The Government of Kazakhstan has decreed the introduction of electronic travel authorizations, or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), for foreigners. The new rules will be phased in, starting 1 November 2026.
Citizens of countries with which Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime will need the authorization. It can be obtained free of charge through the QazETA state digital platform. The authorization will be valid for 180 days, during which a traveler may spend no more than 90 days in the country in total.
The innovation will affect not only independent travelers but also tour operators, hotels and organizations that invite foreign specialists. Twenty-nine categories of persons will be exempt from obtaining an ETA, including holders of valid Kazakhstani visas, certain diplomats, children under 16 and people over 65.
The system will be introduced in several stages. From 1 November 2026, it will begin operating at Aktau International Airport and at four road checkpoints: Urlyutobe in Pavlodar Region on the border with Russia, Aukhatty in Zhambyl Region, Atameken in Turkestan Region and Nurly Zhol in Zhetysu Region. From 1 January 2027, Astana and Almaty airports will be connected to the system, and from 1 March of the same year, all other border checkpoints.
Until 1 July 2027, the absence of an authorization will not be a reason for refusing entry. After that date, it will become mandatory, and without it travelers will not be admitted into the country.
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