Border Kazachstan (Shemonaika) - Russia | Customs and Immigration

August 19th, 2023 by our.overland.adventures

We were at the Kazakh border at 05:00 and were first in line. Kazakh side took 1 hour with a not so thorough check. Russian side took 3 hours of which 2 were spent in the interrogation room (1 hour for each of us, we were separated). Interrogation wasn't unpleasant and could have taken just 15 minutes. Just took so long because the conversation went via Google translate and he had to type everything into his system (and he was very slow at it). They were very meticulous about my entire education, line of work, contact details, even took my phone's IMEI. They also took every detail (work/education, contact details, address, etc.)of my sisters and parents. They didn't ask any questions about the "military operation" in Ukraine. Otherwise very kind people. Car check was quick and easy.

July 4th, 2023 by kpapageo1

Very long crossing (KZ to RU). 30' on KZ end and 4.5 hours on RU. And they all let me and my moto skip the line of about 15 cars. The reason was the interrogation from a (friendly) RU officer. I made the mistake of saying I've been to the army and this is when they started asking all kinds of questions. If they ask you, I would advise to say you didn't. Another European traveler was there 2h before me and he left after me.

July 15th, 2019 by vostatekj

We went from KZ to RUS under 2 hours. Kazakh side was quick and straightforward, Russian search was very throughout, chcecked everything including maps and asked us where are we right now (I have absolutely no idea why)

July 11th, 2019 by victoriat

Slow border, big queve, took us 3 hours from kz to rf. Big busses go without queve, so the line moves very slow.

August 11th, 2018 by pauljlewzey

Took 2 hours to reach the border post due to a large queue but the checks took only 30 mins including a check by the Kazakh's drug sniffer dog Watson.
Before entering the Kazakh border post, take your passports and car documents to the barrier guard box to get a slip of paper that gets you through the barrier.
Russian side was a short queue while they inspect batches of vehicles. Insurance can be bought on both sides for respective countries. toilets and pub on the Russian side.

August 11th, 2018 by Golandy

Crossed on Saturday from Russia to KZ, took a little over 2 hours (arrived just before noon). There were about 25 cars ahead of us. Crossing KZ - Russia had an even bigger line. Checks of the car were very brief on both sides. Everyone was very helpful. Arranged KZ insurance on Russian side. According to the border officials, we have to register the visa within 5 days after entering if we stay longer than 15 days.

August 2nd, 2018 by Overlandsite

Simple crossing. It took us about 2 hours

June 30th, 2018 by polaris-overland.com

Easiest crossing yet in our Land Rover Defender.
45 mins on Kazak side leaving with very cursory inspection.
Quick and simple arriving in Russia, 30 mins max and only that long because a massive thunderstorm arrived and took out the electricity so we had to wait for power and computers to run up again

June 18th, 2018 by sixwheelseast.com

It took us an hour to pass both sides (from Kazakhstan into Russia). Straightforward process. No facilities, so if you for example want to exchange money better do it in the last village before driving to the border (note: the banks in Shemonaika are closed on Saturday and Sunday). On the Russian side there is an insurance company.

July 1st, 2017 by ellenbosman

Small borderpost. The road from shamainaka is good and being upgraded.