Kazakhstan

Petty crime and assault

Theft, pickpocketing, bag-snatching and assaults occur. They can happen:

• on public transport

• in parks

• in shopping areas

• at open markets, including the Green Market in Almaty

• at restaurants

• near major tourist hotels and nightclubs, especially in the Almaty region

The risk of crime increases at night.

To lessen your risk:

• keep an eye on your belongings

• avoid walking alone at night

• monitor the media for new safety or security risks

Food and drink spiking

There are reports of thieves drugging and robbing travellers in nightclubs and bars in Almaty.

To reduce your risk of food and drink spiking:

• never leave your drinks or food unattended

• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers or new friends

Crime targeting expats and travellers

Criminals have targeted the expat community in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan in the past. Expats have been the victims of violent attacks and muggings.

Carjackings are reported.

Thieves posing as police officers or 'meet-and-greet' drivers at airports have robbed travellers. Official taxi drivers and police officers have ID.

To stay safe when using cars and taxis:

• pre-arrange your transport if you can

• avoid taking unofficial taxis or taxis that have other passengers

• always keep car doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving

• if a police officer, taxi driver or official approaches you, ask to see their ID

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Authorities will arrest both participants and bystanders, even for non-violent demonstrations.

In the past, there have been tensions around the border with the Kyrgyz Republic. Security issues could emerge if tensions intensify.

To stay safe during civil unrest:

• avoid large gatherings and protests

• monitor the media for possible unrest and avoid those areas

• follow the advice of local authorities and security announcements

If you plan to travel between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic:

• monitor the media and local sources

• keep up to date on new security risks in the border regions

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

• Travel advice for the Kyrgyz Republic

Terrorism is a threat in Kazakhstan. An attack could occur at any time. Targets may include places popular with foreigners.

Attacks can be indiscriminate.

People have been killed or injured in past terror attacks. Targets included:

• public transport

• transport hubs

• public places popular with foreigners

To stay safe: 

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

• report suspicious activity or items to police

• monitor the media for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Kazakhstan experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur in Kazakhstan.

Severe weather

People have died in snow-related accidents in recent years, including:

• avalanches

• snow falling from roofs

• prolonged exposure to extreme cold

• car accidents

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place or carry it on you

• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with friends and family

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Kazakhstan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

Declare all medicine on arrival. You could face charges if you either:

• don't declare restricted medicines

• carry amounts over the legal limit

Officials may charge you for undeclared medicines even if you have a doctor's prescription and letter. Contact the nearest Embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan for advice.

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Visiting forested areas may expose you to tick bites. Ticks can carry diseases. They are common from spring to autumn.

Regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to forest areas.

If a tick bites you:

• remove it from your body as soon as possible

• make sure you remove the whole tick

• monitor the site for any signs of infection

More information:

• Tick bite prevention

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• typhoid

• hepatitis

• haemorrhagic fever

• tuberculosis

• brucellosis

• leishmaniasis

• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• in rural areas, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes in rural areas

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

• avoid dogs and other mammals

If an animal bites or scratches you, get immediate medical help.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Kazakhstan are below Australian standards. Basic drugs and equipment are in short supply.

You often need to pay in cash up-front before doctors or hospitals will treat you. This includes for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to the United Arab Emirates or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties are severe for carrying, using or trafficking in illegal drugs. They can include prison sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty

Serious crimes, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.

Photography

It's illegal to take photos:

• of airport facilities

• near military and security establishments

• near border areas

• near some official buildings

• in premises where there are bans on photography, including many larger shops and supermarkets

Bans apply even if there are no notices banning photography.

Living and working in Kazakhstan

You may need to get official documents before you go to Kazakhstan if:

• you plan to live or work there for long periods

• you plan to get married there

Kazakhstan will only recognise an Australian-issued document if it is authenticated. Find out what you need to do from an embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan before you travel.

You need an official letter of no objection from the Australian Embassy in Moscow if you plan to either:

• apply for a Kazakh residency permit, or

• get married in Kazakhstan

More information:

• Legalising documents

• Living or working overseas

Other laws

Identity checks by police are common.

Always carry your passport and your registration. A certified copy, including your registration, is usually sufficient.

