Starting April 1, 2026, new restrictions on the export of cash to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) came into force in Russia. Under the decree, individuals are prohibited from exporting cash if the total amount exceeds the equivalent of $100,000 USD, calculated at the official exchange rate of the Bank of Russia on the date of crossing the border.
This rule significantly changes previous practices and represents one of the strictest currency control measures introduced in recent years. The restriction applies to the movement of funds from Russia to EAEU member states, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
The key feature of the new regulation is that it establishes a strict prohibition rather than an additional declaration requirement. If the amount of cash exceeds the установленный limit, it cannot be exported even if declared to customs authorities. This fundamentally distinguishes the new rule from the previously existing $10,000 threshold, which only required mandatory declaration rather than imposing a ban.
When calculating the limit, all cash carried by an individual is taken into account. This includes both Russian rubles and foreign currency. Regardless of the composition of funds, all amounts are converted into US dollars using the official exchange rate of the Bank of Russia, after which it is determined whether the total exceeds the установленный threshold. This means that the restriction cannot be bypassed by distributing funds across different currencies.
The prohibition applies to all forms of cash, including banknotes and coins. In practice, regulatory authorities may also take into account other financial instruments in documentary form if they effectively function as cash equivalents. At the same time, non-cash transfer methods, including bank transfers, payments through financial systems, and the use of bank cards, are not subject to these restrictions, as they do not involve the physical movement of funds across the border.
If there is a need to transfer an amount exceeding the установленный limit, it is recommended to use non-cash methods. Bank transfers remain the safest and most legally compliant way to move funds between EAEU countries. It is also possible to use payment cards and withdraw cash in the destination country. These methods eliminate the risks associated with customs restrictions.
Attempting to export cash exceeding the установленный limit may result in serious consequences. First and foremost, this includes confiscation of funds at the border. Depending on the circumstances, administrative liability in the form of fines may apply, and in cases involving large amounts or intentional violations, more severe legal consequences may follow.
It is important to note that the new rules operate alongside existing currency control regulations. In particular, the requirement to declare cash exceeding the equivalent of $10,000 USD remains in force. However, this rule does not отменяет or replace the prohibition on exporting amounts exceeding $100,000.
In summary, as of 2026, individuals traveling to EAEU countries are subject to a clear restriction: cash may only be exported within the limit of $100,000 USD (or its equivalent). For transferring larger amounts, non-cash methods should be used, as they remain fully legal and are not subject to these restrictions.
