About Kazakhstan

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Most visits to Kazakhstan are trouble-free, but crime against foreigners does sometimes occur. See Crime

Visas for most UK Nationals are not needed to enter Kazakhstan. See Visas

You must carry your original passport at all times. See Local laws and customs 

Terrorist attacks in Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Kazakhstan on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In line with the announcement on 5 May 2023 by the World Health Organization that declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kazakh Chief State Doctor has cancelled all COVID-19 related restrictions in Kazakhstan, including usage of the Ashyq mobile application.

International travel

Commercial flights to and from Kazakhstan are operating as normal.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Kazakhstan.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Kazakhstan

There are occasionally local restrictions in place. Breaches of regulations can result in fines or eventually imprisonment.

Accommodation

Hotels are now open as normal, although quite full due to the ongoing regional political situation.

Public places and services

All COVID-19 restrictions in Kazakhstan have been lifted.

Healthcare in Kazakhstan

As advised by local authorities anyone who has symptoms similar to COVID-19 should not go to the hospital, instead you should call the ambulance 103 or the hospital you’re registered with clearly explaining the symptoms. In most parts of the country COVID-19 infected patients are not hospitalised unless severe danger to health.

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health

View Health for further details on healthcare in Kazakhstan

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Protests took place on 2 January 2022 in Atyrau and the wider Mangystau region, spreading from 3 January 2022 to other cities across Kazakhstan including Aktobe, Karaganda, Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda. Some cities, including Almaty, saw violent clashes between protestors and police with deaths, injuries and arrests reported. The situation is now calm.

Crime

Most visits are trouble-free. However, mugging and theft occur in cities and rural areas. Foreigners can be targeted.

There have been a number of violent attacks and muggings on the expatriate community in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan, and in Astana and Almaty. Attacks have largely taken place at night, in and around local nightclubs and bars or when arriving at 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. 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 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 then being robbed.

Local travel

Closed areas

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 - see the Baikonuradm website (only in Russian) for further details
• the districts of Karmakchi and Kazalinsk in southern Kyzylorda region

Borders

Do not cross the border into or out of Kazakhstan illegally.

Border crossing points are subject to closure without notice.

Road travel

If you wish to drive in Kazakhstan, you should apply for a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). 1949 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted in Kazakhstan. You can get IDPs over the counter from most UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus are a single Customs Union so if you’re planning to travel overland in your own vehicle make sure your customs declaration and temporary import licence are valid for the entire period of stay in all three countries. Your import licence can be extended for up to a year if necessary by contacting the customs authorities in any of the three countries.

Service stations are limited outside the main cities. Make sure you take all you need for your journey including water. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and in good condition for lengthy journeys.

Many roads are poorly maintained and road works or damaged roads are often not clearly signposted. Driving standards can be erratic. In some remote areas there are often stray animals on the roads. These are especially difficult to see in the dark. In winter, roads can become hazardous due to snow and ice.

Local traffic police only have the right to stop vehicles if an offence has been committed, but you should obey any request from the police to stop. The police officer should complete official papers relating to any alleged offence.

Many cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts.

Take care when crossing roads as pedestrian crossings are rarely respected.

Air travel

On 19 May 2022, the UK sanctioned Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines and Ural Airlines. It is now illegal under UK law for any British national or British company to do business with these airlines. This includes the purchasing of flight tickets.

The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

You are advised to check the UK Air Safety List when flying with foreign air carriers.  The Civil Aviation Authority UK Air Safety List (ASL) identifies foreign airlines which do not meet international safety standards. These airlines are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. You should:

• use the list to inform your decisions on which air carriers to use when flying overseas.

• consult local travel providers to find alternative air routes or other means of travel, e.g. road or rail.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Kazakhstan.

The UK government advises its employees in Kazakhstan against using Petropavlovsk airport due to safety concerns.

On 27 December 2019, an internal flight operated by the carrier ‘Bek Air’ crashed in Almaty, killing a number of people. Kazakhstan’s civil aviation authority has suspended the company’s licence. A list of further incidents and accidents in Kazakhstan can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

Local airlines do not always run to flight schedule. Check your actual departure or arrival time in advance. Keep hold of your baggage tags, as you will need to show them when you leave the airport.

Political situation

Public demonstrations are only permitted when authorised in advance. Unauthorised small-scale public protests do take place occasionally, in contravention of local law, putting participants at risk of arrest. You should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should leave the area immediately.

