Baikonur: Spaceport in Kazakhstan

• The cosmodrome is located in the Kazakh steppe and is operated by the Russian space agency.
• Sputnik 1 launched in 1957, and in 1961 Yuri Gagarin began his first spaceflight from Baikonur.
• According to the operator, citizens of EU member states, including Germany, are excluded from visiting the cosmodrome; citizens of the countries listed there outside Russia’s list, as well as CIS countries, are eligible.
• Applications for permits must be submitted at least 22 working days in advance for Russian and Kazakh citizens, and 55 days in advance for citizens of other countries.
• Permission to enter the city and permission to access the cosmodrome facilities are separate.

The city of Baikonur lies on the Syr Darya, while the cosmodrome covers a vast technical site in the steppe. Established in 1955, the facility became the launch site for Sputnik 1 and Vostok 1, the mission on which Yuri Gagarin made his spaceflight. It is operated by Russia and is located on Kazakh territory. Kazakhstan spans vast distances. Astana and Almaty are also far away and each requires a separate leg of the journey.

The cosmodrome brings together technical facilities, launch sites and the history of human spaceflight. Eligible independent travelers book a tour through a travel company contracted with the operator; the company submits the applications and accompanies each group. The application lead time is 22 working days for Russian and Kazakh citizens, and 55 days for eligible citizens of other countries. Under the published access rules, citizens of Germany and other EU member states are excluded.

Separate permits are required for the city and the cosmodrome. The city administration describes entry via controlled checkpoints with approved documents; for private visits, an inviting person who lives there applies for permission. Visits to the cosmodrome are arranged through the travel company and require a permit for access to the facilities. These steps should be factored into your schedule before arrival and accommodation are booked.

Launches can be watched from designated viewing points and are included in the relevant program; they do not grant independent access to the launch facilities. Groups must follow the safety instructions at the facilities they enter.

Baikonur lies far east of the Aral Sea. The historic sites of Turkestan and Otrar are part of a separate regional route, with their own travel to and from the area. An organized tour of the cosmodrome is a form of space tourism.

In the Kazakh steppe, long distances and few alternatives shape the travel itinerary. Drinking water, sun protection and suitable clothing are important for transfers; reliable departure times and time buffers make long stretches of travel easier to plan. Transfer planning for arrival and local transport should take the vast distances into account. Preparing for access to the city and cosmodrome involves gathering the documents required for each. Hotels in Kazakhstan can be chosen to suit your overnight stops and itinerary.

Travel in Kazakhstan involves long distances: Astana and Almaty are far from Baikonur. In southern Kazakhstan, Turkestan and Otrar are major historic destinations. A cosmodrome tour as space tourism makes a distinct addition to an itinerary. Planning time for long journeys and safety while traveling should both be considered when choosing your route.

Who organizes visits to the cosmodrome?

Independent travelers book a tour through a travel company contracted with the operator. The company applies for access and accompanies the group. A list of contracted providers is available from the Baikonur visitor organization.

Can German citizens visit the cosmodrome?

No. The operator’s FAQ allows citizens of CIS countries and countries not included on Russia’s list of so-called “unfriendly countries.” The Russian list explicitly includes EU member states, so German and other EU citizens are excluded.

How far in advance must I apply for a permit?

The application must be submitted 22 working days in advance for Russian and Kazakh citizens, and 55 days in advance for citizens of other eligible countries.

Can I visit the city and the cosmodrome with the same permit?

No, access is handled through separate procedures. Access to the city is arranged through the relevant city administration and an inviting person or organization; visits to the technical facilities are organized by the travel company.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Amateur photography and video recording are allowed along the tourist route; the photography permit is included in the visit price. Groups must follow the safety instructions during the tour.