Kazakhstan to Introduce Electronic Entry Authorization for Foreign Nationals

Starting from 1 November, 2026 Kazakhstan began the phased introduction of the QazETA electronic travel authorization for foreign nationals entering the country under a visa-free regime. At the initial stage, the authorization will be checked at Aktau Airport, as well as at the following land border checkpoints: Urlyutobe in Pavlodar Region, Aukhatti in Zhambyl Region, Atameken in Turkistan Region, and Nurly Zhol in Zhetysu Region. However, the absence of such authorization will not yet constitute grounds for refusing entry into the country.

Subsequently, the system will be extended to the airports of Astana and Almaty from 1 January 2027, and to all remaining border checkpoints from 1 March 2027. Possession of the electronic authorization will become mandatory from 1 July 2027. From that date, failure to obtain the authorization may constitute grounds for refusal of entry into Kazakhstan.

QazETA must be obtained online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. The authorization will be issued free of charge. The following categories of travelers will be exempt from this requirement: children under the age of 16, persons over the age of 65, holders of Kazakhstani visas and residence permits, as well as certain other categories of travelers.

It should be noted that QazETA does not replace a visa and does not alter the permitted length of stay in Kazakhstan. The new regulations also provide for the modernization of the migration control system and the digital registration of foreign nationals.

For further information, we recommend consulting Resolution No. 148 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 21 January 2012, “On Approval of the Rules for Entry and Stay of Immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as Their Departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Rules for Exercising Migration Control and Registering Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons Illegally Crossing the State Border of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Illegally Staying in the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as Persons Prohibited from Entering the Republic of Kazakhstan.”