Kazakhstan: Authorities amend COVID-19-related domestic measures as of March 4 /update 53

Event

The government has reclassified the COVID-19 risk levels of each of the nation's regions resulting in localized modifications to domestic restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus as of March 4. Under the new risk assessments, all of Kazakhstan's regions are now classified as "green" (low risk) areas.

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

• Green Zones
  In green zones, 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. As of March 4, all regions are classified as green zones.

Nationwide, authorities require residents to obtain a government-provided quick response (QR) code via the Ashyq mobile application to visit government offices and certain public spaces, including entertainment facilities and cultural venues, among others. Ashyq codes are also required to gain entry to international airports in Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Residents are subject to having their app scanned at each establishment to verify their color-coded risk rating; each risk rating is described below:

• 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; the user has a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test

Under the current directives, individuals must have a green rating from the Ashyq mobile application in order to access several additional nonessential facilities, including shopping and entertainment centers and large catering establishments. The Ashyq mobile application assigns a green rating to individuals who are vaccinated against or have recently recovered from COVID-19, as well as to those who have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than seven days ago.

International Travel Restrictions
To enter Kazakhstan, international arrivals generally must provide evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers with a valid vaccination certificate are exempt from the testing requirement. This pre-travel testing requirement does not apply to children under five years of age, Kazakhstani government delegations, and cabin crew.

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.