Briefing de orientación en Kazajistán

Los kazajos étnicos proceden de una mezcla de tribus nómadas turcas que migraron a la región en el siglo XV. El Imperio ruso conquistó la estepa kazaja en los siglos XVIII y XIX, y Kazajistán se convirtió en república soviética en 1925. La colectivización agrícola forzosa provocó represión y hambruna, con más de un millón de muertes a principios de los años treinta. Durante las décadas de 1950 y 1960, el programa agrícola de las «Tierras Vírgenes» generó una afluencia de colonos, en su mayoría rusos étnicos, pero también de otras nacionalidades, y en el momento de la independencia de Kazajistán, en 1991, los kazajos étnicos eran una minoría. Sin embargo, las minorías étnicas no musulmanas abandonaron Kazajistán en gran número desde mediados de los años noventa hasta mediados de los años dos mil, y un programa nacional ha repatriado a unos un millón de kazajos étnicos (procedentes de Uzbekistán, Tayikistán, Mongolia y la región china de Xinjiang) a Kazajistán. Como resultado de este cambio, la proporción de kazajos étnicos en la población supera ahora los dos tercios.

La economía de Kazajistán es la mayor de Asia Central, principalmente debido a sus vastos recursos naturales. Entre los problemas actuales figuran la diversificación de la economía, la atracción de inversión extranjera directa, el aumento de la competitividad económica de Kazajistán y el fortalecimiento de las relaciones económicas con los Estados vecinos y con potencias extranjeras.

Public demonstrations are only permitted when authorised by the Kazakh authorities in advance. Occasional unauthorised small-scale public protests take place. Attending unauthorised demonstrations or political gatherings may put participants at risk of arrest.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Kazakhstan

Terrorist attacks in Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be alert for any security related announcements by the Kazakh authorities.

Political situation

Public demonstrations are only permitted when authorised by the Kazakh authorities in advance. Occasional unauthorised small-scale public protests take place. Attending unauthorised demonstrations or political gatherings may put participants at risk of arrest.

Crime

Robbery and violent crime

There have been violent thefts in expatriate communities in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan and in Astana and Almaty. They happen mainly at night in and around local nightclubs and bars or when arriving home late at night. Robberies are uncommon in cities and rural areas but do happen. Take the same precautions you would in the UK to protect your belongings.

Avoid walking alone at night and pre-arrange your transport. Do not use unofficial taxis or a taxi already occupied by a passenger.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing is very common in crowded places such as markets and on public transport. Criminals may target foreigners as they are assumed to be carrying valuable items. Keep valuables in a safe place and out of public view.

Thieves may target luggage on trains. Always lock your railway compartment on an overnight train.

Bank card fraud

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.

Drink spiking and sexual assault 

Drink spiking is a risk in nightclubs and bars and can lead to sexual assault. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.

Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find. See TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice.

Laws and cultural differences

Individuals found guilty of inciting social, national, racial or religious discord may face a lengthy sentence. Insulting another person using abusive language may also result in a court ordered fine or community service. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Personal ID

Carry original ID such as your driving licence or passport at all times. Police patrolling the streets may ask for your ID, and copies are not acceptable. You need to show your original ID to enter state buildings.

Ramadan 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Alcohol laws and bans

  The drinking age in Kazakhstan is 18. However, it is illegal to sell alcohol to someone aged 20 or under. You may be refused the sale of alcohol if you are unable to present a valid proof of age ID on request.

Shops are not allowed to sell alcohol between 11pm and 8am. Alcoholic drinks which have an alcohol content level of more than 30% cannot be sold in shops between 9pm and 12 noon. Bars, restaurants and cafés are not covered by this rule.

If police find you drinking alcohol in the street, or if you appear to be drunk, they can take you to a police station and issue you with a fine or detain you in a police cell overnight.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans 

Smoking and vaping are illegal in and near to:

• schools and playgrounds
• healthcare facilities
• public places – museums, libraries, cinemas, sport centres, public transport, nightclubs, airports, rail stations and underpasses
• cars with children travelling

The fine for smoking in an unauthorised place is around £90, and more if it’s a repeat offence. 

It is illegal to sell, distribute, import or produce smokeless cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vapes), or e-liquid for e-cigarettes. You could get a fine or a prison sentence of up to 2 years.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

You could face a lengthy prison sentence:

• for possession, storing and transportation of drugs with distribution purposes – 5 to 8 years
• for possession, storing and transportation of drugs with distribution purposes in large amounts – 6 to 10 years
• for advertising drugs – up to 3 years in prison, and 3 to 6 years if using social media

Prison conditions are basic.

Airports in Kazakhstan have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Posting on social media

It’s illegal to post images or comments on social media that show disrespect towards religion, culture or national symbols. Take particular care with images that show the Kazakh flag. Sharing or publishing images that the authorities consider to be insulting risks a fine or a prison sentence.

Taking photos in secure areas

There are restrictions on where you can take photos or videos, especially near military sites, border areas, airports and some official buildings. Restrictions may be in force despite a lack of warning signs. Taking photographs of sensitive sites risks confiscation of your equipment. 

Some large shops and supermarkets do not allow photography.

