
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Kazakhstan
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KAZAKHSTAN - CAUTION
 March 25, 1992

SUMMARY.  U.S. citizens planning to visit Kazakhstan or the other
former Soviet republics should be aware that the region is
undergoing profound political and economic change.  U.S. citizens
should avoid demonstrations or other signs of political unrest, and
should stay abreast of current developments while in the region, in
order to be ready to react to evolving events.  As always when
traveling, tourists should take precautions against theft.  U.S.
citizens in frail health are strongly advised not to visit the
region because of severe shortages of basic medical supplies.
Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel
shortages and other economic difficulties.  END SUMMARY.

Internal Travel Disruptions.  Beginning in late 1991,
fuel shortages made airline travel to, from and within Kazakhstan
increasingly erratic.  It can be difficult to make alternative
arrangements for departure from the region if flights are canceled
or delayed.

Visas.  At this time, all travelers to the former Soviet Union,
including Kazakhstan, must have a visa issued by a Russian Embassy
or Consulate.  Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at
any hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately, via
the route by which they entered the country.  U.S. citizens should
contact the Russian Embassy in Washington (202-939-8916) or the
Russian Consulate in San Francisco (415-922-6642) for current
information on visa requirements.  U.S. citizens should obtain their
visas in the U.S.; it can be difficult and time consuming to obtain
a visa in a third country.

"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.":  U.S. citizens planning a
trip to Kazakhstan may wish to obtain a copy of the State
Department's "Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.," which is
currently being revised.  Much of the information, however is still
valid for the newly independent states.  This pamphlet provides
information about passport and visa requirements, recommended
innoculations and vaccinations, health precautions, customs and
currency regulations, crime and personal security and other matters
of general interest.  The pamphlet also contains specific
information for dual nationals of the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.
"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R." can be ordered for $1.00 each
>From the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Travelers should also check with
Intourist (212-757-3884) or the State Department's Office of
Overseas Citizen Services (202-647-5225) for current information
before traveling.

Personal Security:  Although officials in Kazakhstan have expressed
their readiness to cooperate with U.S. officials in the event of an
emergency involving a U.S. citizen, communications and
transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S.
officials in some cases may be more than a day's travel away.  As
always when traveling, tourists should take precautions against
theft.

Medical care in the region does not meet western standards.  There
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  Tourists in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit.  The "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." contains additional information on health care in the
region.

The U.S. has opened an Embassy in Alma-Ata, the capital of
Kazakhstan.  The U.S. Embassy is located in the Hotel Kazakhstan,
and is currently providing limited consular services to U.S.
citizens in Kazakhstan.  U.S. citizens in need of emergency services
may contact the U.S. Embassy at 3272-619-025.  All U.S. citizens
visiting Kazakhstan should register with the U.S. Embassy.

 No. 92-063

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated December 24, 1991,
for the U.S.S.R., to advise U.S. citizens of concerns specific to
travel in Kazakhstan.

