Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, offers a captivating blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and stunning natural landscapes from the Altai Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Experience nomadic traditions in Central Asia's economic powerhouse, where futuristic capital Astana meets historic Almaty at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains.
Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia's safest countries with low violent crime rates and stable political environment. Almaty and Astana are generally safe for tourists, though petty theft and taxi scams require the usual urban vigilance.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions in major cities; increased caution near the Russian and Chinese borders; some provinces have restricted access requiring permits
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Kazakhstan is rated Level 1 (safest category) by the US State Department; standard travel awareness is sufficient for major tourist areas
Standard Precautions
UK FCDO advises normal precautions for Kazakhstan; be vigilant in crowded areas and use registered taxis only
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Carry your original passport at all times as police can request ID on the street; keep a digital copy as backup.
Avoid walking alone at night in major cities, especially in poorly lit areas or near bars and nightclubs.
Use only reputable taxi services such as Yandex Taxi or InDriver — never hail unmarked taxis to avoid scams.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites; women should cover their hair and shoulders.
Be prepared for extreme winters (down to -30C) and hot summers (up to +40C) — pack appropriate clothing.
Register with your embassy or consulate if staying longer than two weeks; the US embassy is in Astana.
Photography restrictions apply around government buildings, military installations, and border areas — always ask permission first.
Be cautious of overcharging at bazaars and tourist sites; agree on prices beforehand and carry small denomination bills.
Drink only bottled or boiled water; tap water in Kazakhstan is generally not safe for tourists.
Mountain areas like Ile-Alatau require guide permits for some trails; altitude sickness is a risk above 3,000m — acclimatize slowly.
Emergency numbers: 102 (police), 103 (ambulance), 101 (fire); operators may not speak English so have a translation app ready.
Health: Check vaccination requirements (hepatitis A, typhoid recommended); travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial taxis at Almaty airport and outside nightclubs quote inflated fares to foreigners, sometimes 3-5x the market rate.
How to avoid: Always use Yandex Taxi or InDriver apps; never agree to a price without checking the app first
Currency exchange fraud
Street money changers and airport exchange bureaux offer poor rates or sometimes short-change tourists through sleight of hand.
How to avoid: Use ATMs at Kaspi Bank or Halyk Bank for best rates; never exchange money with street traders
Police document shakedown
Occasional reports of police officers requesting 'fines' for minor infractions (real or invented) from tourists, particularly in rural areas.
How to avoid: Carry your original passport; ask for a formal written receipt for any fine; contact your embassy if harassed
Overpriced bazaar goods
Tourist-facing stalls at Green Bazaar and souvenir shops sometimes quote prices 2-3x higher to foreigners than to local shoppers.
How to avoid: Walk away if the price seems high; compare prices at multiple stalls; locals nearby can give price guidance
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies (if rural areas/animal contact)
- Water
- Safe
- Not safe to drink in most areas
- Recommendations
- Drink bottled or boiled water. Bottled water widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 per liter). Avoid ice in drinks unless at high-end establishments.
- Food
- Facilities
- Widely available in cities, called 'Apteka' (Аптека in Cyrillic)
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally very safe for solo travelers in cities. Almaty and Astana have low crime rates and Yandex Taxi makes transport safe at all hours. Register with your embassy for longer stays and inform someone of your mountain hiking plans.
Female travellers
Safe with standard precautions. Female travelers are generally treated respectfully in Kazakhstan. Dress modestly in traditional and rural settings. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis after dark.
Families
Excellent family destination with low crime, child-friendly culture, and good facilities in major cities. Kazakhs are particularly warm toward children. Pack altitude sickness remedies for mountain excursions above 2,000m and use bottled water throughout.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Kazakhstan but LGBTQ+ relationships have no legal recognition and face significant social stigma. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are inadvisable and may attract negative attention. Discretion is strongly recommended; no dedicated LGBTQ+ venues exist openly.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 102
- Medical
- 103
- Embassy
- Tourist Police