Using drones in Kazakhstan

You can bring a drone to Kazakhstan without a licence. However, you risk a fine, detention and the confiscation of your drone if you operate a drone without a licence.

Apply for a drone licence from the Civil Aviation Committee. You should include technical characteristics of the drone and details of planned use (when, where and how long). See local regulations on drone licensing requirements (in Russian).

Money

Only change money at banks or officially authorised currency exchanges. You will be required to present your passport for identification.  

Official exchange booths may not accept damaged or marked bank notes, or US dollars issued before 2013.   

Depending on your bank, you may be able to withdraw cash in Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) from ATMs using an international debit or credit card. Availability and fees may vary, so it is advisable to check with your bank before travelling.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Kazakhstan. However, on 30 December 2025, legislation was introduced prohibiting the ‘promotion’ or dissemination of information about non-traditional sexual orientation. Perceived breaches of this law may result in administrative penalties, including fines, detention, and deportation.  

Public acceptance of LGBT+ people and identities in Kazakhstan is limited, especially outside major cities. There is an increased risk of discrimination or harassment against individuals thought to be part of the LGBT+ community, or perceived to be supporting their rights.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs 

You are not allowed to export:

• art or antiques that have historical, cultural or scientific value
• gold, precious stones or rare minerals
• rare specimens of flora or animals

Take local expert advice before making any such purchase.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism 

Trekking and mountaineering 

Trekking in Kazakhstan often involves travelling to very remote areas. There is a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls. Weather can change very quickly, and heavy snowfall can block roads and trekking routes, particularly in the autumn and winter. 

At higher altitudes there is a possibility of snow even in the summer months, and a risk of sunstroke, serious sunburn and altitude sickness. 

You should: 

• get adequate insurance, including for any activity at high altitude 

• use a reputable trekking agency 

• let someone know when you plan to return 

• not trek alone 

• adapt your plans to reflect local conditions and advice 

In remote areas, mobile phone or satellite phone coverage can be extremely limited. Medical facilities are basic, and difficult terrain can in some circumstances make it impossible for emergency services to reach you. 

The 24-hour rescue services in Almaty are based in Shymbulak gorge and by the Big Almaty lake. A rescue team patrols mountain routes, searches for missing persons and provides first aid. The Almaty emergency numbers are 109 or 112. 

Almaty city authorities have installed 18 refuges in remote mountain areas where tourists can find shelter, access first aid kits and SOS buttons to contact the emergency services.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Kazakhstan, see information on driving abroad and Kazakhstan’s rules of the road (in Russian).

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence to drive in Kazakhstan. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

The minimum legal age for driving is 16 for motorbikes and 18 for cars.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Taxis 

To avoid accidentally using an unlicenced taxi or being overcharged, avoid flagging down taxis and use licensed pre-ordered taxi services whenever possible.

Road conditions

Driving standards can be erratic. Many cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts. 

When driving in Kazakhstan do not take risks and avoid driving in bad weather. Many roads are poorly maintained. Roadworks and damaged roads are often not signposted. In remote rural areas, there are often stray animals on the roads. In winter, roads can be hazardous due to snow or ice, and low visibility can lead to accidents involving multiple cars. 

Service stations are limited outside the main cities. Take all that you need for your journey, including fuel and water. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and in a good condition for long journeys. 

If traffic police stop you for a traffic offence, they should give you an official paper.  

Follow local advice on road closures. Local sim cards will receive updates in Kazakh and Russian from 112, and alerts are provided in English on the QazAvtoJol website.

Closed areas

The following areas are closed to visitors unless you have received prior permission from the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Kazakh National Security Committee:

• Gvardeyskiy village in the Almaty region of south-eastern Kazakhstan
• the town of Baikonur
• the districts of Karmakchi and Kazalinsk in the southern Kyzylorda region

Border crossings

Officials in Kazakhstan or neighbouring countries may close border crossing points at short notice. If you are travelling overland be alert for any announcements by the Kazakh authorities.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Wildfires 

Wildfires affected forests in east Kazakhstan in 2023. Regions in the Kazakh steppe can also be affected by grass fires. Take local advice.

Flooding and mudslides

Widespread flooding affected much of northern and western Kazakhstan in April 2024. Take local advice about road closures and transport disruption caused by flooding.

Mudslides and landslides can occur in the mountain areas of south-east Kazakhstan.

Earthquakes 

Kazakhstan has several areas which are at high risk of earthquakes. Almaty is in an active seismic zone.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. The operator answering may not speak English.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Kazakhstan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Kazakhstan including biting insects and ticks.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kazakhstan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Basic medications such as aspirin are available without a prescription. It’s best to bring enough medication with you.

If you need prescription medication while in Kazakhstan, you will need a valid prescription either from a local doctor or your UK prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian. Medications often come under different brand names, so ask for the drug’s generic name. If they are not available locally, it may be possible to get drugs to be couriered through a private clinic, for example, International SOS clinic.

Healthcare in Kazakhstan

The medical facilities in Kazakhstan are not as advanced as in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment or evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation. Medical staff do not typically speak English.

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Kazakhstan where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.