year-round tourism, and expand marketing efforts in China. “With our visa-free policy, improved air connectivity, and strategic focus on Chinese travelers, we’re not just welcoming tourists—we’re building lasting bridges with China,” said Minister Myrzabosynov. As the 2025 Year of China Tourism unfolds, Kazakhstan is poised to solidify its position as a premier destination in Central Asia, with projections to surpass 1 million Chinese visitors by the end of the year.