No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kazakhstan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Kazakhstan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kazakh Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.
\n\nIf you have a visa for Kazakhstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after your visa’s expiry date.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nKazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you are found to have a Kazakh passport and another passport, you will be fined and your Kazakh citizenship may be withdrawn.
\n\nYou can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days for business or tourism. You can make as many visa-free visits as you like, but you must not stay more than 90 days without a visa in any 180-day period.
\n\nTo stay longer, to work or study or for other reasons, you must meet the Kazakh government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Kazakh Embassy in the UK. Also see visa information from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
\n\nYou can apply for a visa from the Kazakhstan government’s visa website. Check the validity dates of your visa and any restrictions before you travel.
\n\nBritish nationals aged 17 or over who apply for a visa or residency must submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application process.
\n\nYour hotel or the person hosting you must register your arrival with the Kazakh authorities. They must do this within 3 working days of your arrival in Kazakhstan.
\n\nKazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus are in a single customs union. If you want to travel overland in your own vehicle between these countries, make sure your customs declaration and temporary import licence are valid for your whole stay in all 4 countries. You can extend the import licence for up to one year by contacting the customs authorities in any of the countries.
\n\nSee Kyrgyzstan travel advice, Russia travel advice and Belarus travel advice.
\n\nTo enter Kazakhstan, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kazakhstan guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kazakhstan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nThere are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave.
\n\nYou must declare to customs authorities if you arrive in Kazakhstan with cash of a value greater than 10,000 US dollars. If you do not declare it the funds may be confiscated, and you may receive a fine.
\n\nIt is not permitted to export any foreign currency in cash of a value greater than 10,000 US dollars. If such a value is declared it may only be exported in Kazakh tenge.
\n\nContact the State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.
\n\nTo use a local SIM card, you must verify your device’s IMEI at imei.kz portal. This requires a border‑crossing certificate obtained from the QazETA mobile app and a Kazakh Individual Identification Number (IIN). If you do not verify, your local SIM card will be blocked after 30 days, and you will not be able to activate another one.
\n\nIf you cannot verify your device’s IMEI and your stay exceeds 30 days, consider using a global eSIM instead.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be alert for any security related announcements by the Kazakh authorities.
\n\nPublic 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nAvoid walking alone at night and pre-arrange your transport. Do not use unofficial taxis or a taxi already occupied by a passenger.
\n\nPickpocketing 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.
\n\nThieves may target luggage on trains. Always lock your railway compartment on an overnight train.
\n\nFraudsters 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.
\n\nDrink 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.
\n\nAvoid 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.
\n\nIndividuals 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.
\n\nCarry 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.
\n\nRamadan 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.
\n\n\nThe 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.
\n\nShops 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nSmoking and vaping are illegal in and near to:
\n\nThe fine for smoking in an unauthorised place is around £90, and more if it’s a repeat offence.
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nIllegal 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.
\n\nYou could face a lengthy prison sentence:
\n\nPrison conditions are basic.
\n\nAirports in Kazakhstan have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIt’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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nSome large shops and supermarkets do not allow photography.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nApply 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).
\n\nOnly change money at banks or officially authorised currency exchanges. You will be required to present your passport for identification.
\n\nOfficial exchange booths may not accept damaged or marked bank notes, or US dollars issued before 2013.
\n\nDepending 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.
\n\nSame-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.
\n\nPublic 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nYou are not allowed to export:
\n\nTake local expert advice before making any such purchase.
\n\nTrekking 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.
\n\nAt higher altitudes there is a possibility of snow even in the summer months, and a risk of sunstroke, serious sunburn and altitude sickness.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nget adequate insurance, including for any activity at high altitude
\nuse a reputable trekking agency
\nlet someone know when you plan to return
\nnot trek alone
\nadapt your plans to reflect local conditions and advice
\nIn 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nAlmaty 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Kazakhstan, see information on driving abroad and Kazakhstan’s rules of the road (in Russian).
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nThe minimum legal age for driving is 16 for motorbikes and 18 for cars.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nTo avoid accidentally using an unlicenced taxi or being overcharged, avoid flagging down taxis and use licensed pre-ordered taxi services whenever possible.
\n\nDriving standards can be erratic. Many cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts.
\n\nWhen 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.
\n\nService 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.
\n\nIf traffic police stop you for a traffic offence, they should give you an official paper.
\n\nFollow 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.
\n\nThe 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:
\n\nOfficials 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.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nWildfires affected forests in east Kazakhstan in 2023. Regions in the Kazakh steppe can also be affected by grass fires. Take local advice.
\n\nWidespread flooding affected much of northern and western Kazakhstan in April 2024. Take local advice about road closures and transport disruption caused by flooding.
\n\nMudslides and landslides can occur in the mountain areas of south-east Kazakhstan.
\n\nKazakhstan has several areas which are at high risk of earthquakes. Almaty is in an active seismic zone.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 103 and ask for an ambulance. The operator answering may not speak English.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Kazakhstan including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kazakhstan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nBasic medications such as aspirin are available without a prescription. It’s best to bring enough medication with you.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Kazakhstan where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 103
\n\nFire: 101
\n\nPolice:102
\n\nEmergency and rescue service: 112
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kazakhstan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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