What happens to a tourist who breaks the law in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – Swimming in a prohibited lake, flying a drone without a permit, or even having an expired visa — such situations can lead to real legal consequences for tourists in Kazakhstan. Tengrinews.kz spoke with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to find out what can get a foreigner fined, arrested, or even deported from the country.

Why tourists can face legal action

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, under Articles 25–27 of the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, foreigners who commit offenses in Kazakhstan are held liable on the same grounds as citizens of the country. Exceptions apply only if otherwise stated in international agreements.

Similarly, foreigners who violate the rules of stay — for example, by living with invalid documents, failing to leave on time, or breaking transit regulations — can be held administratively liable under Kazakh law.

Tourists may face the following administrative penalties:

• a warning;
• an administrative fine or administrative arrest;
• deportation from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Serious or repeated violations of migration or transit rules can result in criminal penalties, including:

• a fine;
• community service;
• restriction of freedom;
• imprisonment;
• prohibition from holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities.

“In addition to these penalties, deportation may be applied. A foreigner who violates Kazakh legislation on the legal status of foreigners may also have their permitted period of stay in Kazakhstan shortened,” the ministry explained.

Grounds for deportation

Under Article 28 of the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners, a foreigner may be expelled from Kazakhstan if:

• their actions contradict national security or public order interests;
• expulsion is required to protect public health, morality, or the rights and legitimate interests of Kazakh citizens and other persons;
• they have violated Kazakh law;
• their marriage to a Kazakh citizen — which served as the basis for permanent residence — is declared invalid by law.

The Ministry clarified that the court decides whether to deport a foreigner, as well as the timing and method of deportation.

“The court’s decision on deportation can be enforced either through supervised voluntary departure or forced removal from Kazakhstan. If the individual does not leave within the specified period, the court may impose preventive restrictions on their movement and enforce deportation by force,” the ministry stated.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, since the beginning of the year, over 86,000 foreigners have been penalized for violating migration rules — about 13,000 of them have been deported from Kazakhstan.