Practical Information for Kazakhstan TRAVEL

Upon arrival

at Almaty airport, you will be met by a representative from our partner who will assist with firearm clearance and transfer to your hotel in Almaty if needed. For domestic flights, assistance will be provided for in-check procedures. Upon arrival at the domestic airport, you will again be met by a representative who will arrange further transportation to the hunting area.

In case of travel delays, additional fees may apply for changes to flight tickets.

CURRENCY

The local currency is Tenge. It's advisable to bring EUR or USD in cash.

Travelers

can import and export up to US$ 3,000 without declaration, and amounts between US$ 3,000 - 10,000 require a customs declaration for import. Customs declaration forms are usually distributed on flights or at border crossings and international airports.

Currency

exchange to Tenge is available in the arrival hall, but the purchasing power of Tenge is limited. International hotels accept payments exclusively in Western currencies such as US dollars and Euros.

During entry and exit, expect some waiting time for passport control and firearm clearance.

FIREARMS

For hunting Siberian roe deer and maral deer, a rifle of caliber .308, 30.06, 7x64, or similar is recommended. For ibex hunting, caliber .300 WinMag or equivalent with a flat trajectory is recommended. Be prepared for long shots at 250-300 meters, so ensure ample practice before departure. We also recommend bringing a rangefinder.

AMMUNITION

It's recommended to bring a minimum of 40 rounds.

TRANSPORTING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION BY AIR

The best way to transport firearms and ammunition is in sturdy gun cases and ammunition boxes where each cartridge is individually separated. Firearms must be checked in with luggage. Firearms, bolt mechanisms, and ammunition must be stored separately. Ammunition and bolt mechanisms can be placed in regular luggage, NOT in carry-on baggage. Firearms, firearm parts, scopes, ammunition, knives, etc., are NOT allowed in carry-on baggage.

EXCESS BAGGAGE IN FLIGHTS

A maximum of 20 kg of baggage is allowed on flights (including rifles), and 5 kg of carry-on baggage in the cabin. Excess baggage fees apply if more than 20 kg of regular baggage is brought. Fees for checking in firearms may apply, which varies by airline and unfortunately cannot be influenced by us.

VISA AND FIREARM IMPORT

Visa and firearm import permits are required for entry into Kazakhstan with firearms. We handle this process—just return the visa form, questionnaire, a copy of your passport, and 1 passport photo. Remember to sign the visa form and questionnaire. For the visa application, proof of hunting insurance coverage in Kazakhstan is required. We recommend obtaining hunting travel insurance through Gouda Travel Insurance.

EU FIREARM PASSPORT

Residents of EU countries traveling abroad for hunting must possess an EU firearm passport.

VACCINATIONS

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A are some of the diseases travelers risk encountering in Kazakhstan. These can be prevented by following recommendations and getting vaccinated by your doctor before departure. Visit your doctor or a vaccination center well in advance for proper guidance and vaccinations.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water in Kazakhstan is not potable due to bacterial contamination—similar to many other places.

HEALTH TIPS

Avoid consuming raw fish, salads, and other uncooked foods. However, personal judgment is advised.

CLIMATE

During the autumn hunting season, the climate in Kazakhstan's hunting areas is similar to that of Western Europe. However, due to the continental climate, temperatures may vary, ranging during the daytime from +5-25°C to 0-10°C. Expect possible rain/snow.

MEDICATION

Medical supplies in Kazakhstan are limited, so bring prescribed medication along with headache pills, anti-diarrhea tablets, elastic bandages, plasters, gauze bandages, antibiotics, talcum powder, and possibly eye drops.

SHOPPING

Limited shopping opportunities are available once you reach the hunting areas. It's advisable to stock up at duty-free shops at the departure airport. Limited beverage options are available at accommodations. However, stops can be made during the journey from the airport to the hunting area, and interpreters or drivers are usually helpful with shopping and currency exchange.

