Kazakhstan: Authorities announce tightening of international entry restrictions due to Omicron COVID-19 variant from Dec. 3 /update 50

Event

Kazakhstan will tighten international entry restrictions from Dec. 3 over concerns regarding the recently identified Omicron variant of COVID-19. From this date, nonresident foreign nationals from the following countries are prohibited from entry: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, eSwatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Hong Kong. Additionally, travelers from countries that have declared the presence of the Omicron variant must - regardless of vaccination status - present a negative PCR test and self-isolate for seven days on arrival; these countries currently include Australia, Belgium, the UK, Czech Republic, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Other international entry restrictions remain in effect. Visa-free travel remains suspended. However, flights with several countries have resumed, including Belarus, Egypt, Germany, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, though capacity is likely to be limited. Some routes may also be suspended in the wake of the new entry restrictions.

As of Nov. 30, all international arrivals must provide a vaccination certificate or evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before entry into Kazakhstan. This restriction does not apply to diplomats, aircrew, train crews, ship crews, and cross-border workers; however, freight truck drivers must provide a negative test. Upon arrival, returning Kazakh nationals who do not produce a negative test or vaccine certificate will be tested and placed in quarantine for at least three days. All symptomatic individuals will be hospitalized, while asymptomatic individuals must self-isolate for a further 12 days.

Domestic Measures
Kazakhstan imposes restrictions on a regional basis depending on local disease activity. The government uses a color-coded system to track COVID-19 activity and impose cumulative local restrictions accordingly. Regions are classified as one of three zones - green, yellow, or red - in order of increasing risk of transmission.

The Almaty, Shymkent, Atyrau, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Mangistau, and East Kazakhstan regions are classified as green zones. The following measures remain in place in these locations:

• All establishments must operate at reduced capacity and enforce social distancing.

• Public events, including weddings, are permitted, subject to capacity limits.

• Authorities recommend that employees work from home.

• Residents must wear protective facemasks and practice social distancing while in public.

The city of Nur-Sultan and the regions of Akmola, Karaganda, Kostanay, and Pavlodar are classified as yellow zones. Some additional measures are typically enforced in yellow zones:

• Public transport operates from 06:00-23:00 Monday-Saturday and is suspended on Sundays.

• Catering establishments may only operate from 07:00-23:00.

• Shopping centers must close at 17:00 on weekends.

The North Kazakhstan Region is classified as a red zone. Additional restrictions in red zones include the following:

• Health checkpoints are in place on roads approaching settlements where the daily incidence of COVID-19 exceeds 10 new infections per day.

• Public transport is suspended on weekends and public holidays.

• Freight transporters may not enter these regions without evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the preceding 72 hours; transporters who fail to produce such evidence will be placed in a quarantine facility for at least two days.

• Operating hours have been reduced, and capacity restricted at restaurants, cafes, theaters, cinemas, shopping malls, and leisure facilities.

Nationwide, authorities require residents to obtain a government-provided QR code via the Ashyq mobile application to visit government offices and certain public spaces, including leisure facilities, cultural venues, and entertainment establishments. Ashyq codes are also required to gain entry to international airports in Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Residents will have their app scanned at each establishment; each QR code scan will reveal a resident's color-coded risk rating:

• Red - movement restricted to self-isolation regime

• Yellow - movement partially restricted; essential trips to nearest pharmacy and grocery store permitted

• Blue - no specific restrictions

• Green - no specific restrictions, and the user has a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

If traveling to major cities, check access requirements, minimize movement within any quarantined zones, and allow additional time for travel. Reconfirm all flights and business appointments. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Prepare for freight delivery disruptions. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.