Kazakhstan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Kazakhstan enforces customs rules strictly, and the biggest risk for visitors is the cash declaration threshold — undeclared money can be confiscated on the spot. The green channel is only for travellers with absolutely nothing to declare, and random checks are common.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Anything above is subject to a flat customs duty of 2 EUR per litre plus 10% VAT.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
10,000 USD equivalent in any currency (including KZT — roughly 4,500,000 KZT at 2026 rates). Declare on the customs declaration form (two copies) at the red channel. Undeclared amounts face confiscation and a fine of 5–30% of the undeclared sum.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods up to 800 EUR (about 870 USD) and 50 kg total weight are duty-free. Above that, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess value, with a minimum of 4 EUR per kg over the weight limit.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including codeine-based medicines without a permit)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (unless pre-approved for hunting or sport)
  • Printed materials, films, and media that promote extremism, terrorism, or undermine state security
  • Live animals and birds without a veterinary certificate (including pets without proper documents)
  • Soil, potatoes, and other root crops (to prevent pest introduction)
  • Drone cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles without a special permit from the Civil Aviation Committee

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines (up to 90-day supply with prescription; controlled substances need a permit)
  • Drones and UAVs (require advance permission from Kazakh aviation authorities)
  • Satellite phones and encryption devices (may require a license from the Ministry of Digital Development)
  • Cultural valuables and antiques (must be declared and may need an export permit if leaving)
  • Hunting weapons and sporting firearms (require a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Astana or Almaty airports, you'll see red and green channels. The green channel is only for travellers with nothing to declare — no cash over 10,000 USD, no commercial goods, no restricted items. If you have anything to declare, fill out a customs declaration form (available at the red channel or online in advance) and go through the red channel. Random checks happen even in the green channel, and penalties for false declaration are steep.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Kazakhstan has a VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists (Tax Free), but it only applies to purchases made in participating stores in Astana and Almaty, with a minimum purchase of 20,000 KZT (about 45 USD) per receipt. You must claim the refund at the airport customs desk before check-in, showing the goods, receipts, and your passport. The refund is 12% VAT minus a service fee.

Bringing medication

You can bring personal medication for up to 90 days if you carry a doctor's prescription (translated into Russian or Kazakh) and keep it in original packaging. Narcotics, psychotropics, and strong painkillers (e.g., codeine, tramadol, morphine) require a special permit from the Kazakh Ministry of Health — without it, they are treated as illegal drugs. Some common Western cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are also restricted.

Food, plants & animal products

All food products of animal origin (meat, dairy, eggs, honey) are banned from import without a veterinary certificate. Plant products (seeds, fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers) must be declared and may require a phytosanitary certificate. Potatoes, soil, and live plants are prohibited. Vacuum-packed fish and canned goods are generally allowed for personal use up to 5 kg.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration is mandatory and strictly enforced

If you carry more than 10,000 USD equivalent in any currency, you must declare it on the customs form. Undeclared cash is confiscated and you face a fine of 5–30% of the amount. This applies to both entry and exit.

Green channel is only for 'nothing to declare'

Unlike some countries, Kazakhstan's green channel is not for 'nothing to pay' — it's for 'nothing to declare'. If you have any restricted item (even a drone or extra phone), you must use the red channel. False declaration can lead to criminal charges.

Temporary import of vehicles requires a customs declaration

If you arrive with a foreign-registered car, you must declare it and obtain a temporary import permit. The vehicle must be exported within 6 months, or you'll pay import duties and taxes.

Alcohol and tobacco limits are per adult, not per family

The 1L spirits / 2L wine and 200 cigarettes allowances apply to each adult traveller (18+). You cannot pool allowances with children or combine them into one large allowance.

Frequently asked questions

Codeine is a controlled substance in Kazakhstan. You need a special permit from the Kazakh Ministry of Health before you travel, even with a foreign prescription. Without it, you risk arrest and prosecution for drug smuggling. Contact the Kazakh embassy in your country at least a month in advance.
No, not without prior permission. Drones are classified as restricted items. You must obtain a permit from the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan before arrival. If you arrive with a drone undeclared, it will be confiscated and you may face a fine.
Up to 10,000 USD equivalent in any currency. If you have more, you must declare it on the customs form at the red channel. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but anything over 10,000 USD must be declared.
For personal use, one laptop and one smartphone are usually fine without declaration. But if you carry multiple devices (e.g., three phones), customs may consider them commercial goods and require declaration and duty payment. It's safest to declare if in doubt.
If caught, you'll be charged with false declaration. Penalties include confiscation of the goods, a fine of up to 30% of the value, and possible criminal charges. Always use the red channel if you have anything to declare.
No. All meat and dairy products are banned from import without a veterinary certificate. This includes cheese, sausage, and even packaged items. They will be confiscated at the border. Canned fish and vacuum-packed fish up to 5 kg are allowed.
Yes, but only for purchases in participating stores in Astana and Almaty, with a minimum of 20,000 KZT per receipt. You must claim the refund at the airport customs desk before check-in. The refund is 12% VAT minus a service fee.

Official source

State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan before travelling.