Kazakhstan legalizes ETA rules for visa-exempt travelers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Legislative amendments introducing a legal framework for an Electronic Travel Authorization system for foreign citizens from visa-exempt countries entered into force in Kazakhstan on 25 August 2026.

The new regulations apply to citizens of Uzbekistan, who currently enjoy visa-free entry to Kazakhstan. However, during the ongoing pilot phase, obtaining the electronic authorization remains advisory rather than mandatory.

The legal basis for the system was established by a law signed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 24 June 2026. Under the legislation, entry for foreign citizens and stateless persons will be conducted on the basis of an electronic authorization issued by internal affairs authorities in coordination with national security organs.

The authorization will carry a fee to be established by the government of Kazakhstan. As of 2 September 2026, the official fee has not been formally approved.

Applications for the authorization are processed through QazETA, a unified digital platform for foreign citizens launched in January 2026. Operating in a pilot phase, the platform handles both electronic travel authorizations and electronic visas.

Exemptions from the authorization requirement apply to individuals under 16 and over 65 years of age, holders of diplomatic and service passports, members of official delegations, and foreign nationals holding a valid Kazakh visa or residence permit. Transit passengers staying within international airport transit zones for no more than three days are also exempt.

Travelers must apply via the QazETA mobile application at least 72 hours prior to travel, providing identity document details, an email address, and the purpose of entry. Uzbek citizens may apply using national passports or identity cards.

The authorization is valid for 180 days. It does not dictate the permitted duration of stay, which remains governed by existing migration rules. For Uzbek citizens, the visa-free stay limit remains up to 90 days.

Obtaining the authorization does not guarantee entry into Kazakhstan. Final entry decisions are made by border control authorities at the point of crossing.

Kazakhstan has not yet made the authorization mandatory for visa-free travelers, recommending pre-travel registration during the testing phase. Authorities plan a gradual transition to a mandatory system following the conclusion of the pilot project, though an official end date for the testing period has not been specified.

On 31 July 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan published draft regulations on border entry and exit rules on the "Open Regulations" portal. Supporting materials outline a phased rollout of the authorization system scheduled between August and December 2026.