Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Kazakhstan, Central Asia's largest country, is generally stable and safe for travellers. Use normal caution in cities and watch for petty theft.
- Overall risk
- Low to moderate; generally safe with normal precautions
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, overcharging and unofficial taxis in cities
- Emergency number
- 112 (unified; also 102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire)
- Kazakhstan is a vast steppe nation bordering Russia and China. Astana (the capital, formerly Nur-Sultan) and Almaty (the largest city) are generally safe. Stay alert in crowded areas and use registered transport.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for typical tourists. Take extra care near remote border zones with Russia and China and in isolated steppe areas.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers in cities
- Border zones
- Remote Russia/China border areas may need permits
- At night
- Use normal caution in quiet urban districts
- Kazakhstan is vast, with long borders and remote steppe and mountain regions. Carry documents near border areas, and plan carefully before travelling into isolated regions.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Almaty lies in a seismic zone; earthquakes are a real risk. Expect harsh winter cold, hot dry summers, and mountain hazards in the Tien Shan.
- Seismic risk
- Almaty and the south-east sit in an active earthquake zone
- Winter
- Severe cold and ice across the steppe
- Summer
- Extreme heat; mountain weather and avalanche risk in the Tien Shan
- Know earthquake safety procedures in Almaty. Prepare for extreme temperature swings between seasons and check mountain conditions before hiking in the Tien Shan.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare varies; private clinics in Astana and Almaty are best. Avoid tap water and drink bottled water throughout the country.
- Healthcare
- Better in Astana and Almaty; limited in rural areas
- Tap water
- Not recommended; drink bottled water
- Emergency
- 103 for ambulance (or 112)
- Standards outside major cities can be limited, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Avoid untreated tap water, and carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in cities. Beware overcharging and unofficial taxis; agree fares in advance or use ride apps.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas
- Taxis
- Avoid unofficial cabs; use ride apps or agreed fares
- Advice
- Keep valuables out of sight and cash discreet
- Most visits are trouble-free, but stay alert in markets, stations and on public transport. Use registered or app-based taxis and confirm the price before setting off to avoid overcharging.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Kazakhstan is relatively stable. Widespread protests and unrest occurred in January 2022; large gatherings can still be sensitive, so avoid them.
- Government
- Presidential republic; generally stable governance
- Demonstrations
- Avoid large gatherings and political protests
- History
- Large-scale unrest occurred in January 2022
- The situation is generally calm, but political demonstrations can occur and are best avoided. Follow local news and official advice, and steer clear of large public gatherings.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Kazakhstan is mostly Muslim but secular. Respect local customs, carry ID and registration, and note strict drug laws and driving on the right.
- Culture
- Predominantly Muslim yet secular; dress modestly at religious sites
- Documents
- Carry passport/ID; keep any registration paperwork
- Driving
- Drive on the right; drug penalties are severe
- Show respect at mosques and religious sites and dress modestly. Carry identification, follow photography restrictions near military or government sites, and be aware that penalties for drug offences are harsh.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies. Individual services also work: 102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire. English may be limited.
- All emergencies
- 112 (unified number)
- Police / Ambulance / Fire
- 102 / 103 / 101
- Language
- Kazakh and Russian; English support limited
- The unified emergency number is 112, and the individual services 102 (police), 103 (ambulance) and 101 (fire) also work. Operators mainly speak Kazakh and Russian, so having a local contact or translation app helps.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended, as care outside major cities is limited.
- Must have
- Comprehensive medical and evacuation cover
- Why
- Care outside Astana/Almaty can be limited
- Include
- Repatriation and any adventure or mountain activities
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation. If you plan mountain trekking or adventure activities in the Tien Shan, confirm these are included.