QazETA

On 10 October 2026, the Government adopted a resolution providing for the introduction of electronic travel authorisation for Kazakhstan.

The system will be introduced in stages:

from 1 November 2026 – at the following State Border checkpoints: Aktau International Airport and the road border crossings of Urlyutobe (Pavlodar Region), Aukhatty (Zhambyl Region), Atameken (Turkistan Region) and Nurly Zhol (Zhetysu Region);

from 1 January 2027 — at the international airports of Astana and Almaty;

from 1 March 2027 — at all other State Border checkpoints;

from 1 July 2027 — electronic travel authorisation will become mandatory for foreign nationals, and failure to obtain it will constitute grounds for refusal of entry.

During the transition phases, until 1 July 2027, the absence of electronic travel authorisation will not, in itself, constitute grounds for refusal of entry.

Foreign nationals will, however, be informed of the need to obtain it.

The new system aims to digitalise migration processes, simplify procedures for foreign nationals and improve the effectiveness of advance screening of those entering the country.

Electronic travel authorisation for the Republic of Kazakhstan will be free of charge for everyone and will be issued through a digital platform for foreign nationals and stateless persons.

How to apply (step by step)

1 Download the official QazETA mobile app (Google Play or App Store). A web-based version is also available at qazeta.kz.

2 Register: enter your email address or phone number and verify it.

3 Submit your ETA application at least 72 hours before your planned border crossing (the response time is usually short — between a few minutes and half an hour).

4 What you will need:

◦ A passport for international travel (at least 6 months’ validity is often recommended) or another accepted document (Russian nationals may also use an internal passport in certain cases — check the app for details).

◦ A scan/photo of your passport (the app can read the NFC-enabled chip).

◦ Purpose of travel, planned dates and contact details.

◦ If required — additional documents.

5 Receive your electronic authorisation. It is valid for 180 days and allows multiple entries during this period.

The authorisation can also be obtained directly at the border.

Key points

• An ETA does not replace a visa (where required), extend the length of stay or guarantee entry.
• The following are exempt: holders of diplomatic/service passports, members of official delegations, accredited diplomats, and those who already hold a valid visa or residence permit for Kazakhstan.
• Before travelling, always check the latest information on the official website qazeta.kz

The electronic authorisation will therefore enable advance verification of incoming travellers’ details, make migration procedures more convenient and improve the effectiveness of checks at Kazakhstan’s State Border.