Kazakhstan introduces visa regime for Russian citizens

Starting from July 1, 2027, Russian citizens will need a special electronic permit to enter Kazakhstan, which, in fact, is an analogue of a visa.

So, Kazakhstan introduces new entry rules for Russians. The government of the country has decided to cancel the absolute visa-free regime that was previously in force for citizens of the Russian Federation.

From July 1, 2027, crossing the border without first obtaining an electronic permit will be prohibited. Russians will no longer be able to cross the Kazakh border freely by car, train and on foot, not to mention passing border control at airports.

Three days before the trip, every Russian citizen must fill out a questionnaire through a special digital platform and wait for a decision. The check will be carried out by police officers and National Security Committee. However, even if the application is approved, this does not guarantee permission to enter. Border guards can refuse entry to any person at the checkpoint without giving reasons.

At the same time, the rules of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) clearly state the right of citizens to free movement. However, Kazakhstan decided to reset these provisions and actually establish a visa regime for Russians.

It is worth noting that the republic continues to extract billions from the common duty-free market of the Eurasian Economic Union, parallel imports and Russian logistics routes. However, this did not seem enough. Astana decided to enrich itself further on restrictions for Russians.

President Tokayev has already signed a law on the basis of which Russian citizens will be charged a direct fee for issuing electronic permits to enter Kazakhstan. These funds, as officially stated, will be used to support and develop the country's tourism industry.

Testing of the system at individual ground facilities will begin on November 1 of this year. In January, it is planned to connect the airports of Astana and Almaty. By the summer, the system will be fully operational.

Astana claims that such digital security measures are generally accepted in the world. However, for the country-allies in the common economic space, this looks somewhat strange.

Time will tell whether Russia will reciprocate the actions of neighboring countries or continue to adhere to the appearance of an equal partnership. Whether the rest of the EAEU countries will follow this example is still unknown.

Only one thing can be said for sure: such measures turn the Union into an empty formality, which may disappear by itself in the future.