1

Ok, didn't think of this before, copied the article using Google translate (amazing) and this is the result:

"Tourists of some foreign countries will not issue visas to Kazakhstan Print E-mail
Author: admin
19.03.2012 11:05

Almaty. March 19. Kapital.kz - From May until the end of September 2012 will begin an experiment on a visa-free entry into the territory of Kazakhstan foreign citizens. Thus, the choice will be made of concrete from the list of 48 economically stable countries. The total number of countries involved in the experiment is not yet specified, the correspondent business portal Kapital.kz.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic is on the release paper on the experiment. First of all we are talking about a tourist visa. Focuses on the fact that it is an experiment, he will constantly monitored, analyzed, "- explained Rashid Shaikenova, director of the Kazakhstan Tourist Association (KTA).

According to Ms. Shaikenova, foreign partners to report on the experiment is still too early, because the exact number of countries have not yet indicated. Today there is a coordination issue with the immigration authorities on how to register will be foreign nationals.

Experts predict that in the experiment will be attended by the countries of Europe, Southeast Asia, the United States. This will allow foreign partners to demonstrate "our good will and a desire to see them in Kazakhstan."

Irina Lukicheva"

2

Hi Roboroo,

I am monitoring the situation, but I hear very little about it (nothing actually). I'm very busy, so I can't digest all of the press, so could be that I missed something. As soon as I read or hear anything, I will post it here.

3

The same is also in the works for Kyrgyzstan. I wouldn't rely on it happening by though. eg if you need to get a visa for late may/ early june, i'd get the visa. If your plans are more flexible you could wait to see what happens.

4

Ok.... now I understand the possible change ! Story from Bigpond news, today April 24th:

"Kazakhstan is finally seeing the funny side of Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Borat,' after cashing in on a tourist boom inspired by the British comedian's magnificently-mustachioed adventurer.

The Central Asian nation reacted with fury when 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan' hit the screens in 2006, and banned it from being shown.

But with visa applications up tenfold, Foreign Minister Erzhan Kazykhanov admitted that maybe the 'mockumentary' was not quite such a disaster after all, Kazakh news website Tengri News reported.
Since the movie hit the screen, the number of visas for those wanting to travel to Kazakhstan has grown tenfold*. For us, it is a great victory. I am grateful to the spoof journalist Borat, the main character of the movie, for tourists' keen interest to Kazakhstan,' Kazykhanov told lawmakers Monday.

Kazakhstan is still struggling to shake off the spell of 'Borat,' as evidenced last month when the movie's spoof anthem was accidentally played during a medal ceremony at a shooting championship in Kuwait.

'I would treat the movie from the philosophical point of view,' the foreign minister said."

5

I just rang the embassy in London and they have said that you will need a visa to go this year. :(

6

Currently, no decision has been made yet. Definitely, it will not start in May for sure. And also, the list of countries is not agreed upon yet. Once we know about it more - we'll announce on our Twitter account.

7

I wonder when so many of these 3rd world countries will realize the hundreds of millions of dollars they lose in tourism each year with these silly visa requirements. Its almost like they think they're screening for some James Bond spy from the Cold War.

Since Ukraine dropped their visa requirements their tourism has just jumped through the roof when compared to Russia...