Is Astana safe?
Very orderly and heavily policed. The main risks are winter cold, drunk trouble at night and ice on pavements.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-17.
- Homicide rate in Kazakhstan: 2.6 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Kazakhstan: 12.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Astana at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Low petty theft in malls and buses, occasional drunk aggression outside bars, and rare taxi overcharging. |
| At night | Central streets are safe but empty in winter. Take a Yandex Go instead of walking long stretches in -20°C. |
| Solo women | Usually fine alone. Unwanted comments are possible from drunk men at night; use app taxis late. |
| Other risks | Winter cold below -30°C; Icy pavements and strong winds |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed taxis near the airport quote inflated prices
Take care
- Quiet, poorly lit construction zones at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport; police document checks are common.
- A 2025 law bans 'LGBT propaganda'; violations bring fines or short arrest.
- Selling and importing vapes is banned; devices can be confiscated.
How Astana compares in Kazakhstan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Almaty | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Astana | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Astana safe for solo female travelers?
Usually fine alone. Unwanted comments are possible from drunk men at night; use app taxis late.
Is Astana safe at night?
Central streets are safe but empty in winter. Take a Yandex Go instead of walking long stretches in -20°C.
What is the crime rate in Astana?
Low petty theft in malls and buses, occasional drunk aggression outside bars, and rare taxi overcharging. Nationally, Kazakhstan records 2.6 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Astana?
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112.
More about Astana
Going to Astana solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Astana meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Astana International Airport
- Kazakhstan visa and e-visa portal
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.