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 have been 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

On 2 January 2022, violent protests occurred in Almaty and other regions of Kazakhstan, leading to injuries and deaths. Kazakhstan introduced a state of emergency and curfew, which was lifted on 19 January. The situation is stable but may deteriorate rapidly. Ensure you have security plans in place.

To stay safe during civil unrest:

• be vigilant and avoid large gatherings and protests
• monitor the media for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• follow the advice of local authorities and security announcements

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.

Overland border crossing by road or train to neighbouring countries may not be possible or safe, and access to fuel may be limited. In the past, there have been tensions around the border with the Kyrgyz Republic. Security issues could emerge if tensions intensify.

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
• There's a demonstration or 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:

• Terrorism

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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk. 

For information on Kazakhstan's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Government Services and Information portal. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process. 

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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 is observed in Kazakhstan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Visa-free travel for short stays

Before you travel:

• check the dates your visa is valid
• any rules or restrictions

Visa-free entry is available for Australians. You can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 calendar days on each entry. The number of visits is unlimited, but the total period of stay should not exceed 90 calendar days within a 180-day period. You're not allowed to work under the visa-free arrangement.

You must be registered by the receiving party at the local Migration Police office within 3 working days from arrival. You'll need to confirm with your receiving party that they will register you.  

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. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Longer stays requiring a visa

You should contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan for further information.

Make sure you have the right visa for the purpose of your travel, especially for business visas or work permits. Check the validity dates of your visa and any associated restrictions carefully before you travel.

Anyone who has overstayed their visa needs to apply to the local migration service for an extension and may have to pay a fine.

More information:

• Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan

Border measures

Kazakhstan has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. You're no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination or PCR testing certificates to enter the country. 

Contact your airline, nearest embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan to confirm entry requirements.

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.

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 one 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 one parent or guardian must carry a letter of consent for travel. Both parents must have signed the letter.

Registration

Hosts or hotels must notify immigration authorities of a foreigner’s arrival. The notification should be made within three working days from the date of the guest’s arrival in country and can be done online on the Visa and Migration portal or in writing to the Migration Service.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months beyond the expiry date of your visa. Your passport should also have at least one blank page for your visa.

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.

If you're travelling to Kazakhstan, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months beyond the expiry date of your visa. Your passport should also have at least one blank page for your visa.

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 Astana and Almaty.

Outside of Astana and Almaty, ATMs are limited.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.

Travel restrictions

The following areas of Kazakhstan are closed to visitors unless prior permission has been received from the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry, with the agreement of the Kazakh National Security Committee:

• the Gvardeyskiy urban-type village in Almaty region (south eastern Kazakhstan) 
• the town of Baykonur
• the districts of Karmakchi and Kazalinsk in southern Kyzylorda region.

Border regions

Do not cross the border into or out of Kazakhstan illegally. Overland border crossing by road or train to neighbouring countries may not be possible or safe, and access to fuel may be limited. 

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:

• a valid driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're 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

In April 2022, the EU announced that 21 Russian owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns. 

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. If you’re flying domestically or internationally, you should research your aviation provider.

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, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia
Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia

Australian Consulate, Kazakhstan

Esentai Tower

77/7 Al-Farabi Ave

Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan

Phone: +7 776 108 3090 

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