While you are in Kazakhstan, you are subject to Kazakhstani laws and procedures, which are often quite different from those in the United States.
If you are arrested or involved in a dispute with Kazakhstani authorities, you should ask the authorities to notify us. We cannot get you out of jail, but we can help protect your legitimate interests and ensure you are not discriminated against.
Please keep in mind that while our intervention may help, it can take time; ultimately only Kazakhstani officials have the authority to resolve a dispute in Kazakhstan.
Should you be kept in police custody, we can provide a list of lawyers (PDF – 149KB) to visit you, and, if you choose, contact your friends and relatives on your behalf. We can also transfer money, food, and clothing to prison authorities from your family or friends.
The U. S. Embassy cannot, however, become involved in private legal disputes, such as between you and your Kazakhstani business partner. In these situations it might be helpful to retain a lawyer. The American Citizen Services Unit maintains a list of lawyers (PDF – 149KB) in Kazakhstan who have told us they are willing to represent Americans.
For more information, please see Assistance to U.S. Citizens Arrested Abroad on the U.S. Department of State Travel web site.