ACCOMMODATION

Remember, Kazakhstan's living standards are significantly different from those of Western Europe. Accommodations may be basic, especially regarding sanitary facilities, which can be primitive, often with outdoor toilets and showers typically taken in saunas. However, Kazakhstani hosts are known for their exceptional hospitality and warmth.

HUNTING

Keep in mind that hunting areas in Kazakhstan may not have decades of experience with foreign hunters, so efficiency may differ from more established hunting destinations. Expect considerable effort from local hunters, who will endeavor to make the hunt as successful as possible according to local traditions, which may vary from typical hunting practices. Regardless, hunts are conducted with the aim of achieving the best possible hunting results.

TIPPING

While not mandatory, small tips in USD or EUR are appreciated.

INSURANCE

Note that your travel insurance must also cover hunting liability. A valid hunting license is required within Europe for hunting liability insurance. We assume you have a valid hunting license, as it's a prerequisite for insurance coverage.

Therefore, we strongly recommend obtaining both cancellation and holiday travel insurance. While these insurances are voluntary, we highly recommend them, especially regarding holiday travel insurance. Falling ill during your stay can become costly.

HUNTING PROTOCOL POST-ADJUSTMENT

Before departure from Kazakhstan, guests will be presented with a hunting protocol to sign. Trophy fees are settled directly with our partner in Kazakhstan after the hunt.

Your signature is binding, and any subsequent invoices from us are based on this protocol. There's a section for any comments you may have. It's crucial to record any discrepancies between you and the hunting hosts in this section, as well as any concerns regarding the Kazakhstan arrangement. Failure to do so may complicate any potential complaints in Kazakhstan, making it difficult for us to assist you. REMEMBER: You are 100% liable for what is stated in the protocol by signing it.

TROPHY IMPORT

If you plan to hunt species covered by the Washington Convention, contact the Danish Forest and Nature Agency, Wildlife Management Office, Haraldsgade 53, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Tel. 39 47 24 23 (9-12 am) before departure regarding necessary formalities for importing trophies to Denmark. It's the hunter's responsibility to ensure the necessary permits. Consider consulting a conservator or freight forwarder.

In recent years, trophy import regulations have become stricter and more complex. Some hunters have had trophies confiscated in customs due to insufficient permits or formalities. Pre-import permits are crucial for certain species; otherwise, trophies will be rejected without exception.

Freight Forwarder

We recommend Labrador Cargo, Ravnholtvej 57, 5853 Ørbæk, for trophy import expertise. Contact Marlen Jürgensen at Tel. +45 51 95 25 17, WhatsApp +45 31 78 20 50, or info@labradorcargo.dk.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Check current regulations for importation to Denmark.

POTENTIAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS

If unexpected problems arise during your stay that you cannot resolve yourself, contact us at +45 62 20 25 40 during office hours Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Local assistance can help send emails or faxes from an office with such facilities.

As it's too late to correct misunderstandings or errors after returning home, it's crucial to notify us immediately in such cases so we can address them promptly.

Only if we are informed can complaints be handled, and all complaints MUST be recorded in the hunting protocol.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

DIANA has established an emergency hotline where clients can reach a competent DIANA staff member outside regular office hours, 24/7, for genuine emergencies. This hotline should be used only when absolutely necessary to contact DIANA. Please avoid misuse: ++45 30 26 25 40.

ESPECIALLY FOR FIRST-TIME TRAVELERS

During an international hunting trip, you represent your country's entire hunting community. The people you encounter will naturally judge your country's hunters based on your conduct. DIANA hunters have had a good reputation, and we strive to maintain it. Therefore, we urge everyone to act with dignity and calmness if any disagreements arise.

UPON RETURN

We ALWAYS appreciate hearing from you after your return. It's crucial for us to continually monitor developments "out there" to improve our hunting destinations. Whether you have criticisms or praise, please share them with us. We always welcome receiving a good photo from your hunt.

We hope the above answers many of the questions you naturally have before departure. If you have any unanswered questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our primary goal is to serve you.

Best regards - LIMPOPO TRAVEL/DIANA Jagtrejser A/S