Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In addition, you should also be alert to any security-related announcements by the Kazakh authorities, and if in any doubt, keep in touch with the British Embassy in Almaty. 

For further information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Most visits are trouble-free. However, mugging, sometimes violent, and theft regularly occur in both cities and rural areas and foreigners are a particular target.

There has been an increase in the number of violent attacks and muggings on the expatriate community in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan.  There have been at least 10 such reported instances to the British Embassy in Kazakhstan. There was a report of a British national being held up at gunpoint in Almaty in November 2008. There have also been assaults reported in Astana and Almaty involving western nationals. These attacks have largely taken place at night, in and around local nightclubs and bars or when coming home late at night as the majority of apartment buildings have dark stairwells and no lifts. Avoid walking alone and where possible pre-arrange transport with friends, colleagues or official taxi firms. Keep valuables in a safe place and out of public view. Avoid travelling in unofficial taxis, particularly at night and alone, or if there is another passenger already in the car.

Robberies have also occurred on trains, so always lock railway compartments on overnight trains. Passenger lists on aircraft are not always kept confidential. There have been instances of people being met from an aircraft by someone using their name and subsequently being robbed especially travelling to provincial airports.

As in many major cities, other incidents of crime (involving both foreign and local people) have included theft from vehicles waiting at traffic lights or parked cars, copying of cash or credit cards at fraudulent ATM machines, and spiking of drinks in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Keep personal belongings, especially your passport, safe and out of sight, as several incidents of passport theft have been reported in the last year.

For more general information see  victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Kazakhstan country profile

Parliamentary elections were held peacefully in August 2007.

Local travel

You may travel to most places in Kazakhstan, but travel to any 'closed territories' or secure areas requires advance permission from the relevant authorities. Some military/restricted areas are not clearly marked so care should be taken when travelling away from normal routes.

Do not cross the border into or out of Kazakhstan illegally as the absence of entry/exit stamps will cause problems (e.g. possible detention, fines) when leaving or re-entering the country.

Some border points are closed on certain days of the week e.g. Sundays and you should check with the Kazakh local authorities prior to travel to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Travellers are advised to check before travelling on certain train routes as trains between Kazakhstan cities sometimes cross through neighbouring countries requiring extra visas, and multi-entry visas for Kazakhstan (e.g Aktobe to Uralsk).

Road Travel

International driving licences are valid in Kazakhstan. However if you are resident in Kazakhstan you are advised to obtain a Kazakh driving license after six months residency.

Service stations and petrol/water access can be limited outside the main cities. Make sure you take all you need for your journey. You should ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained and in good condition for lengthy journeys across Kazakhstan. A significant proportion of cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts. In some remote parts of Kazakhstan animals can be seen regularly on the roads and can be especially difficult to see in the dark. We advise against using local buses or mini-buses as maintenance of these vehicles is generally poor. Driving can be erratic and care should be taken crossing roads. Pedestrian crossings are rarely respected.

Many roads are poorly maintained and road works or damaged roads are often not clearly signposted. During the winter, roads are often hazardous due to snow and ice.

Local Traffic Police only have the right to stop vehicles if an offence has been committed. Travellers should note that a Traffic Police Official should start immediately to complete official papers relating to any alleged offence.

For further information see driving abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. With the exception of Air Astana Airlines, all Kazakh airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because they do not comply with internationally accepted safety requirements. We recommend that you avoid flying with the airlines subject to the EU operating ban. If you already have a flight booked with any of them and it is part of a journey, which commenced in the EU you should consult your travel agent. You should check the European Commission website  to see whether this will affect your travel.

It is not known whether maintenance procedures on aircraft used for internal or regional flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by insurance. However, the situation is constantly changing. We therefore advise in-country and regional travellers to check these issues with the carrier in addition to the EU website noted above.

Local Airlines do not always adhere to schedules and you are advised to check your actual departure or arrival time in advance. You are also advised to keep hold of your baggage tags, as you will be required to show them when you leave the destination airport. Travellers should also be aware that photography of airport facilities is prohibited.