Kazakh and Chinese visa

[sazamataz]

Is it possible to purchase a Kazakhstan visa on the border of Russia and Kazakhstan? I've heard that certain nationalities including British citizens don't need visa support letters.

Also, same question for China. I've read some old threads that talk of having to find an escort to cross through China. Is this true, and if so how would I go about finding someone?

Thanks!
Sarah

[Ekke]

Hi Sarah,

To the best of my knowledge it is not possible to purchase a Kazakh visa at the border. We're applying here in Canada for our Kazakh visas and for a single entry tourist visa a letter of invitation is not required. We do need to have a letter of introduction which is basically a cover letter for the visa application that gives some details on our trip.

China also does not give visas at the border and also doesn't require a letter of invitation. We are going to obtain that here in Canada as well. Yes, to operate private vehicle in China you need to have a guide with you at all times. As motorcyclists this can get quite expensive since the guide needs a car to ride around in that you have to rent. You may also need to have a driver for the car. And then you pay the food and accommodation for both of them too. What most people do is hook up with a group to spread the costs around. If you do a bit of digging on the HUBB you'll see quite a few posts of people arranging such groups.

We are sharing a trip from Mongolia to Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai with a British couple in a car in September. Then next Spring we're thinking of riding from Nepal through Tibet to Kyrgyzstan with another group.

Have fun planning!