Terrorist attacks in Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Be alert to any security-related announcements by the Kazakh authorities. If in any doubt, keep in touch with the British Embassy in Astana.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Kazakhstan has a secular constitution. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.

Possession and use of drugs is illegal; if found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in basic conditions.

Although homosexuality is not illegal, it is often not tolerated, especially outside the major cities. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

You must carry your passport at all times (not a photocopy).

There are restrictions on photography near military establishments, border areas and some official buildings. Notices about these restrictions are not always indicated. Photographing airport facilities is prohibited. Many of the larger shops and supermarkets also prohibit photography.

You can import a drone into Kazakhstan at airports or land border crossings without a licence. However, unlicensed use of drones in Kazakhstan will attract a fine, detention and confiscation of equipment. You can get a licence to use a drone from the Aviation Committee in Astana. Applications for licences should include technical characteristics of the drone and details of planned use (when, where, how long). You can find more information about licensing requirements on the Adilet website (only in Russian).

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kazakhstan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Kazakhstan’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

UK nationals no longer need a visa to enter Kazakhstan, unless they are residents. Visitors are strongly advised to have proof of either an onward or return journey as visa-free entry is for 30 days.

If you’re fully vaccinated

All COVID-19 related restrictions, including PCR testing and vaccination certificates, have been lifted.

Proof of vaccination status

Kazakhstan recognised the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record; however, from 8 June 2022 you are not required to show proof of vaccination when travelling to Kazakhstan.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

The PCR certificate requirement for entry into Kazakhstan has been removed.

If you’re travelling from the UK, you do not need to quarantine when arriving in Kazakhstan

If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Kazakh embassy. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year

From 8 June 2022 you do not need to show your proof of vaccination, proof of having had COVID-19 in the past or a PCR certificate for entry into Kazakhstan.

Children and young people

There are no specific requirements for children and young people.

If you’re transiting through Kazakhstan

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Transiting through Kazakhstan is permitted for travellers who meet the requirements of their final destination.

If you are transiting through Kazakhstan on your way to another country and will be passing through immigration (sometimes known as a layover), for example to stay in a hotel for a flight the next day, you need to follow normal entry procedures

Further information about transiting through Kazakhstan can be found on the Kazakhstan Embassy or MFA website.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Visas

You can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 calendar days. A number of visits is unlimited, but a total period of stay without a visa should not exceed 90 calendar days within a 180-day period.

You should contact your nearest Kazakh Embassy for further information.

If you do need a visa, 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.

Registration

Since 10 January 2020, it has been the responsibility of the host person or hotel to notify immigration authorities of a foreigner’s arrival. This 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.

Dual nationality

Dual nationality is not recognised in Kazakhstan. If you enter Kazakhstan on a Kazakh passport and also hold British nationality the British Embassy can only provide very limited consular assistance. In cases of arrest or detention, consular access is unlikely to be granted.

Customs

The Government of Kazakhstan imposes limits on how much foreign currency can be imported or exported, and certain goods are subject to custom regulations. For further information please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Healthcare

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance, although the emergency services operators only speak Kazakh or Russian and waiting times for ambulances can be lengthy. If possible it is often quicker to take a taxi to the hospital. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Kazakhstan.

The medical facilities in Kazakhstan are not as advanced as those in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

It is not common for medical personnel in Kazakhstan to speak English. View guidance on medical facilities in Kazakhstan for a list of English-speaking doctors.

Pharmacies and chemists are widely available in Kazakhstan and some remain open 24/7. They are often marked by a red or green cross.

Basic medications (aspirin etc.) are available without a prescription. For prescription medication you will need to present a valid prescription either from a local doctor or your doctor in the UK. Pharmacies will often accept prescriptions from the UK. You may need to get your UK prescription translated into Russian or Kazakh. Make sure you have adequate medication to cover your trip.

Some prescription medicines used in the UK are not widely available in Kazakhstan. Your local doctor or pharmacy is best placed to advise on availability of specific medications. Medications are often supplied under different brand names in Kazakhstan so it is important to ask for the generic name of the relevant drug. If your prescription medication is not available locally, it may be possible to get supplies couriered from abroad through some private clinics.

Health risks

There are regular outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever (a tick-borne disease) in southern Kazakhstan in spring and summer, which have caused deaths.

There are reports of lead pollution in the southern city of Shymkent and immediately surrounding areas.

Almaty is in an active seismic zone, but the last major earthquake involving loss of life was in 1927. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.