Kazakhstan is phasing in QazETA electronic entry permits, affecting Kyrgyz citizens

The rollout of the QazETA system began on November 1, 2026, under a decree of the Government of Kazakhstan dated October 10, 2026. The new electronic entry permit is required for citizens of states with which Kazakhstan maintains a visa-free regime, including the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

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1. Kazakhstan rolls out QazETA electronic entry permits for foreign citizens
2. Kazakhstan is phasing in QazETA electronic entry permits for visa-free countries. This new system affects Kyrgyz citizens and will be fully mandatory by July 1, 2027.
3. November 1, 2026 — Phased rollout begins at Aktau Airport and several road checkpoints.; January 1, 2027 — Requirements take effect at Astana and Almaty international airports.; March 1, 2027 — System becomes mandatory at all other state border checkpoints.; July 1, 2027 — Electronic permit becomes fully mandatory; absence will lead to entry refusal.
4. The rollout started on November 1, 2026, following a decree from October 10, 2026. The system is for citizens of visa-free countries, including EAEU members.
5. A transition period remains until June 30, 2027. During this time, border guards will only inform travelers about the new rules.
6. To get the permit, apply through the QazETA digital platform. Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before entry.
7. Kazakhstan is beginning the phased introduction of an electronic entry permit system called QazETA for citizens of visa-free countries, which will also affect Kyrgyz citizens. The document will become fully mandatory for everyone on July 1, 2027.

Stages of introducing the QazETA requirement

1. From November 1, 2026: the system will start operating at Aktau International Airport and at the Urlyutobe (Pavlodar region), Aukhatty (Zhambyl region), Atameken (Turkestan region) and Nurly Zhol (Zhetisu region) road checkpoints.
2. From January 1, 2027: the requirements will take effect at the international airports of Astana and Almaty.
3. From March 1, 2027: the system will become mandatory at all other checkpoints across Kazakhstan's state border.
4. From July 1, 2027: the electronic permit will become fully mandatory, and its absence will be grounds for refusal of entry.

Transition period and application process

It is important to note that a transition period remains in effect until June 30, 2027, during which foreign citizens will be able to enter Kazakhstan without an electronic permit. During this period, border guards will only inform travelers about the new requirements.

The permit can be obtained through the QazETA digital platform. An application must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the intended entry.

Key implementation dates