Kazakhstan Travel Advice

• There have been many human cases of the H1N1 Virus also known as the Swine Flu. As such, all airports in Kazakhstan are equipped with heat sensing devices in order to detect any abnormal body temperature on arrival. All arriving passengers are automatically screened. Any passangers displaying any H1N1 symptom may be held in quarantine facilities for up to 23 hours before being taken to a local hospital under the supervision of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Center for further tests and treatments.

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to level 6. You should monitor the local media reports for any developments and advice.

• There were reports of outbreaks of the Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu). The Kazakh authorities believe that the situation is under control and preventative measures are in place. You should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds.

• There is a threat of terrorismin Kazakhstan. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places frequented by expatriates and tourists.

• You may travel to most places in Kazakhstan, but travel to any “closed territories” (Baikonyr City, Karmakchinsky, and Kazalinsky districts of Kyzylorda oblast), or secure areas require advance permission from the relevant authorities. Some military/restricted areas are not clearly marked so care should be taken when travelling away from normal routes.

• All Kazakh airlines have been refused permission to operate in the EU because they do not comply with the internationally accepted safety requirements. It is recommended that you avoid flying with any airline that has been banned by the EU.

• Most visits to Kazakhstan are trouble-free. However there have been some criminal incidents involving expatriates. The main type of incidents are robbery, muggings and assults. Local regulations require you to have your original passport at all times.

• We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Kazakhstan.

• Islam is the predominate religion in Kazakhstan. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend the cultures and/or religious beliefs

• Possession of and use of drugs is illegal.

• Homosexuality is not illegal but it is not tolerated, especially outside of the major cities.

• A visa for Kazakhstan is normally valid for 30 days from the date of issue and should be obtained from your nearest Kazakhstan Embassy before travelling. Kazakhstan authorities have a very strict policy on visa non-compliance, which could be a ban on entry to Kazakhstan for up to five years.

• In spite of measures taken, providing the population with good drinking water remains an acute issue; only 75.1% of the republic's population have access to running drinking water. We recommend that you not drink the local water nor have ice in your drinks; buy bottled water and make sure the seal hasnt been broken.