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Aktobe

The largest city in western Kazakhstan

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The largest city in western Kazakhstan — young, green and sporty

Modern and green Aktobe: one of the country's biggest mosques, large parks and the Kargaly reservoir just outside town.

For foreign citizens

Entering Kazakhstan

This city is in Kazakhstan. If you're not travelling on a Kazakhstan passport, here are the basics.

  • VisaRussian citizens don't need a visa and can stay up to 90 days in every 180. Citizens of many other countries can also enter visa-free — check the rules for your country before you travel.
  • Children from Russia under 14Since 20 January 2026 a birth certificate is no longer accepted for entering Kazakhstan — the child needs an international passport.
  • RegistrationHotels register their guests themselves. If you rent privately, the owner registers you through the eQonaq service. Rules on when registration is required have changed — check by calling 1414.
  • Debts can block your exitIn both Russia and Kazakhstan, debts under enforcement proceedings (loans, alimony, fines, taxes) can lead to a ban on leaving the country — and you only find out at the border. Check a couple of days before your trip: it takes a minute.
Check debts — Russian citizens

Information as of November 2026, collected from open sources. Rules change — check them on the foreign ministry and border service websites before you travel.

Who will love it here

  • Students and applicantsThe Ospanov Medical University is one of the country's main schools for doctors, with students from abroad too. Plus the Zhubanov Regional University.
  • Athletes and fansFC Aktobe is a five-time Kazakhstan champion. The Kargaly reservoir for water sports.
  • Families with childrenBig parks, an embankment, rides and one of the country's largest mosques — Nur Gasyr.
  • Time to unwindA spacious city with wide streets and steppe all around — easy to breathe here.

Sport and outdoors

  • Aktobe — footballFive-time Kazakhstan champion, Aiteke Bi stadium.
  • Kargaly reservoirSwimming, fishing and paddleboarding on the city's edge.
  • CyclingFlat, wide streets and parks — great for riding.

What to try

  • BeshbarmakThe centrepiece of the Kazakh table.
  • Kazy and shuzhukHorse-meat sausage — a delicacy and the best gift to bring home.
  • BaursaksNo tea party starts without them.

Arenas, stadiums and sport

Water parks, parks and fun

Evenings and nightlife

Sights

Museums and parks

Universities

There's no scheduled route here yet, but we can take your group on a chartered bus.

Charter a bus