Kazakhstan: QazETA Entry Permit Mandatory Starting July 1, 2027

Kazakhstan has established a binding timeline for the introduction of its electronic entry permit, QazETA, through a government decree dated October 10, 2026. Decree No. 890, which amends the previous Regulation No. 148 from 2012 on the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals, will take effect on October 24, 2026, and provides for a phased introduction of QazETA checks at the country’s border crossings.

According to the new timeline, implementation will begin on November 1, 2026, initially during a transitional phase, before the electronic entry permit becomes mandatory for all affected travelers as of July 1, 2027. This means that earlier proposals, which suggested that QazETA could be mandatory as early as November 2026, have been rejected in favor of a significantly longer transition period lasting until the summer of 2027. Travelers who wish to visit Kazakhstan during this period will thus have sufficient time to prepare for the new requirement.

The QazETA applies in particular to nationals of countries that have previously been able to enter Kazakhstan visa-free, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, among others. For this group, the electronic entry permit will become mandatory in the future, even though a traditional visa will still not be required for the actual stay. According to current information, the QazETA will be issued free of charge, which distinguishes it from traditional visa fees—however, the administrative effort required to apply correctly and on time remains the same.

For travelers who are not covered by the visa-free arrangement or who require a regular visa for other reasons, QazETA will not initially change the existing procedures. For example, anyone who needs a visa for Kazakhstan for tourism, business, or other reasons can continue to apply under the existing visa categories, such as the tourist visa for Kazakhstan or the business visa for Kazakhstan. Since requirements vary depending on nationality and purpose of travel, it is advisable to assess your individual situation well in advance.

Important for practical planning: According to the announcement, the new electronic entry permit will have its own application process, which differs from traditional visa applications. Travelers should not confuse this process with existing formats such as the e-visa for Kazakhstan, as the two procedures apply to different target groups and have different requirements. As soon as the technical details and forms are finalized, we will inform our clients about the specific steps for applying for the QazETA and handle the submission on their behalf.

Until full implementation in July 2027, we recommend that anyone planning a trip to Kazakhstan keep an eye on the current deadlines and check the entry requirements applicable to their nationality well in advance of departure. If you’re unsure which document is required for your planned trip, our visa overview for Kazakhstan provides a summary of all available visa categories and can help you choose the right application.