Kazakhstan

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 102 for police
• Dial 103 for ambulance
• Dial 111 or 150 (for children and adolescents) for toll-free domestic violence hotline  

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Crime is rare in Kazakhstan. The most common crimes include purse snatching, pickpocketing, assaults, and robberies.

• Be vigilant and do not carry large sums of money or valuables on the street.

ID checks

• Police may stop you in public areas and ask for ID.
• Police do not need a reason to detain you. 
• You must show either a passport or a U.S. embassy or consulate certified copy of your passport.

Surveillance

Kazakh security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. They may monitor hotel rooms and may search personal belongings.

Harassment

Scams and harassment by people pretending to be police, and sometimes by real police officers, do happen. Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Never hand over your wallet voluntarily. If a police officer pressures you, tell them you will report the behavior to the U.S. embassy or consulate and to their supervisors. Try to get the officer's name, badge number, and license plate number, and note where and when it happened.
• Be cautious at bars and nightclubs. The U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan is aware of cases where foreigners have been drugged, robbed, or assaulted at bars, nightclubs, and in unmarked taxis.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams are common in Kazakhstan. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 102.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Kazakhstan, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Drugs and alcohol

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Kazakhstan are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and big fines.
• Kazakhstan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of any alcohol. The Blood Alcohol Concentration limit effectively sits at 0.00%. If you are caught driving under the influence, you can be detained immediately.

Carrying ID and photography restrictions

• Always carry your passport or an embassy or consulate-certified copy of your passport. You may be stopped and questioned if you don’t have it with you.
• Don’t take pictures of certain government or military buildings or other sensitive infrastructure. Doing so may result in detention or fines.

Customs

Kazakh customs authorities strictly regulate the export of items such as antiques.

• Review our Customs Information page for more information.

U.S. government and military personnel

Kazakhstan and Russia have law enforcement agreements that require information sharing on certain security and law enforcement matters.

• Russian authorities may ask Kazakh officials to give extra scrutiny to current or former U.S. government or military staff who have worked in Russia.
• Russian law enforcement may also ask Kazakh authorities to detain U.S. citizens upon entry or exit under these agreements.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Missionary work

Visitors to Kazakhstan engaging in missionary work or other religious activities must register with the Local Executive Authority office (Akimat) where the activities will take place.

• Kazakhstan strictly prohibits public proselytization. 
• Kazakhstan treats public discussions or sharing of religious beliefs, religious teaching, or prayer outside of tightly registered and approved religious buildings as an offense that could result in arrest, fines, detention, and/or deportation.
• Kazakhstan requires the review and approval of religious materials before they are produced, imported, or distributed. Authorities can fine, arrest, detain, or imprison individuals for possessing, distributing, or discussing unapproved religious literature or for sharing approved literature outside of government designated spaces.
• All foreign nationals must obtain a special missionary license by the state annually to engage in missionary work.
• Missionary work must be conducted in accordance with Kazakhstan’s strict religious registration requirements. 
• It is illegal to approach strangers in public areas, such as parks, streets, or public squares, to discuss religion.

Gay and lesbian travelers

Kazakhstan outlaws so-called “LGBT propaganda.” Kazakhstan prohibits same-sex couples from adopting children, as well as media portrayal or online promotion of “non-traditional sexual orientation.” The law applies to foreign nationals, but there are no known reports of the government charging foreign nationals since the law’s 2026 implementation.

• Events focused on sexual orientation may be disrupted by local authorities or members of the public.
• Negative social attitudes towards lesbian or gay people are common. Local lesbian and gay individuals sometimes face physical and verbal abuse, as well as unwanted attention from police.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Kazakhstan prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, communication, access to services, or ease of movement.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability acceptance is not as prevalent as in the United States.
• Services are available for rental of aids, equipment or devices, and sign language interpreters are sporadically available from governmental and private sources.  

Contact the U.S. embassy in Kazakhstan to receive a list of providers.

• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

Domestic violence is common and sexual assaults do occur. However, the U.S. embassy has not received any recent reports of sexual assault against U.S. citizens.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Significant human rights issues have included credible reports of:

• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Arbitrary arrest or detention.
• Transnational repression against individuals in another country.
• Cooperation with another country to carry out acts of transnational repression.
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence or threats of violence against journalists, unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists, and censorship.
• Prohibiting independent trade unions or significant or systematic restrictions on workers’ freedom of association.
• Violence or threats against labor activists or union members
• The presence of any of the worst forms of child labor.

