Pet Transport Netherlands to Kazakhstan: 2026 Guide
Netherlands to Kazakhstan is distinctive in the Caucasus and Central Asia group because Air Astana operates a direct service between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Almaty (ALA). If Air Astana Cargo accepts live animals on this service, it is …
The Netherlands to Kazakhstan pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter Kazakhstan
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
Kazakhstan is an EAEU member. The NVWA health certificate must be formatted to EAEU veterinary standards, not EU format. Confirm this with the Kazakh embassy in The Hague or the Committee on Veterinary Control before the vet appointment. An incorrectly formatted certificate will be refused at Almaty.
Air Astana's direct AMS-ALA service is an excellent option if they accept live animal cargo. Confirm this with Air Astana Cargo before planning around the direct route. If not available, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the established alternative.
Start the permit and EAEU documentation research 10-12 weeks before travel. This route has the most complex documentation requirements of the Netherlands-to-Caucasus and Netherlands-to-Central-Asia corridors.
A pet transport agent experienced in EAEU routes is strongly recommended for this move.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Air Astana's direct Amsterdam to Almaty service
Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, connects Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) directly to Almaty International Airport (ALA). This is the standout feature of the Netherlands-to-Kazakhstan route. If Air Astana Cargo accepts live animal freight on this service, it eliminates the hub transfer that all other Caucasus-bound routes from the Netherlands require.
Contact Air Astana Cargo to confirm live animal acceptance on the AMS-ALA route, crate size limits, and any seasonal restrictions. The direct flight is approximately 7-8 hours, making it one of the shorter total transit times to Central Asia from Europe.
If Air Astana cargo is not available or does not suit your travel dates, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST-ALA) is the reliable alternative. Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals on the IST-to-Central Asia corridor.
EAEU format: the documentation challenge
Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), alongside Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. The EAEU has its own veterinary standards for animal imports, separate from EU standards.
The NVWA health certificate from the Netherlands must be formatted to EAEU Integrated Sanitary and Phytosanitary Supervision (ISPS) requirements, not EU format. An EU-format certificate will be refused at Almaty. This is the main complexity that distinguishes the Netherlands-to-Kazakhstan route from other Caucasus destinations.
Contact the Embassy of Kazakhstan in The Hague, or the Committee on Veterinary Control and Supervision under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, at least 10-12 weeks before travel. Confirm the exact EAEU documentation format required for Netherlands-origin pets. A pet transport agent experienced in EAEU countries will know this process and can guide your NVWA vet.
Almaty or Astana: which entry point
Kazakhstan has two main international entry airports for pets: Almaty International (ALA) in the south and Astana International (NQZ, formerly Nur-Sultan) in the north. Air Astana’s direct Amsterdam service serves Almaty. Your destination within Kazakhstan will determine which airport is more convenient.
Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and commercial hub. Astana is the capital. Both have international cargo handling and veterinary inspection facilities. Most Netherlands-based pet owners moving to Kazakhstan are likely relocating to one of these two cities or their surroundings.
Common questions about Netherlands to Kazakhstan pet transport
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