Kazakhstan has introduced electronic entry permits that will need to be paid for. The measure will apply to citizens from visa-exempt countries, including Russia.
The system was launched in testing mode on August 25. Until November 1, foreigners will be allowed free access to Kazakhstan, but they will be warned that they will need to obtain an electronic document for their next trip.
Starting from November 1, a permit will become mandatory for those arriving in Kazakhstan by air. From November 15, the measure will also apply at road checkpoints at the borders with China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and from November 30, at the borders with Russia and Kyrgyzstan. From December 15, the new rules will also apply at railway and maritime borders.
Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel, according to The Moscow Times. It will be issued for 180 calendar days and allows multiple entries into Kazakhstan during this period.
The permit costs approximately 3900 tenge (just over 7 euros) when applied for in advance. Its cost will be 7800 tenge (almost 15 euros) when issued at the border crossing point.
The decision comes against the backdrop of rumors about a possible mobilization in Russia, which could take place after the State Duma elections in Russia in September. Authorities in Kazakhstan claim that in 2022, when the Kremlin announced a partial mobilization, about 400,000 Russians arrived in the country, and approximately 100,000 have remained there to this day.
Rumors about a possible mobilization have already led to an increase in the number of citizens leaving through the land border with Georgia. In this context, Armenia has announced its readiness to welcome Russians fleeing from mobilization.