Kazakhstan Has Introduced An Entry Fee For Russians

• 1.09.2026, 14:40

Amid rumors of an impending mobilization.

Kazakhstan has introduced paid electronic entry permits for citizens of countries that do not require a visa, including Russians. The system began operating in test mode on August 25. Details published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. The authorization is issued via the QazETA digital platform.

During the first phase, which will last until November 1, foreigners will be allowed to enter Kazakhstan freely but will be advised that they will need to obtain an electronic document for their next trip. Starting November 1, the permit will be mandatory for those arriving by plane. Starting November 15, it will be required at land border crossings with China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and starting November 30—at the borders with Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Starting December 15, the new rules will apply to rail and sea border crossing points.

You must apply for the permit at least 72 hours before your trip. It is valid for 180 calendar days and allows for multiple visits to Kazakhstan during that period. The cost of the permit is approximately 3,900 tenge (730 rubles) when applied for in advance and approximately 7,800 tenge (nearly 1,500 rubles) when obtained at the border crossing. The Republic’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the introduction of an entry fee for visa-exempt foreigners in early August, but did not provide any details.

After Russia announced mobilization in 2022 due to the war with Ukraine, Kazakhstan became one of the most popular destinations for relocation. According to estimates by the republic’s Ministry of Labor, more than 400,000 Russians arrived in the country at that time, and approximately 100,000 of them remained. Currently, Russian citizens can stay in Kazakhstan for 90 days without obtaining additional documents. For a longer stay, they must obtain a temporary residence permit.

Meanwhile, reports continue to circulate in Russia about preparations for a new mobilization. According to Western intelligence, the Kremlin may announce it after the September State Duma elections. Rumors of this have already led to an increase in the number of Russians crossing the land border with Georgia—another popular destination for relocation. According to the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, in just one week in August the “Verkhniy Lars” border crossing point was crossed by about 113,000 people.

Armenia has also declared its readiness to accept Russians fleeing mobilization. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the republic of “provocation” and “encouraging unlawful actions.”