Security Overview for Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan became independent after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The largest of the former Soviet Central Asian republics in area, Kazakhstan is an important oil and gas producer and attracts investors and contract workers from all over the world. Growing energy exports, devaluation of the national currency and a generally business-friendly climate have contributed to an economic boom.

Despite recent rapid economic growth, wide disparities in wealth contribute to high rates of crime, both petty and violent. Muggings are common; refrain from venturing out alone after dark. Petty theft and robberies occur most frequently at open-air markets. Exercise caution near hotels and when shopping; do not carry large sums of money. Expect poor service and possible criminal connections in non-luxury hotels and avoid hotel nightclubs. Solicitations from prostitutes are likely in most hotels and bars, as is harassment from the police.

Political opposition is tolerated, but the Kazakh government sometimes retaliates through the court system and police intimidation. Localized "unsanctioned" protests and strikes relating to political events may occur without warning. These typically take place in Almaty in front of the city government building and in Astana. Large-scale demonstrations are less common. Avoid all demonstrations and rallies as a precaution.

Security in other areas of the country is less certain. Verify the current security situation with local contacts in specific areas prior to travel. Visitors to Kazakhstan often report that local officials demand documentation authorizing travel within their area of jurisdiction, despite appropriate registration with officials in Almaty or Astana. Expect delays in obtaining this type of documentation and possible police harassment.

Terrorist groups are active in Kazakhstan but usually only use the country as a staging ground. Attacks within the country are not common. Terrorist groups have threated foreign interests in Kazakhstan but have not staged attacks. Nonetheless, the risk of an attack within the country cannot be discounted.

Avoid using trains and buses; rates of petty crime are high in train and bus stations. Police also frequently inspect the baggage of foreigners in train and bus stations, ostensibly as part of a drug sweep, and sometimes take cash from wallets. Maintain a high sense of awareness; do not let officials take your wallet or travel documents out of your sight. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate the fare and do not allow other passengers to ride with you. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, use credit cards and debit cards with caution.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.