It's illegal to drive if your blood alcohol reading is over 0%.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Kazakhstan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

If authorities find out about a second nationality, they may:

• restrict your entry

• rescind your Kazakh nationality

If you're an Australian-Kazakh dual national, you might have to do national service if you visit Kazakhstan.

In deciding which passport to travel on, think about:

• the possible implications for your Kazakh citizenship

• your national service obligations

• your ability to access Australian consular help if authorities arrest or detain you

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Kazakhstan.

Same-sex relationships are legal, but not widely accepted.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress and behave conservatively and seek local advice.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public in the presence of people who are fasting.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

Before you travel:

• check the dates your visa is valid

• any rules or restrictions

You won't need a visa to stay for up to 30 days.

You must register at the local Migration Police office if you plan to stay longer than 3 months. You may also need to register if you enter through a land or sea border.

For longer stays, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Get a visa that matches the purpose of your visit.

If you overstay your visa or breach your visa conditions, authorities may fine, jail or deport you.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Kazakhstan if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Migration card

Officials will issue you with a migration card (white slip) on entry.

Keep this card in your passport. You'll need it:

• to check into hotels

• for any official business

• to leave Kazakhstan

The migration card must contain 2 stamps.

If you didn't get a migration card on entry, or your migration card contains only 1 stamp, contact the nearest Migration Police office.

Medical certificate

If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities, you'll need a medical certificate showing a negative HIV result. 

Export laws

Strict rules apply to the export of antiquities.

Children 

Children travelling alone or with only 1 parent or guardian must carry a letter of consent for travel. Both parents must have signed the letter.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Kazakh Tenge (KZT).

Declare amounts over $US10,000 or equivalent on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Only change your money at authorised commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Cash payments are preferred. Large hotels accept traveller's cheques and credit cards.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Nur-Sultan and Almaty.

Outside of Nur-Sultan and Almaty, ATMs are limited.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.

Travel restrictions

You need permission from the Kazakh Government before you can travel to:

• the towns of Kulzhat and Kargos and other areas which border China 

• regions around the Gvardeyskiy village, Rossavel village, the Kulzhabashy railway station in Zhambyl Oblast

• Bokeyorda and Zhangaly districts in Western Kazakhstan Oblast

• the town of Priozersk and Gulshad village in Karagunda Oblast

• Baykonur, Karmakshy, and Kazakly districts in Kyzylorda Oblast

• any areas with military installations

Border regions

If you plan to travel to areas within 25km of Kazakhstan's borders, carry ID. Local authorities may ask to see proof of identity.

Strict border controls apply to road travel between Almaty in Kazakhstan and Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Crossing the land border between the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan by car can be slow. Customs checks can create long delays.

The border between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan may close for short periods. Before you go, check with the Kazakhstan Border Service (Russian).

Driving permits

To drive in Kazakhstan, you need both:

• an valid driver's licence

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're 4 times more likely to die in a car accident in Kazakhstan than in Australia. Hazards include:

• poor road conditions

• poor driving standards

• lack of street lighting

• pedestrians crossing streets with no warning

• snow and ice on roads during winter

Cars often don't give way to pedestrians on roads.

In rural areas, animals on roads are another hazard.

The road between Almaty and Bishkek in Kyrgyz Republic is very poor. Drive carefully.

It may be difficult to access service stations in rural areas. Fuel shortages happen sometimes.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers it

• learn local traffic laws and driving practices

• beware of animals on the roads

• look out for pedestrians crossing streets without warning

• avoid travel at night, especially in rural areas

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines. Arrange them through your hotel if you can.

Public transport

Avoid public transport.

Local buses and mini-buses have poor safety standards and maintenance.

Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to petty crime.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Kazakhstan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

National emergency number

Call 112.

Fire and rescue services

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103.

Police

Call 102.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a Consulate in Almaty headed by an Honorary-Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular services. It conducts passport interviews but doesn't offer notarial services.

You can access a full range of consular services at the Australian Embassy in Moscow.

Australian Embassy, Russian Federation

10a/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok

Moscow, Russia

Phone: +7 495 956 6070

Fax: +7 495 956 6170

Website: russia.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Kazakhstan

Esentai Tower

77/7 Al-Farabi Ave

Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan

Phone: (+7 727) 258 5960

Fax: (+7 727) 258 5961

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia