Kazakhstan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Kazakhstan's biggest customs risk is its strict currency declaration rule: any cash or monetary instruments exceeding the equivalent of $10,000 must be declared in writing, or you risk seizure and fines up to 100% of the undeclared amount. Non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026 should be aware that the country also enforces specific limits on alcohol and tobacco, and requires permits for drones and certain medications.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free threshold: up to 3 liters total (including the 1 liter of spirits) are allowed duty-free; above that, duty is payable.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount over $10,000 (or equivalent in KZT, approximately 4,600,000 KZT) must be declared on a written customs declaration form. Declaration is made at the customs checkpoint before the green/red channel.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to $800 (approximately 368,000 KZT) in total value. Above that, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with a special permit)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including stun guns and pepper spray)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Endangered species and products made from them (CITES)
Counterfeit goods and pirated media

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require a permit from the Ministry of Health)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
Animals and animal products (require a veterinary certificate)
Drones and satellite phones (require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense)
Cultural valuables (antiques, art) over 100 years old (require an export permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, you will receive a customs declaration card if you have goods to declare. Use the red channel if you have items exceeding the duty-free limits, cash over $10,000, or any restricted/prohibited items. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Keep your declaration card until exit.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply are allowed without a prescription. For controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics), you need a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine, certain antidepressants) are controlled in Kazakhstan. Always carry original packaging and a prescription.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, and animal products are generally prohibited without a veterinary certificate. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Honey and live animals are restricted. Declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration is Mandatory

Any cash or monetary instruments (traveler's checks, promissory notes) exceeding $10,000 (or equivalent in KZT) must be declared in writing. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to 100% of the undeclared amount.

Tobacco and Alcohol Limits Are Per Person

The duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco are per adult traveller (18+). They cannot be combined with other travellers. If you exceed the limit, you must pay duty on the excess.

No Duty-Free for Frequent Travellers

If you enter Kazakhstan more than once every 30 days, you are not eligible for the duty-free allowance on goods (except personal items). This applies to non-residents as well.

Customs Declaration Card Must Be Kept

If you fill out a customs declaration card (for cash or restricted items), you must keep it until you leave Kazakhstan. You may be asked to present it at departure.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use do not need to be declared, as long as they are not new and are clearly for personal use. However, if you are carrying multiple units (e.g., 3 laptops), customs may consider them commercial goods.

Drones require prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense. Without a permit, they may be confiscated at customs. Apply at least 30 days before travel through the Kazakh embassy or consulate.

If you lose the card, you may face delays at departure. You can request a duplicate at the customs office at the airport, but it is best to keep it safe. The card is not required if you used the green channel and had nothing to declare.

Codeine is a controlled substance in Kazakhstan. You need a doctor's prescription (in English or Russian) and a permit from the Ministry of Health. Without a permit, it may be confiscated and you could face legal issues. Carry only a 3-month supply.

There is no limit on bringing in KZT, but any amount over $10,000 equivalent (about 4,600,000 KZT) must be declared. You can bring out up to $10,000 equivalent without declaration; above that requires a bank certificate.

Meat and dairy products from the EU are generally prohibited without a veterinary certificate. Even with a certificate, they may be subject to inspection. It is safer to avoid bringing any animal products.

Gifts are included in the $800 duty-free allowance for personal goods. If the total value of gifts and personal items exceeds $800, you pay 30% duty on the excess. Gifts must be for personal use, not for resale.

Official source

Kazakhstan State Revenue Committee (Ministry of Finance)