Travel restrictions
You need permission from the Kazakh Government before you can travel to:
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the towns of Kulzhat and Kargos and other areas which border China
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regions around the Gvardeyskiy village, Rossavel village, the Kulzhabashy railway station in Zhambyl Oblast
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Bokeyorda and Zhangaly districts in Western Kazakhstan Oblast
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the town of Priozersk and Gulshad village in Karagunda Oblast
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Baykonur, Karmakshy, and Kazakly districts in Kyzylorda Oblast
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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:
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:
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:
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check your travel insurance covers it
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learn local traffic laws and driving practices
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beware of animals on the roads
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look out for pedestrians crossing streets without warning
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avoid travel at night, especially in rural areas
More information:
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: