Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a constitutional republic with a strong presidency and a market economy. The availability of goods and services is better than in neighboring countries, but generally are not up to the standards found in North America and Western Europe. Infrastructure shortcomings and severe winter weather can delay travel. Read the Department of State's Fact Sheet on Kazakhstan for additional information on U.S.- Kazakhstan relations. 

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  

• Roads in Kazakhstan are in poor repair, especially in rural areas. Signage and lighting on roadways are poor.
• Potholes are common, and are often dangerously deep.
• Drivers often ignore lane markings.  Pedestrians frequently dart out in front of cars.
• Visitors should drive defensively at all times, as many local drivers do not follow traffic laws. Road rage can be a problem, and we recommend a non-confrontational response to such behavior.  
• Accidents involving severe injury and/or death are common.  
• Traffic police have reportedly stopped cars to extort bribes on main city streets and at periodic checkpoints on major highways.
• The mountainous road between Almaty and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, should be avoided at night or during poor weather.

Public Transportation:

• Buses can be very crowded and unsafe.
• Due to the danger of theft or assault, be selective regarding which taxi you use, and always avoid entering a cab that already contains persons other than the driver.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Kazakhstan’s national tourist office.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Kazakhstan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations) inspectors, however, have identified serious and persistent lapses in the safety oversight of commercial air service on Kazakhstan-registered airlines. As a result, at this time, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to undertake official travel on any Kazakhstani airline operating regularly scheduled flights except for Air Astana. This policy will be reevaluated as reforms are undertaken and future technical reviews, such as audits by ICAO, determine that Kazakhstan’s civil aviation operations more substantially comply with acceptable international safety standards.

Safety and Security

Foreigners are required to carry a valid passport while in Kazakhstan. U.S. citizens are strongly urged to have a certified copy of their U.S. passport made at either of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Sections at the Embassy in Astana or the Consulate General in Almaty. The certified copy satisfies the requirement.

Kazakhstani security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

There is a global threat from terrorism to U.S. citizens and interests; including from groups or individuals motivated by the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Be alert to any security-related announcements by the Kazakhstani authorities. If in any doubt, keep in touch with the Embassy in Astana or Consulate General in Almaty.

In addition, supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Jihad Union, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and al-Qaida have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments. Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities, terrorists may also target "soft" civilian targets such as commercial or residential areas, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and aircraft.

Crime:

• The most common crimes foreign visitors encounter are purse snatching, pickpocketing, assaults and robberies. Be vigilant and do not carry large sums of money on the street.
• The police sometimes conduct identification checks on streets and in other public areas.  Police are not required to demonstrate probable cause.  Upon request, you must produce either a passport or an Embassy-certified copy of a passport.
• Harassment and extortion by imposters, genuine law enforcement, and other officials does occur. Never voluntarily give your wallet to anybody. If pressured by a police officer, tell the officer that you will report his behavior to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General and to the officer’s supervisors. Try to obtain the officer's name, badge number, and license plate number, and note where the incident happened.
• We do not recommend using unlicensed cabs in Kazakhstan. 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.
• Leave restaurants or bars if fights break out and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan is aware of isolated incidents when foreigners have been drugged, robbed, and physically assaulted at popular bars and nightclubs in Almaty and Astana.
• Street criminals show a clear preference to threaten but not use force.  We advise you to comply with all demands in order to avoid violence.

Victims of Crime: Victims of crime should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  To report a crime locally, call 102 for police.

    The U.S. Embassy can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police, but only local authorities can investigate and prosecute crimes
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.