Export cash to the Eurasian Economic Union: $100,000 limit and new regulations in 2026

Starting April 1, 2026, Russia has implemented new restrictions on cash exports to EAEU countries. Under this regulation, individuals are prohibited from taking cash out of the country if the total amount exceeds the equivalent of $100,000 USD (calculated at the Russian Central Bank’s official exchange rate on the day of crossing).

This regulation marks a significant change from previous practices and is one of the strictest currency control measures implemented in recent years. The restriction applies to transferring funds from Russia to EAEU member countries, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

The core feature of the new rule is the strict prohibition rather than just an increased declaration requirement. Even if cash is declared to customs, it cannot be taken out if it exceeds the limit. This is fundamentally different from the previous threshold of $10,000 USD, which only required declaration without a ban.

When calculating the limit, all cash carried by an individual must be included, whether in Russian rubles or foreign currencies. Regardless of the currency composition, all amounts must be converted into USD at the Russian Central Bank’s official rate to determine if they exceed the threshold. This prevents splitting funds across different currencies to evade the restriction.

The ban applies to all forms of cash, including banknotes and coins. In practice, regulators may also consider other financial instruments that exist in document form and are practically equivalent to cash. However, non-cash transfer methods, such as bank transfers, financial system payments, and card transactions, are not subject to this restriction, as they do not involve physical cross-border movement of funds.

For transferring amounts exceeding the limit, non-cash methods are recommended. Bank transfers remain the safest and most legally compliant way to transfer funds between EAEU countries. Using payment cards to withdraw cash in the destination country is also an option. These methods help avoid risks associated with customs restrictions.

Attempting to carry cash exceeding the limit out of the country may result in serious consequences. First, the funds may be confiscated at the border. Depending on the circumstances, fines or administrative penalties may also be imposed. In cases involving large sums or intentional violations, more severe legal consequences could follow.

It is important to note that the new regulation operates alongside existing currency control rules. Specifically, the requirement to declare cash exceeding $10,000 USD remains in effect. However, this does not cancel or replace the prohibition on carrying amounts over $100,000 USD.

In summary, from 2026 onward, individuals traveling to EAEU countries must adhere to a clear limit: they cannot carry more than $100,000 USD (or equivalent). For larger amounts, non-cash transfer methods should be used, which are fully legal and not subject to these restrictions.