Is Traveling Through Kazakhstan Safe?

Kazakhstan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to be aware of dangerous areas and stay vigilant. The country has a medium risk of terrorist attacks, which could be indiscriminate, even in places visited by foreign nationals. U.S. travelers can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days on each visit and may not stay more than 90 days within a six-month period.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travelers entering Kazakhstan, and passport validity requirements are required. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vehicle break-ins, occurs, particularly in Astana and Almaty. Theft is frequent in or near tourist areas. Unvaccinated travelers one year old or older should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, while infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

Safety in Kazakhstan is high, with high rates of crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and assaults. The risk of crime increases at night, so it is recommended to avoid walking on the streets after sunset, especially for solo female travelers. Violent crime against foreigners rarely occurs, but there have been reports of attacks, muggings, and robbery.

Severe flooding has affected Western and Northern Kazakhstan, but it is generally considered a very safe destination. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, and tickborne encephalitis. While Kazakhstan is generally considered a safe country for tourists, it is essential to be aware of certain safety concerns and take precautions while visiting.

Is Kazakhstan safe for female travellers?

Taxi fares in Almaty and other cities can be challenging without a SIM card, and hitchhiking is a risky option for solo female travelers. The fluctuating Kazakhstan Tenge (KZT) can also pose a challenge for travelers unfamiliar with the currency and its cost structure. Local knowledge and a knowledgeable guide can help plan your trip better.

To alleviate these challenges, consider booking a Central Asia Solo-friendly small group tour. This tour will take you to beautiful southeastern Kazakhstan, allowing you to explore the region’s attractions and enjoy the freedom to explore Almaty. This tour eliminates the stress of planning your trip, as you won’t have to navigate unfamiliar websites or bus schedules. Reliable partners and guides will ensure your trip to Kazakhstan is unforgettable, eliminating the need to navigate unfamiliar websites or bus schedules.

In summary, booking a Solo-friendly small group tour in Kazakhstan can help alleviate these challenges and ensure a memorable experience for solo female travelers.

What is the most common crime in Kazakhstan?

Violence, including assault and theft, is the most significant threat in western Kazakhstan, with gender-based violence and discrimination posing a moderate threat to foreign nationals and a high threat to local staff. Domestic abuse is common. If you plan to work in Kazakhstan, contact Risk Services at risk@berkeley. edu or 642-5141. Foreign activities may trigger U. S. laws, including those related to long-term projects and clinical trials.

Is astana safe for tourists?

Notwithstanding disparate perspectives from foreign governments on Kazakh politics, the country remains a secure environment for foreigners. This is evidenced by my experience in Almaty and Astana in August 2018.

Is Kazakhstan a high risk country?

Kazakhstan, a country with a long history of financial crime, has made significant progress in creating a market economy since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has attracted significant foreign investment to develop its abundant mineral, petroleum, and natural gas resources, with FDI totaling $169. 2 billion as of January 2023. However, the US investments in the hydrocarbons sector far exceed this official statistic.

Despite its vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves, Kazakhstan’s government is making incremental progress towards diversification into other sectors. The government maintains active dialogue with foreign investors through formal channels and bilateral channels. Kazakhstan is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The country’s investment climate is influenced by Russian aggression against Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. The government is committed to complying with Western sanctions and facilitating relocation of Western investors from Russia to Kazakhstan.

Despite the war and sanctions, Kazakhstan’s economy has proven resilient, mainly due to favorable commodity export prices. The war and sanctions have caused supply chain distortion and double-digit inflation, but also opened new trade and investment opportunities. The government has implemented an electronic system for tracking trucking exports to EAEU countries and enacted a new law on export control of dual-use goods to address sanctions and export control evasion risks.

Is Kazakhstan pro or anti Russia?

Russia suspended shipments of Kazakh oil after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan considered the DPR and LPR as “quasi-state entities” and would not recognize them. Despite some tensions, Kazakhstan’s relations with Russia remain strong and mostly friendly, as demonstrated by Tokayev’s visit to Moscow in November 2022. Following the 2022 Russian mobilization, Kazakhstan received a large influx of Russians leaving to avoid being conscripted to fight in Ukraine.

President Tokayev promised to help Russians who were leaving, stating it was a political and humanitarian issue. In 2022, Kazakhstan agreed to share the personal data of exiled anti-war Russians with the Russian government. In September 2022, Kazakh authorities detained a Russian journalist on charges of “discrediting” the Russian military. In January 2023, Kazakhstan tightened visa rules, making it more difficult for Russians to remain in the country. In September 2023, President Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan would follow the sanctions regime against Russia.

Is Kazakhstan safer than Russia?

Kazakhstan is ranked as the most dangerous country by the Numbeo ranking, with countries like Moldova, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Armenia considered safer than Kazakhstan. Andorra, the most peaceful European state, is also considered safe. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar also have high public safety levels. The five most dangerous countries are Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, Haiti, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The ranking is subjective and reflects individual experiences and perceptions, considering factors like safety perceptions, theft, harassment, and violent crimes.

Is Kazakhstan a Russian ally?

Kazakhstan and Russia are founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Kazakhstan has an embassy in Moscow and a consulate-general in Saint Petersburg, Astrakhan, and Omsk, while Russia has an embassy in Astana and consulates in Almaty and Oral. Both countries also founded the Eurasian Economic Union with Belarus.

Following the collapse of the USSR, the issue of nuclear weapons became central to diplomatic relations. Kazakhstan has attempted to balance ties by selling petroleum and natural gas at low prices, allowing heavy investment from Russian businesses, and concluding an agreement over the Baikonur Cosmodrome while supporting the West in the War on Terror.

Is Kazakhstan safe to drive through?

In Kazakhstan, driving is advised to be defensive, avoid night driving, and use main roads and highways. Safety and security measures should be taken, as petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vehicle break-ins, is prevalent, especially in Astana and Almaty. Understanding the risk level, safety, entry and exit requirements, health, laws, culture, natural disasters, and climate is crucial.

Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan right now?

The latest update warns of a high risk of civil unrest due to severe flooding in Western and Northern Kazakhstan, and a State of Emergency has been declared in the Atyrau region. Petty crime and assault are also prevalent, with theft, pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and assaults occurring in public transport, parks, shopping areas, open markets, restaurants, and near major tourist hotels and nightclubs. People are advised to monitor the media for new safety or security risks.

Can I use Russian in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is a multiethnic country with a majority of Kazakhs, followed by Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Uyghurs, and Tatars. The official language is Kazakh, and other native languages include Dungan, Ili Turki, Ingush, Plautdietsch, and Sinte Romani. The Kazakh keyboard is used in various regions. As of 2021, the population is 69 Kazakhs, 15. 5 Russians, 3 Uzbeks, 2. 5 Ukrainians, 1. 5 Uyghurs, and 1. 1 Tatars.