Kazakhstan Begins Introducing Electronic Entry Authorizations for Foreign Nationals

The ETA system applies to citizens of countries including Russia

Kazakhstan has begun rolling out its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals. The system applies to citizens of countries, including Russia, that have visa-free travel arrangements with the republic.

As of November 1, the new regime has been launched at Aktau International Airport and at the Urlitobe border crossing point (Pavlodar Region), Aukhatty (Zhambyl Region), Atameken (Turkestan Region), and Nurly Zhol (Zhetysu Region).

The second phase will begin on January 1, 2027, at the airports of Astana and Almaty, and on March 1 at all remaining border crossing points.

For the time being, foreign nationals will still be allowed to enter Kazakhstan without an electronic authorization, but they will be informed of the requirement to obtain one. However, starting July 1 next year, the document will become mandatory, and entry to the country will be denied to travelers who do not possess it.

Entry authorizations can be obtained through the QazETA portal. Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before the planned date of entry. Authorities say applications will be processed within 10 minutes, and the service will be provided free of charge.

The requirement applies to citizens of countries that have visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan. Entry procedures for citizens of countries subject to a visa regime remain unchanged.

Applicants must provide a passport valid for at least six more months, an email address to receive the decision, and information about the purpose of their trip to Kazakhstan.

Entry authorizations are issued by the internal affairs authorities in coordination with national security agencies.

Applications may be rejected due to incorrect or incomplete information, discrepancies in passport details, technical errors, the applicant’s ineligibility for an ETA based on nationality, or restrictions imposed by Kazakhstan’s state authorities.

The authorization is valid for six months. For example, Russian citizens may stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the ETA. For citizens of other countries, the permitted stay may be shorter. Before the authorized period expires, foreign nationals must either leave the republic or obtain a temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit, or long-term visa.

Certain categories of foreign nationals are exempt from the ETA requirement. These include individuals under the age of 16 or over 65, truck drivers and international bus drivers, airline, maritime, and train crew members, diplomats, members of official government delegations, holders of accreditation cards issued by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and foreign nationals with a residence permit or temporary residence permit in the republic. Transit passengers who remain within airport transit zones are also exempt from obtaining an ETA.

Kazakh authorities first announced plans to introduce electronic entry authorizations in August this year. The initiative was developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In October, the government approved the rules governing the issuance of ETAs.

Photo credit: Moore Kazakhstan.

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