COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Kazakhstan

Last Updated: 12/11/20

Due to the health risks associated with COVID-19, the Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider travel to Kazakhstan due to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 (Very High) COVID-19 Travel Notice for Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstani Ministry of Health has confirmed 139,995 cases of COVID-19 in the country as of December 11, 2020. There are an additional 43,635 cases of pneumonia that are suspected to be COVID-19, though these have not been clinically confirmed.

U.S. citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the Embassy and Consulate. Ensure you have added a trip to Kazakhstan on your profile to receive pertinent updates.

We urge U.S. citizens in-country to remain vigilant and to continue practicing social distancing, frequent handwashing, and enhanced disinfection measures. Please look for ways to prevent becoming a vector for the virus, such as avoiding social gatherings. We recommend that U.S. citizens continue to limit movement in public to essential trips. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please consult the CDC’s website.

The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes, subject to strict limitations*

*The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan advises potential travelers to reconsider visits to Kazakhstan at this time due to the risk of COVID-19 in country. We remind you that the Kazakhstani border remains closed to foreigners with limited exceptions, including diplomats, direct-family members of Kazakhstani citizens, residency permit holders, some employees of designated companies in critical industries, and citizens of those countries with which Kazakhstan has resumed direct flights. Even U.S. citizens qualified for one of these exceptions MUST have a visa in order to enter the country, as visa-free travel for U.S. citizens to Kazakhstan remains suspended until at least May 2021.

In addition, as of November 2, foreign permanent residence holders and foreign family members of permanent residents and citizens may only cross the border once every 90 days (versus the earlier term of every 30 days). The family members must provide documentary evidence of the family ties (for example marriage and birth certificates).

Please note that immigration questions are the purview of the Government of Kazakhstan, and we are not permitted to intervene on matters related to entering Kazakhstan. Such matters should be directed to the Kazakhstani Embassy in the United States or, if applicable, your employer.

U.S. citizens needing to extend their Kazakhstani visas can contact the Migration Police:

In Nur-Sultan: 31 Imanov St. (between Beisekbayev St. and Sembinova St.), Tel. 8-7172-374-851, 8-7172-374-899, 8-7172-374-867, or 8-7172-374-876

In Almaty: 109A Karasai Batyr Street (near Nikolsky Bazar), Tel. 8-7272-544-684 or 8-7272-544-145

E-gov website: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/migration/activities/services?lang=en

Or on Facebook

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.

Effective October 6, 2020, the Government of Kazakhstan is requiring foreign travelers arriving in Kazakhstan to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test with results dated no more than three days prior to their entry to Kazakhstan. If they are unable to provide negative PCR test results, they will be denied entry. In addition, each traveler must undergo a temperature check and fill out a questionnaire on prior travel, potential COVID-19 exposure, and contact information. According to Decree 65 of the State Sanitary Doctor effective December 8, those with elevated temperatures will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases, regardless of a certificate of negative PCR test result.

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes, in some cases*

Kazakhstan’s regions are empowered to take additional measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as necessary, including erecting checkpoints to limit travel in and out of cities and oblasts. Before pursuing domestic travel in Kazakhstan, we urge you to research whether checkpoints might be in place that could restrict your ability to travel. For regional information please see the websites listed in the Local Resources section at the bottom of this message.

Due to spikes in COVID-19 transmission, travel of U.S. Government officials within Kazakhstan is restricted without specific approval.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Possibly*

*Upon entering Kazakhstan, travelers with elevated temperatures will be isolated in a facility for infectious diseases.

Quarantine Measures: By and large, countrywide quarantine restrictions have been relaxed. Businesses that were previously closed – including gyms and fitness centers, pools, beaches, cultural facilities, museums, exhibits, entertainment centers, religious facilities, some movie theaters, food courts, and recreational facilities – have reopened, at least on weekdays, and may be subject to capacity limitations. However, amid concerns of a possible fall/winter uptick, some regional and local governments are imposing restrictions once again.

Masks Required: The Chief Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan has mandated that masks be worn nationwide in public settings, including both indoor and outdoor spaces and on public transportation. Failure to comply with this measure could result in administrative penalty.

Personal Movement Limited: All large events and family gatherings are prohibited. Individual and group outdoor fitness activities are permitted, and people may walk in parks and other public spaces in groups of three or less.

COVID-19 Testing:

Click here to access a list of local medical providers who can advise on COVID-19 testing options.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes

Is public transportation operating? Yes, albeit at limited capacities.

Fines for Non-Compliance: Yes, individuals who fail to comply with restrictions face fines.

Consular Operations:

American Citizen Services: At present we are offering all American Citizen Services including full passport and citizenship services, ballot collection, federal benefits services, and notarial services.

Visa services: Limited immigrant and non-immigrant visa services have resumed at the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty and the U.S. Embassy in Nur-Sultan, respectively. For more information on which categories of visa applicants are currently eligible for interviews, click here.

In addition, we continue to provide emergency visa services for certain categories of applicants, so please reach out if you feel you have an urgent travel need to the following address: support-kazakhstan@ustraveldocs.com

Local Resources:

For the most up-to-date information on restrictions in your city or region, see the below websites:

Other links:

By U.S. Mission Kazakhstan | 11 December, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Emergency Services, Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages

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