Kazakhstan

Kazakhstanhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstanKazakhstanhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/visas-and-permitsAs a former Soviet republic that shares a border with China, Kazakhstan poses a few unique bureaucratic challenges for travelers. Find out what you need to do and what arrangements you need to make before you visit.2020-12-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/visas-and-permitshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Getting in – visas and visa-free entry</h2> <p>Pre-COVID-19, visitors <a href="https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/article/details/6764?lang=en">from a list of 57 countries</a> (including North America, most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand) could enter Kazakhstan visa-free for touristic visits of up to 30 days (but no more than 90 within 180). However, for most countries, this rule <a href="/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/crime-in-kazakhstan">has been suspended</a> until at least May 2021.</p> <p>In the meantime, you'll mostly likely need to obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate in your home country or current residence, and it'll cost you between $20 and $200 depending on your nationality.</p> <h2>Registering in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>Historically, all visitors staying in Kazakhstan for more than five calendar days were required to register their passports with the Office of Visas and Registration migration authority and carry a paper migration card until departing the country; while that appears to have changed in early 2020, very little on-the-ground info has been forthcoming, as COVID-19 led to the closure of the border shortly afterward. Make sure you do some research before your trip or upon arrival to confirm, once tourism reopens.</p> <p>Responsibility for registration now falls upon your host in Kazakhstan (for most visitors this will be a hotel) so you won’t need to take any action. However, be prepared to argue your point when leaving the country if you encounter <a href="/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/crime-in-kazakhstan">corrupt border officials</a>, a rare but lingering possibility.</p> <h2>Border permits for Kazakhstan</h2> <p>One piece of Soviet-era bureaucracy that lingers on to inconvenience visitors is the border permit system – certain sections of the Chinese and Kyrgyz border areas require a special permit listing travelers' planned route, travel dates, and the name of a Kazakh citizen who will accompany them. Typically, a tour agency can arrange this with at least a few weeks' notice, which will be the simplest way for international visitors to access these areas where such permits are required:</p> <ul> <li>Enilchek Glacier and sections of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains on the border with Kyrgyzstan</li> <li>Portions of the Altai mountains and the Dzungarian Alatau mountains on the border with China</li> <li>Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site and nearby town of Kurchatov</li> <li>Baikonur Cosmodrome (which also requires a valid Russian visa)</li> </ul>Getty Images / Oleksandr Matsibura 01174383590 Getty Images Rocky, snow-covered peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range in Kazakhstan.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/kazakhstans-natural-troublesFind out how to stay safe in wild weather extremes, avoid food poisoning and which vaccinations you need for your trip to Kazakhstan.2019-11-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/kazakhstans-natural-troubleshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><a href="/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/crime-in-kazakhstan" target="_blank" title="Is Kazakhstan safe?">Kazakhstan</a> is located in the northern region of Central Asia, and experiences extremely cold winters, which begin in November and last until April. The bitterly frosty winters see temperatures as low as 10ºF (-12ºC). Summer, on the flip side, can reach high temperatures around 86ºF (30ºC).</p> <h2>Natural disasters</h2> <p>In March 2010, the two weather extremes caused tragedy in the mountains near Almaty. Heavy snowfall followed by warm temperatures caused water banks at Kyzyl Agash and Zharbulak water reservoirs to explode.</p> <p>Major floods followed, killing 35 people and forcing the evacuation of thousands more.</p> <p>In April 2017, <a href="http://floodlist.com/asia/kazakhstan-snowmelt-floods-april-2017" target="_blank" title="Floodlist">7,000 people were evacuated after huge floods struck seven regions due to snowmelt</a>, and in March 2018 three days of heavy rain and melting snow in east Kazakhstan caused <a href="http://floodlist.com/asia/kazakhstan-floods-march-2018" target="_blank" title="Floodlist">400 people to be evacuated and damaged 140 buildings</a>.</p> <p>Icy conditions in winter weather causes many road accidents in Kazakhstan in addition to avalanches.</p> <p>Altitude sickness can occur for anyone traveling in the Tien Shan Mountains. Take time to get used to the elevation, as serious cases of AMS can be fatal.