The government took some credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.
• Review the Department of State’s Journalist Page prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Kazakhstan Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 103 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or reliable in most areas except major cities.  

• Ambulances have little or no advanced medical equipment. 
• They are not staffed with paramedics. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Kazakhstan. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout Kazakhstan. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals: Astana Consular District list of doctors and hospitals and Almaty Consular District list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission depending on the type of service sought.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Kazakhstan’s National Center for Expertise to ensure the medication is legal in Kazakhstan.
• Avoid carrying prohibited medications containing pure narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors. This includes opioids, stimulants, and pure ephedrine-containing drugs.  Review rules on medications at the Ministry of Justice Website.   
• Kazakhstan does not allow the importation of drugs unregistered in Kazakhstan, unless they are intended for personal treatment for life-threatening conditions. You must get special permission from the Medical and Pharmaceutical Control Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Health.
• Avoid carrying drugs unregistered in Kazakhstan or withdrawn from circulation or prohibited for sale in the Republic of Kazakhstan.  
• Please check if the medication is registered in Kazakhstan at the Kazakhstan Ministry of Healthcare website.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Kazakhstan to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Kazakhstan.
• Surrogacy is only legal in Kazakhstan for heterosexual, married couples with a demonstrated medical need. For additional information, visit the Government of Kazakhstan website on surrogacy.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Kazakhstan via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Surface waters (streams, rivers, and ponds) are likely to be contaminated with animal waste. Try to avoid contact with these waters.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and unwashed fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

Many adventure areas in Kazakhstan, such as Big Almaty Lake and the Altai Mountains, are at high altitude.

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude adventure areas.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Kazakhstan.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Roads in Kazakhstan may be in poor condition, especially in rural areas.

• Signage and lighting on roadways can be poor.
• Potholes are common and are often dangerously deep.
• Avoid mountainous roads at night and during poor weather, including the highway between Almaty and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• Roads outside urban areas are often closed in winter months due to high winds and drifting snow.

Road dangers

• Driving in Kazakhstan can be dangerous. Drivers often run red lights, ignore lane markings, speed, and drive the wrong way, even in bad weather. Drunk driving is also common, despite the country's zero-tolerance policy.
• Pedestrians sometimes ignore crosswalks and dart in front of cars.
• Road rage can be a problem. Use a non-confrontational response to these behaviors.
• Accidents involving severe injury or death do occur.

Traffic laws 

U.S. drivers must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to the U.S. driver’s license to drive in Kazakhstan. Drivers should always keep the IDP and license with them when driving.

• Always drive defensively. Many local drivers do not follow traffic laws.
• U.S. citizens have sometimes reported traffic police asking for bribes instead of issuing formal tickets. Politely decline to pay on the spot. Instead, ask for an official written citation.

Taxis and ride-shares

Due to the danger of theft or assault, be selective regarding which taxi you use.  Always avoid entering a cab that already has people other than the driver.

• Avoid hailing unlicensed private vehicles on the street and negotiating a fee with the driver on the spot.
• Ridesharing apps are widely available.
• Do not use unmarked taxis.
• At the airport, do not leave with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification, even if the person is holding a sign with your name.

Public and commercial transportation

Buses can be crowded and unsafe.

• Visit the website of Kazakhstan’s national tourist office responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not formally assessed Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  

• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Based on assessments conducted by the European Union Aviation Safety Administration, U.S. government personnel traveling on Kazakh airlines may only use Air Astana, Fly Arystan, or SCAT airlines, unless those airlines do not serve the desired destination. U.S. citizens are advised to do the same. 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Winter weather

Winters are long, lasting from November to March.

Northern Kazakhstan, including the capital city of Astana, regularly sees temperatures reach -4 to -31 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to -35 degrees Celsius).

Earthquakes

Kazakhstan is earthquake-prone, especially the Almaty region.

• Many buildings in Kazakhstan do not meet U.S. seismic safety standards.
• Local authorities may not have enough resources to respond to a large-scale disaster.

Flooding

Severe flooding is common in April and May due to rapid snowmelt and heavy rain.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefit

Embassies and consulates