Security Alert: Kazakhstan, State of Emergency and Security Updates

January 7, 2022

Location: Nationwide

Event: A nationwide state of emergency and curfew is in place between the hours of 11pm and 7am and will remain in effect until January 19th. Expect security checkpoints controlling access to population centers, public transport disruptions, and limitations on movement throughout the country. Overland border crossing to neighboring countries may not be possible or safe at this time.

U.S. government personnel and private U.S. citizens in Almaty are urged to shelter in place until safe departure is possible. Avoid standing next to balconies or windows, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Further, all U.S. citizens in Kazakhstan are advised to avoid crowds or demonstrations.

Unrest in Almaty continues, and there have been reports of significant gunfire and ongoing direct conflict between armed groups and Kazakhstani government forces. Widespread flight and train disruptions continue, and there are cancellations on both domestic and international routes. Almaty airport and railway stations are currently closed. You are advised to check with your airline to confirm your flight and reminded to avoid travel during curfew hours.

Communications services countrywide have been limited and internet access has been blocked. Denial of internet access can impact other services such as banking, credit card transactions, and COVID-19 testing. Coordinate with your medical provider to determine testing availability.

Actions to Take:

  • Avoid demonstrations
  • Avoid crowds
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Monitor local media for updates
  • Review your personal security plans
  • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

For Assistance: 

The U.S. Embassy is located at Rakhymzhan Koskharbayev Ave., No. 3, Nur-Sultan 010010. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Embassy is +7 7172 70 22 00.

The U.S. Consulate General Almaty is located at Samal-2, 97 Zholdasbekov Street, Almaty, 050051. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Consulate General is 8 777 0072359.

For further information about security in Kazakhstan:

  • U.S. Embassy Nur-Sultan – +7 (7172) 70-21-00
  • U.S. Consulate Almaty – +7 (7272) 50-76-12/17 · Email: [email protected] 
  • State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

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Kazakhstan has been shaken by a rapidly unfolding series of dramatic and tragic events since protests began in early January. The roundtable discussion (“Kazakhstan after Bloody January: Dreams and Pains of Renewal”) on  a.m. organized by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University, will address ongoing developments in the areas of human rights and rule of law, changes in the political scene, and the outline and prospects of socio-economic reforms.