Travelers with a valid visa for another CIS country are permitted to transit Kazakhstan for up to three days. However, they may be asked to provide proof at the border of their onward travel arrangements. Visitors who do not register may have to pay large fines at the airport upon departure. Visitors must also present to the OVIR office a certificate indicating a negative HIV test conducted no more than one month prior to registration. Evidence of an HIV test performed abroad is acceptable.
Roads are in poor repair, even in the capital, but most are passable.
Street lighting, where available, is often turned off at night. Visitors should use special caution if driving at night. Air travel to Almaty is available on reliable carriers via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Vienna, Istanbul and Moscow. Travelers are encouraged to obtain overseas medical insurance that includes coverage for medical air evacuations. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities.