QazETA filters

**QazETA Filters**

Kazakhstan has begun the phased introduction of paid electronic entry permits for citizens of countries with which the Republic of Kazakhstan has a visa-free regime. Since a visa-free regime also operates between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the new rules will affect citizens of Uzbekistan as well.

QazETA is a state digital platform for foreign citizens, through which key migration services can be accessed on a "one-stop-shop" basis. The platform was launched in January 2026 and continues to operate in pilot mode. Currently, several services are available through QazETA, including the issuance of electronic visas (E-Visa) and ETA.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will need to be obtained through the QazETA digital platform. The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before the trip. The authorization will be valid for 180 calendar days and will allow multiple entries into Kazakhstan during this period.

A fee will be charged for issuing the permit. Its amount is to be determined by the government of Kazakhstan. It is expected that when applied for through QazETA, the entry permit will cost 3,900 tenge — about 100,000 soums. If obtained directly at the border, the cost will be 7,800 tenge, or approximately 200,000 soums.

According to information on QazETA, the following are exempt from obtaining an electronic entry permit: persons under 16 years of age and persons who have reached 65 years of age; holders of diplomatic and service passports; members of official delegations; foreign citizens holding a Kazakh visa or a residence permit in the country.

Transit passengers staying in the transit zone of international airports for up to 3 days are not required to obtain an ETA.

From August 25 to November 1, the system operates in test mode. During this period, foreigners will be allowed into Kazakhstan without an ETA, but border guards will warn them of the need to obtain a permit for their next entry.

From November 1, the electronic permit will become mandatory for foreigners arriving in Kazakhstan by plane.

To cross the external border of the EAEU by car or bus from China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, an ETA will be required starting November 15.

From November 30, the requirement will extend to road crossings on the internal borders of the EAEU — with Russia and Kyrgyzstan. For passengers arriving by train or sea transport, the electronic permit will become mandatory from December 15.

Messages from the embassies of Kazakhstan state that having an electronic permit does not guarantee a foreign citizen's entry into Kazakhstan. The final decision on admission to the country is made by the authorized state body during border control.

Kazakhstan's plans to introduce paid electronic permits for citizens of visa-free countries became known in early August. At that time, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan published a draft resolution and announced that the system would be introduced from August to December 2026.

At that moment, no official data on the specific stages of implementation and the cost of the permit had been published.