The Government of Kazakhstan has approved a new version of the Rules for the entry and stay of immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan and their departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan. The resolution dated 10 October 2026 provides for the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization, which will be implemented in stages starting in November 2026.
Who must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization?
Electronic Travel Authorization must be obtained by citizens of the countries listed in paragraph 24 of the Rules, as well as citizens of member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and countries with which Kazakhstan has concluded international agreements on visa-free travel.
The countries listed in paragraph 24 include Australia, the United States, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, Vatican City, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, Denmark, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, Qatar, Cyprus, Colombia, the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Finland, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Chile, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia.
Separate visa-free entry conditions apply to citizens of Iran, India and Türkiye. Citizens of Iran and India may stay in Kazakhstan for up to 14 calendar days per visit, with a total stay of no more than 42 calendar days during each 180-day period. Citizens of Türkiye may stay for up to 90 calendar days during each 180-day period.
The full list of requirements and entry conditions is set out in the Rules (official text of the resolution).
Application procedure and deadlines
Electronic Travel Authorization will be issued by the internal affairs authorities, subject to agreement with the national security authorities, through the QazETA digital platform. The service will be provided free of charge.
Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the intended date of entry. Foreign nationals must complete identification or authentication when submitting an application.
The authorization is valid for 180 calendar days. When crossing the state border, foreign nationals must present the valid passport or other identity document used to submit the application. Border Service officers will verify the authorization through the unified Berkut digital system.
When will the new requirements take effect?
The Electronic Travel Authorization system will be introduced in stages:
- From 1 November 2026: at Aktau International Airport and four road border checkpoints: Urlyutobe, Aukhatti, Atameken and Nurly Zhol.
- From 1 January 2027: at the international airports of Astana and Almaty.
- From 1 March 2027: at all remaining state border checkpoints.
- From 1 July 2027: Electronic Travel Authorization will become mandatory. Failure to obtain it will be grounds for refusal of entry into Kazakhstan.
During the initial implementation stages, the absence of authorization alone will not constitute grounds for refusing entry. Foreign nationals will instead be informed of the requirement to obtain it.
Who is exempt from obtaining authorization?
The Rules provide for several exemptions. Subject to the relevant supporting documents, Electronic Travel Authorization is not required for:
- persons under the age of 16 and persons aged 65 or over;
- foreign nationals holding a valid Kazakhstan visa, a temporary residence permit or a residence permit;
- holders of diplomatic and service passports in the cases specified by the Rules;
- heads of foreign states, governments and international organizations, members of official delegations and other categories specified in the Rules;
- transit passengers who do not cross Kazakhstan’s state border;
- crew members of aircraft, sea and river vessels, as well as train crews;
- drivers of freight vehicles and buses engaged in international transportation, subject to the applicable conditions.
The full list of exempt categories and the conditions for applying the exemptions are set out in the Rules (official text of the resolution).
When may authorization be refused or revoked?
Electronic Travel Authorization may be refused on the grounds specified in Article 48 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Population Migration”.
An authorization may also be revoked if grounds for refusing entry arise under the law, a decision is made to shorten the period of temporary stay or to order administrative expulsion, or the document was issued in violation of the established rules.
The foreign national will be notified of the refusal or revocation through the digital platform.
Other provisions
The revised Rules also govern the permitted periods of stay for foreign nationals in Kazakhstan, the procedure for obtaining temporary residence permits and the obligations of host parties. In particular, host parties must notify the internal affairs authorities of a foreign national’s arrival within three working days. The same deadline applies to notification of a change in the foreign national’s temporary place of residence.
The resolution will enter into force on 24 October 2026.
Foreign nationals and organizations inviting foreign specialists or business partners to Kazakhstan are advised to take the new requirements into account and check in advance whether Electronic Travel Authorization is required.
Based on materials published by Zakon.kz
