Published on
August 21, 2025
Kazakhstan joins the list of countries, including Japan, China, and South Korea, as the UK issues an urgent travel advisory to British citizens. This advisory highlights new passport validity requirements, visa conditions, and health entry protocols for travelers heading to these destinations. The updates come in light of increased regulations around passport renewal, biometric data collection, and medical screenings, making it crucial for anyone planning to visit these countries to stay informed and ensure compliance with the latest entry rules to avoid any travel disruptions. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and how to prepare for your journey.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory, alerting British travelers to new passport and visa conditions for several key destinations in Asia, including Kazakhstan, Japan, China, and South Korea. The advisory offers critical information on entry requirements, health screenings, and other essential travel details, making it crucial for anyone planning to visit these countries to stay informed.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, is a popular destination for both tourism and business travel, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. However, recent updates on entry and travel conditions have raised concerns for British nationals heading to the country.
Scheduled Runway Maintenance at Astana International Airport
Travelers to Kazakhstan should be aware that Astana International Airport, the country’s primary international gateway, will undergo scheduled runway maintenance from 1 September to 31 October. This maintenance will take place daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., potentially affecting flight schedules. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for any adjustments to their flight times, as changes may occur at short notice.
Passport Validity Requirements
To enter Kazakhstan, British nationals must ensure their passport is valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival. Additionally, travelers must have at least one blank page in their passport for entry stamps. The passport should also meet the Kazakh authorities’ requirement of validity for at least three months beyond the expiration date of any visas if applicable. It is highly recommended to renew passports well in advance to avoid any complications upon arrival.
Dual Nationality and Visa Requirements
Kazakhstan does not recognize dual nationality, and individuals found holding both a Kazakh passport and another national passport face fines and the possible revocation of their Kazakh citizenship. If you are traveling with a dual nationality, you must contact the Kazakh Embassy to ensure you comply with local laws.
As for visa requirements, British citizens can visit Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa for business or tourism purposes. However, they must not exceed 90 days of stay in any 180-day period without a visa. If a longer stay is planned or for work or study purposes, travelers must apply for a visa through the Kazakh government’s visa website. For travelers applying for a visa or residency, biometrics (fingerprints) will be required as part of the application process.
Hotel Registration
Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, travelers must register with the local authorities. This can be done by your hotel or the person hosting you. The registration should take place within three working days of arrival. Travelers who fail to do so may face legal complications or penalties.
Customs and Import Regulations
Kazakhstan has strict customs regulations that travelers should familiarize themselves with before entering or leaving the country. Goods that are prohibited or subject to tax or duty must be declared. Travelers should ensure they understand the import/export restrictions to avoid any issues at customs.
Japan
Japan remains one of the most visited countries in Asia, famous for its advanced technology, rich culture, and historical landmarks. However, British travelers heading to Japan should be aware of the latest passport, visa, and health screening requirements.
Passport Validity Requirements
To enter Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with no additional validity period required. However, travelers must ensure that their passports have at least one blank page available for a visa stamp, if applicable. If you plan to stay longer or for any specific purposes, check with the Japanese embassy to ensure your passport meets the entry criteria.
Visa and Entry Conditions
For tourism or business purposes, British nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 90 days. This visa can be granted upon entry without the need for prior application. However, those who require a multiple-entry visa should request this from immigration officials upon arrival.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or for work or study, a valid visa must be obtained in advance. It is important to note that working in Japan without the appropriate visa is illegal and could result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Health and Medical Screening
Travelers should be aware that Japan may require health screenings upon arrival, particularly for certain types of illnesses. While routine health checks are not always performed, travelers may be required to undergo body temperature scanning, and in rare cases, additional testing such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests, or medical examinations.
China
China, a global superpower, is another key destination for British nationals. However, the entry requirements, including visa procedures, biometric data collection, and health screenings, have become more stringent in recent years.
Passport and Visa Requirements
To travel to mainland China, British nationals must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date, with two blank pages available for visa and entry stamps. Visa applications are mandatory for entry into mainland China, and travelers must submit biometric data (including fingerprints and photos) as part of the visa application process. British nationals aged 14-70 are required to apply online and attend the Visa for China application centre in London, Manchester, Belfast, or Edinburgh. If you’re under 13 or over 71, you can submit the application without attending in person.
For travelers planning to visit Hainan, a Chinese province, it is important to note that you can enter visa-free if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point.
Health Screening on Arrival
China’s Frontier Health and Quarantine Laws have been updated to include mandatory medical screening on arrival. This may include body temperature scanning and, in some cases, more invasive testing, such as throat or nasal swabs or blood tests. Travelers who refuse to comply with the screening procedures may be denied entry into the country.
South Korea
South Korea is a rapidly growing destination for both tourism and business. With its vibrant cities, rich culture, and technological advancements, South Korea continues to attract visitors from around the world. However, the UK government has issued a travel advisory for South Korea, detailing several new entry requirements, visa conditions, and health screenings.
Passport Validity and Visa Requirements
To enter South Korea for tourism or short-term business (up to 90 days), British nationals must ensure their passport is valid for the duration of their stay, with the passport’s expiration date after the departure date. For those planning to stay longer or for work or study purposes, a visa is required. South Korea offers a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) for visa-free entry, and British nationals traveling visa-free are currently exempt from this requirement until 31 December 2025.
For those visiting for employment, it’s important to note that working without the proper work visa is illegal, regardless of the job type. Specific entry requirements for teachers (such as the university degree and TEFL qualifications) should be checked before travel.
Health Screening and Declaration
From 1 August 2025, the UK has been designated as a ‘Quarantine Inspection Required Area’, meaning that travelers from the UK may be required to submit a Q-Code health questionnaire on arrival. Travelers showing symptoms of illness will be required to complete additional medical screenings. Failure to comply with these measures may result in a fine of up to KRW 10 million.
As the UK government continues to monitor and update travel advisories, British nationals planning to visit Kazakhstan, Japan, China, or South Korea should stay well-informed of the latest passport, visa, and health entry requirements for each destination.
While the passport validity, visa conditions, and biometric data collection are crucial points to keep in mind, travelers should also prepare for potential health screenings at the borders. Always check with your airline and the local embassy before departure to ensure a smooth entry into your destination.
Kazakhstan has joined Japan, China, and South Korea as the UK issues an urgent travel advisory, alerting travelers to new passport validity, visa conditions, and health screening requirements. These updates are essential for British nationals to ensure smooth entry and avoid travel disruptions.
Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or study, this advisory serves as a reminder to be proactive in planning and securing the correct documents and health clearances for your international trip.