</p> <p>Kazakhstan is located in a seismically active region, and although they are rare, earthquakes can happen. They're most likely to strike in the southeast region, which is quite mountainous, and can affect Almaty.</p> <p>Other environmental hazards include <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2014/02/kazakhstan-poisoned-legacy-2014219142030905812.html" target="_blank" title="Al Jazeera">lead pollution in the region of Shymkent</a>, in the south of Kazakhstan.</p> <h2>Staying healthy in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>A few other natural dangers exist for travelers to Kazakhstan. Anyone roaming the forest regions from spring to fall is at risk for tick bites, which can also carry encephalitis.</p> <p>There are numerous diseases borne from other insects and water, such as typhoid, rabies, hepatitis and leishmaniasis. Tuberculosis occurs in the Aral Sea and Semipalatinsk regions.</p> <p>Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome has occurred in southern Kazakhstan, including cases that have led to death.</p> <p>Poliomyelitis is another possible virus passed on between people through feces. Severe instances can cause paralysis in the spinal cord or brain stem.</p> <p>You can check on information regarding current disease outbreaks by visiting your country's government travel site. See a doctor to get the right advice prior to traveling to find out which booster shots or vaccinations you need for Kazakhstan.</p> <h2>Watch what you eat</h2> <p><a href="https://www.iamat.org/country/kazakhstan/food-and-water-safety" target="_blank" title="IAMAT">Food-borne illnesses are also possible</a>, and several outbreaks occurred in March 2010, including <a href="https://www.tephinet.org/outbreak-investigation-of-foodborne-illness-%E2%80%95-atyrau-western-kazakhstan-march-8-9-2010" target="_blank" title="Outbreak investigation of foodborne illness ― Atyrau, Western Kazakhstan">one among workers in Atyrau in western Kazakhstan who ate a type of salad at a cafeteria</a>. The cause was suspected to be poor food preparation processes.</p> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia: Brucellosis">Brucellosis</a> occurs in rural areas where infected meat is consumed. Be cautious when selecting a place to eat <em>shashlik</em>, or shish kebab. Make sure the place you are buying it is busy, with high-turnover of food.</p> <p>Be careful with Kazakhstan's street food in general, and try to ensure that all meat is properly cooked before eating.</p>Getty Images/humancode 1 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/crime-in-kazakhstanHow safe is Kazakhstan for travelers? From transport to scams, thieves and corrupt police, here's everything you need to know to have a safe trip.2025-10-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/central-asia/kazakhstan/crime-in-kazakhstanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>When it comes to personal safety in the central Asian country of Kazakhstan, there is some good news - crime is falling. However, theft and fraud are still something to be wary of. If you are prepared and on-guard though, you can still have a great time in this beautiful country.</p> <p>Despite what you might have seen in the <em>Borat</em> films, Kazakhstan is an incredible destination for travelers to discover. Here are our top tips to stay safe and types of crime you should know about before traveling to Kazakhstan.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#alone"> Crime in Kazakhstan </a></li> <li><a href="#avoid"> Places to avoid in Kazakhstan </a></li> <li><a href="#transport"> Is public transport safe in Kazakhstan? </a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Common travel scams in Kazakhstan </a></li> <li><a href="#corruption"> Corruption in Kazakhstan </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="alone">Crime in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>In the <a href="https://en.kabar.kg/news/kazakhstan-rises-in-global-peace-index-2025">2025 Global Peace Index</a>, Kazakhstan ranks 56 out of 163 countries when it comes to safety and peace, <span>surpassing all neighboring states in the region, including Armenia (58th), Uzbekistan (67th), Kyrgyzstan (78th), Tajikistan (79th), and Turkmenistan (87th). While this is overall good news for Kazakhstan, some areas within the country did see a rise in crime this year. For example, the <a href="https://en.orda.kz/kazakhstans-top-crime-regions-named-4650">Mangystau Region recorded a 12.2% rise, and the Atyrau Region 8.5%</a>.</span></p> <p>Most urban areas are safe to travel during the day. However, you should avoid walking alone at night, as there are some urban areas where travelers have been robbed after sunset, and the general advice is to avoid walking the streets alone in the dark.</p> <p>Even in a group, it's smart to avoid arguments with locals. Leave the area if a fight does break out. An extremist element does exist in and around Kazakhstan, and terrorists, including suicide bombers, have targeted civilians in restaurants and at night clubs.</p> <p>Travelers have also reported unfriendly attitudes by locals toward foreigners in parts of western Kazakhstan – so travel with extra caution here if you visit.