Kazakhstan introduces mandatory electronic permit (ETA) for visa-free foreigners, including citizens of Uzbekistan

The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the rules for obtaining an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for citizens of countries with a visa-free regime. The application is free of charge, and from July 1, 2027, the permit will become mandatory. The rollout will be phased starting November 1, 2026.

tafs uz editorial deskFirst published on tafs uz 16 October 2026 at 10:092 min readAI translation

The key facts

The ETA is issued free of charge via the QazETA platform at least 72 hours before entry, valid for 180 days with the possibility of multiple entries
Phased rollout: from November 1, 2026 — Aktau and four road checkpoints; from January 1, 2027 — Astana and Almaty; from March 1, 2027 — all checkpoints
Exempt: children under 16, persons over 65, holders of visas and residence permits, transit passengers

ETA rules approved

The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the rules for obtaining an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for foreigners from countries with a visa-free regime. As reported by Kun.uz, the permit will be free of charge, and from July 1, 2027, it will become a mandatory condition for entry.

Who it affects

The new procedure applies to citizens of EAEU and CIS countries and other states with which Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime, including the USA, the UAE, Germany and the United Kingdom. Citizens of Uzbekistan are also included in this list.

How to apply

The application is submitted via the digital platform QazETA no later than 72 hours before the planned date of entry; the applicant must complete identification. The permit is valid for 180 days and allows multiple entries into and exits from the country. No fee is charged for the application (zero tenge).

Implementation stages

The system is being launched in stages: from November 1, 2026 — at Aktau airport and four road checkpoints; from January 1, 2027 — at the airports of Astana and Almaty; from March 1, 2027 — at all remaining checkpoints. Until July 1, 2027, the absence of a permit will not be grounds for denial of entry — border guards will only remind travelers of the need to obtain one. After that date, entry without an ETA will become impossible.

Who is exempt

Exempt from obtaining the permit are children under 16, persons over 65, holders of a valid Kazakh visa or a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as transit passengers who do not leave the airport transit zone.

Rumor debunked

Earlier, information circulated on social media claiming that entry to Kazakhstan would become paid. According to Kun.uz, the approved decision refutes these claims: the permit is free of charge.