Kazakhstan customs rules & duty-free allowances
Kazakhstan allows duty-free import of up to 1 liter of alcohol (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and personal goods worth up to USD 800 (approx. 370,000 KZT) for non-resident adults aged 18+. Cash amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, certain meats, and unlicensed weapons. Note: The alcohol allowance is an 'OR' choice, not cumulative.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs) without a special permit
- Uncooked meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or African swine fever (check current bans)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
- Pornographic materials (defined as obscene or violent content)
- Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, tiger parts) without CITES permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam) – require a prescription and a completed customs declaration
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products – require a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country
- Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) – must be registered with the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan; import requires a permit for frequencies above certain limits
- Satellite phones and cryptographic equipment – require a license from the Ministry of Digital Development
- Cultural valuables (antiques, artworks over 100 years old) – require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
Rules worth knowing
Temporary import of vehicles
Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 12 months without paying duty, but must register it with customs and obtain a temporary license plate. The vehicle cannot be sold or leased in Kazakhstan.
Currency declaration for amounts under USD 10,000
While only amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared, customs officers may ask any traveler to prove the source of cash. It is advisable to carry bank statements or ATM receipts for amounts over USD 3,000.
Duty-free shops at land borders
Duty-free allowances apply only to goods physically carried by the traveler. Purchases from duty-free shops at land border crossings (e.g., with Russia, China) are subject to the same limits and must be sealed in tamper-evident bags.
Import of honey and bee products
Honey, beeswax, and other bee products require a veterinary certificate and are subject to inspection. Up to 5 kg of honey for personal use is generally allowed without a certificate, but this is at the officer's discretion.