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On 16 December 2011 there were clashes in the towns of Zhanaozen and Shepte in western Kazakhstan, resulting in a number of deaths. A state of emergency was declared in the area, but this has now been lifted. You should continue to avoid large crowds and demonstrations throughout Kazakhstan.
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On 12 November 2011 an armed attack took place in the southern Kazakh city of Taraz. A number of casualties were reported.
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On 31 October 2011 there were reports of two explosions in Atyrau, western Kazakhstan. One man, who reportedly blew himself up, was killed. No other casualties have been reported. The Kazakh authorities are investigating.
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On 30 June 2011 there was a firefight between security forces and an armed group in the Temir District of Aktobe Oblast. Further standoffs occurred in the following days, reportedly resulting in the deaths of three police officers and ten members of the armed group.
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On 24 May 2011 there were reports of an explosion in Astana which killed two people. The local authorities are investigating.
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On 17 May 2011, a suspected suicide bomber attacked the National Security Committee office in the north western city of Aktobe. The Kazakh authorities believe the attack was undertaken by a member of an organised crime group. The attacker died at the scene and two people were injured.
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There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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You may travel to most places in Kazakhstan, but travel to any 'closed territories' 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. See Entry Requirements.
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With the exception of Air Astana, all Kazakh airlines are refused permission to operate services to the EU because they do not comply with internationally accepted safety requirements. You should avoid flying with the airlines subject to the EU operating ban. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel.
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You should get a visa in advance of your visit and ensure it covers the entire duration of your stay. See Entry Requirements.
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Most visits to Kazakhstan are trouble-free. Eight British nationals required consular assistance in Kazakhstan in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics. But criminal incidents involving expatriates do sometimes occur in Kazakhstan. Local regulations require you to carry your original passport at all times. See Crime.
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You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance. Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.