Kazakhstan Has Found A Way To Profit From Russians Fleeing The War And Mobilization

• 6.09.2026, 8:20

Ukraine's foreign intelligence service has revealed the details.

Kazakhstan is introducing new entry rules for Russians—they will now have to pay for an electronic border-crossing permit, and the system itself will require the creation of a digital profile containing biometric data.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

Changes to Kazakhstan’s migration legislation were signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The new rules will take effect on November 30, 2026.

Russian citizens entering Kazakhstan by land through major border crossings will be required to obtain a paid electronic permit, QazETA, in advance. Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel.

The permit will cost 3,900 tenge, which is equivalent to approximately 7.3 euros (about 800 rubles). If obtained directly at the border, the fee will increase to 7,600 tenge, or about 14.3 euros.

Without this permit, Russian citizens may be denied entry and deported.

The system will initially be implemented at airports. By mid-December, it is planned to expand the system to international rail routes and ports.

In addition, Russians will be required to create a digital profile containing biometric data. The permit will be valid for 180 days, but individuals will be allowed to stay in Kazakhstan for no more than 90 days.

Kazakhstan Will Profit From Russians

As noted by the SVRU, after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan became a destination for Russians fleeing the country out of fear of mobilization and war. Some Russian citizens also used Kazakhstan to work and conduct business outside of Russia.

Now, this influx is generating direct revenue for the Kazakh government through paid entry permits.

At the same time, the process of reducing Central Asian countries’ dependence on Russia is not limited to Kazakhstan. At a meeting of leaders from Central Asia and Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov proposed creating a single tourist visa for foreigners.