Hey, let's go to Kazakhstan!

Ok, so I get these emails from the state department , basically consular information sheets with travel advisories of various countries.I thought I'd share some over the next few moon cycles with you good folks out there, however few there are......



Kazakhstan Consular Information Sheet
July 27, 2006
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Kazakhstan is a constitutional republic with a strong
presidency and a market economy. Kazakhstan's tourist facilities are not
highly developed; the availability of goods and services is better than in
most neighboring countries, but not up to the standards found in North
America and Western Europe. Internal travel and travel to neighboring
countries, both by air and land, can be subject to delays due to
infrastructure shortcomings and winter weather. Read the Department of State
Background Notes on Kazakhstan http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5487.htm.

The
U.S. Embassy in Almaty does not issue letters of invitation to citizens
interested in private travel to Kazakhstan. All travelers, even those simply
transiting Kazakhstan for less than 72 hours, must obtain a Kazakhstani visa
before entering the country. Travelers should be aware that overstaying the
validity period of a visa will result in fines and delays upon exit.

Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic
Jihad Group, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaeda, and the Eastern
Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in Central Asia. These groups have
expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. Government or
private interests in the region, including in Kazakhstan. Attacks against
foreign interests in Central Asia have occurred and new tactics, including
the use of suicide bombers, have been employed by extremists in neighboring
Uzbekistan. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian
targets. Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities,
terrorists are seeking softer civilian targets such as residential areas,
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation
events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and planes.
Kazakhstani security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under
surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored,
and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs
of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security
interest may result in problems with authorities.

Siz osy zhazda demalys alasyz ba?


So allow me to say,"Men Amerikandykpyn", and i'm keeping my ass right here in The good ole Southland,Ulken rakhmet!

Kazakhstan Embassy