Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry Advises Against Travel to the Middle East

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has issued a strong recommendation for its citizens to refrain from traveling to countries in the Middle East. This advisory is linked to significant restrictions on airspace and the ongoing unstable security situation in the region.

The ministry stated that this recommendation will remain in effect until active hostilities cease and the overall situation normalizes. Kazakh diplomatic missions in the relevant countries have been placed on an enhanced operational mode to provide necessary consular and legal assistance to citizens already present there.

Authorities are currently updating lists of Kazakh nationals in the region, including those in transit zones. Operational chat groups have been established on messaging platforms where citizens can receive answers to their questions and obtain up-to-date information.

Tour operators participating in the system for guaranteeing tourists' rights are covering accommodation costs for organized tourist groups at hotels. Measures and routes for a potential evacuation of citizens from escalation zones are also being developed.

Separately, Touristik Kamkor, the administrator of Kazakhstan's System for Guaranteeing Citizens' Rights in Outbound Tourism, has announced a temporary suspension of issuing tour codes for trips to several Middle Eastern countries. This suspension, effective from February 28, applies to tours to Iran, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman.

The restrictions are temporary and will remain until the situation stabilizes and tourist safety is confirmed by a separate official decision. Tourist companies have been advised not to form or sell tour packages for these destinations until further notice.

It is important to note that tourists departing for these Middle Eastern countries after February 28 will not be covered by the guarantee system's protections. For questions regarding tour cancellations, rescheduling, or refunds, travelers are advised to contact their respective travel agencies directly.