Kazakhstan

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. 

If you have a visa for Kazakhstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after your visa’s expiry date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You 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. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Kazakh-British dual nationals

Kazakhstan 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 If you are found to have a Kazakh passport and another passport, you will be fined and your Kazakh citizenship may be withdrawn.

Visa requirements

You 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.

To 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. 

Applying for a visa

You 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.

British nationals aged 17 or over who apply for a visa or residency must submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application process.

Registering with the authorities

Your 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. 

Travelling overland between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Belarus

Kazakhstan, 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.

See Kyrgyzstan travel advice, Russia travel advice and Belarus travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

To 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.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kazakhstan guide.

Customs rules

There 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.

Taking money into Kazakhstan

There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave.

You 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. 

It 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.

Contact the State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.

IMEI registration

To 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.

If you cannot verify your device’s IMEI and your stay exceeds 30 days, consider using a global eSIM instead.

Customs rules

There 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.

Taking money into Kazakhstan

There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave.

You 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. 

It 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.

Contact the State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.

IMEI registration

To 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.

If you cannot verify your device’s IMEI and your stay exceeds 30 days, consider using a global eSIM instead.

Emergency services in Kazakhstan

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police:102

Emergency and rescue service: 112 

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Kazakhstan
• dealing with a death in Kazakhstan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Kazakhstan
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The 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.

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.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

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.