Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tighten entry rules for foreign visitors

September 9, 2026 at 08:25 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are introducing new entry procedures for foreign visitors, including a visitor fee and a tracking system. The moves come amid a reported influx of Russians following rumors of a possible military mobilization in Russia.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan is introducing a visitor fee of about 3,900 tenge ($8.50) for foreigners, with a phased rollout from November through early December.
Kyrgyzstan plans a tracking system for foreigners and will bar those who overstay their visa-free period from returning for a set time.
Kazakhstan requires visitors to apply for a permit at least 72 hours before arrival, though authorities deny it is a de-facto visa regime.
Kazakhstan has reported a significant increase in real estate purchases and investments by Russians in recent months.
Russian forces in Ukraine have been losing over 1,000 troops a day, according to the article.

Kazakhstan's Visitor Fee

Kazakhstan began testing a digital permit system in late August, requiring foreigners to obtain a permit costing about 3,900 tenge ($8.50) to enter the country. The new system is slated to go into effect in phases throughout November and early December, covering entries by air, land, rail and sea. Travelers must apply for a visitor's permit at least 72 hours in advance of arrival, according to published reports. Kazakh authorities insist the permit system is not a de-facto visa regime, but the 72-hour requirement gives authorities time to review applications and potentially deny permits. It is uncertain whether all foreign nationals currently enjoying visa-free privileges will be subject to the Kazakh entry fee, as the government has not finalized the framework.

Kyrgyzstan's Tracking System

A Kyrgyz government decree outlines plans to implement a tracking system to ensure foreigners adhere to migration rules. Those who violate length-of-stay requirements will be barred from returning for a set period, determined by the number of days a citizen of a given country can stay visa-free. Russians can travel to Kyrgyzstan for up to 90 days during a 180-day period without a visa.

Russian Migration Pressure

Central Asian states were inundated with Russian migrants after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, causing a spike in GDP growth but also high inflation. Rumors are swirling in Moscow that Vladimir Putin will order a general mobilization following parliamentary elections in late September. Russian forces in Ukraine have been losing over 1,000 troops a day while making negligible territorial gains in recent months. Putin has called the mobilization rumors 'nonsense'. Kazakhstan has reported a significant increase in real estate purchases and investments by Russians looking for a safe place to park assets ahead of the expected mobilization.