</p> <p>During periods of <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest">civil unrest</a>, the situation can become hostile in Kazakhstan. Stay across the news before you go and while you are there, and avoid large crowds which are unpredictable during periods of unrest.</p> <h2 id="avoid">Places to avoid in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>In Almaty’s nightlife districts — especially after dark and in less-lit side streets or lesser known bars — visitors have reported incidents of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/worldwide/drink-spiking">drink spiking</a> and petty theft. While it’s not officially restricted, travellers should exercise heightened caution, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep drinks in sight and sealed. </p> <p>Smaller districts within Almaty, including the Shanyrak area, should be avoided. Check with your accommodation provider for their tips and advice. Foreign travelers and residents have been attacked and mugged in Atyrau and Aktau, but security is improving.</p> <p>Smaller towns in Kazakhstan may have less police resources and therefore be less safe. If you do go to a smaller town, try to stick to main roads and get back to your hotel before dark.</p> <p>Thieves may target Western hotels and tourist areas, so you should always keep your doors and windows locked in your accommodation; criminals may wait in unlit stairwells for their next target. Open-air markets are also hot targets for thieves, so keep your belongings secure and in sight at all times.<br /><br />Check your government’s travel advice for any recent updates.</p> <h2 id="transport">Is public transport safe in Kazakhstan?</h2> <p>Like elsewhere, public transport is a hotspot for thieves who are on the lookout for easy targets on trains, buses and at transport stations. Some unlicensed taxi drivers may take advantage of solo travelers, so be extra cautious before hopping in a cab and negotiate an appropriate fare before they drive off.</p> <p>Criminals also operate at airports by finding out passengers' names through the often non-private plane lists and gaining their trust by standing with a sign with the their names when they arrive. They will then offer to take you to your hotel, but instead take you to a remote area and rob you. Provincial airports are more known for this type of activity.</p> <h2 id="scams">Common travel scams in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>There are a number of common travel scams in Kazakhstan. One such scam is the "lost wallet ploy", where a thief claims to find a wallet and then tries to split the money with you. His partner saunters up and says it's his wallet, and forces you to give him money.</p> <p>The twist on this scam is the person who comes looking for a lost wallet and demands you show your purse or pockets to prove you haven't stolen it. The thief then grabs all your belongings and darts away.</p> <p>There is another scam where locals pose as cops and demand money from you. You can tell who's a legitimate police officer by his approach – the real ones will always show their badges or produce them upon request.</p> <h2 id="corruption">Corruption in Kazakhstan</h2> <p>Corruption remains a concern in Kazakhstan’s law-enforcement system: police officers are among the most frequently detained for <a href="https://timesca.com/tackling-corruption-in-kazakhstan-the-latest-trends">bribery and corruption offences</a>. <br /><br />Travelers should remain aware that public drunkenness is illegal in many locations and being visibly intoxicated in public may lead to a fine or detention. While there aren’t verified reports of widespread scams where visitors are deliberately ‘arrested’ for the purpose of robbery, instances of bribe solicitation, extortion and misuse of authority do occur, especially in areas with weaker oversight. As a precaution, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar towns, keep a record of your travel documents and know your country’s consular contact details.</p> <p>Other public officials might also play games with travelers. In the Almaty airport, for example, visitors have reported customs officials demanding they pay up to US $500 for some vague violation. Others might be forced to pay a fine just for leaving the country. </p> <p>Even non-corrupt officials might do some questionable things to travelers. It's not uncommon for security personnel to put foreign visitors under surveillance in their hotel rooms. This extends from tapping telephones to actually going through your belongings.</p> <p>Police may also conduct random checks on the street that require you to show your passport; they don't need probable cause to search. You also may be questioned or apprehended if you photograph anything thought to be a matter of national security – so ask before you take photographs of official buildings.</p> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/kazakhstan-travel-advisory.html">government travel warnings</a> and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban.</em></p>Getty Images/cosmopol 1 Getty Images Kazakhstan