Hi, I'll be taking the Saratov - Astrakhan train. When looking at the map and station listing, I noticed the rail line goes into Kazakh twice, for about 75km each time, but there are no scheduled stops in Kazakh territory. Has anyone taken this route before? Are those considered border crossings?

Bottom line: do I need multi entry Russia and Kazah visa?

Thanks in advance

Hi, I'll be taking the Saratov - Astrakhan train. When looking at the map and station listing, I noticed the rail line goes into Kazakh twice, for about 75km each time, but there are no scheduled stops in Kazakh territory. Has anyone taken this route before? Are those considered border crossings?

Bottom line: do I need multi entry Russia and Kazah visa?

Thanks in advance
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I don't know. But I would speak with a local that takes the train regularly and not look for an answer on an internet board on this one.

There may be an agreement for this train line that it doesn't get stopped at the border but given the usual immigration for the Russian Federation I wouldn't count on it.

Tread carefully, "needing a visa" at the Kazakh border could be a quite costly proposition (not too mention a very long day). Unless you get a definate answer from someone you trust I'd be applying for multiple entry visas for both countries.

You'll find the scenery is actually quite good in many parts of southern Russia.

Enjoy

I don't know. But I would speak with a local that takes the train regularly and not look for an answer on an internet board on this one.Indeed. I would also suggest that you contact the Kazakh embassy in Washington (which is also accredited to Canada): http://www.kazakhembus.com/about.html

and/or their consulate in Toronto:
20 Queen Str. West 1014
Toronto, Ontario
tel: (1416)-593-40-43 fax : 593-40-37
kazconscan@on.aibn.com