Kazakhstan to Begin Electronic Entry Checks Nov. 1, Make QazETA Mandatory in 2027

Tengrinews.kz — Starting November 1, 2026, foreign nationals entering Kazakhstan visa-free will begin having their electronic travel authorization checked at Aktau Airport and several road border checkpoints.

Where and when ETA checks will begin

The electronic travel authorization (ETA), is intended for citizens of visa-free countries who are eligible to obtain the document through QazETA.

The system will be introduced in stages:

• From November 1, 2026 — at Aktau International Airport, as well as the Urlyutobe road checkpoint in Pavlodar Region, Aukhatty in Zhambyl Region, Atameken in Turkistan Region and Nurly Zhol in Zhetysu Region.
• From January 1, 2027 — at the airports of Astana and Almaty.
• From March 1, 2027 — at all other state border checkpoints.
• From July 1, 2027 — ETA will become mandatory for the relevant categories of foreign nationals. Those without authorization will be denied entry.

Until July 1, the absence of an ETA alone will not be grounds for refusal of entry: during the initial stage, travelers will be informed about how to obtain the document.

How to obtain electronic travel authorization

Applications can be submitted through the QazETA mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play. The authorization is free of charge and is valid for 180 calendar days.

To obtain an ETA, travelers must register in the app, complete identification and submit an application. This must be done no later than 72 hours before the planned entry date.

At the border, travelers must present the passport whose details were used when applying for the authorization.

However, an ETA does not guarantee entry into Kazakhstan: the final decision is made by the authorized state body during border control. The authorization also does not determine how long a person may stay in the country, as this is regulated by existing migration legislation.

Who will not need an ETA

The rules provide for 29 categories of people who are exempt from obtaining an electronic authorization if they have supporting documents.

In particular, an ETA is not required for:

• children under 16 and people aged 65 and older;
• holders of valid Kazakhstan visas;
• foreign nationals with a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan;
• transit passengers who remain in the international airport transit zone and do not cross the state border.

Exemptions also apply to certain categories of diplomats, members of official delegations, employees of international organizations, air and sea crews, train crews, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as some other categories specified in the rules.

Before traveling, it is advisable to check whether the traveler falls into one of the exempt categories and which documents are required to confirm that status.

What is QazETA

QazETA is a state digital platform created as a one-stop service. It brings together migration-related and other services so that foreign nationals can obtain the necessary documents and access public services digitally.

The platform is currently operating in pilot mode. In addition to ETA, the following services are available through it:

• Electronic visa (e-Visa). Citizens of 104 countries can apply for a single-entry electronic visa in eligible categories, including tourism, business travel, medical treatment and private visits. An electronic invitation issued by the territorial police bodies of Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry is required. The visa is valid only for the named recipient and does not cover accompanying persons. Entry and exit using the e-Visa are possible through Kazakhstan’s international airports.
• Electronic residency (e-Residency). This service is intended for foreign nationals and stateless persons outside Kazakhstan and operates within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre. It allows users to remotely obtain an individual identification number (IIN), open bank accounts and payment cards, obtain an eSIM and register companies remotely.
• Certificate of state border crossing. This electronic document can be obtained, among other purposes, to confirm information when verifying the IMEI of mobile devices.

QazETA’s functionality is expected to expand further. Planned services include obtaining medical insurance, expedited border control for ETA holders and other digital services.

What to check before traveling

Foreign nationals are advised to review Kazakhstan’s entry requirements in advance and determine whether they need an electronic travel authorization. The requirements depend on citizenship and the documents used to enter the country.

Up-to-date information on ETA availability for a particular nationality can be checked in the QazETA app. If technical problems or questions arise during the application process, travelers can contact support at support@qazeta.kz.

Originally Published at Tengrinews.Kz