From 1 November 2026, Kazakhstan will require an obligatory electronic entry permit (ETA) for citizens of Russia and a number of other countries. The document will be processed through the state platform QazETA. Amendments to migration legislation came into force on 25 August; until November, the system is operating in pilot mode – the absence of a permit is not yet grounds for refusal of entry. Russians can still enter using their domestic passport with a migration card or with an international passport.
The new requirements are being introduced in stages:
• from 1 November, ETA will become mandatory for passengers on international flights;
• from 15 November, for those entering by car through the external borders of the EAEU (with China, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan);
• from 30 November, for road border checkpoints on borders with EAEU member states, including Russia and Kyrgyzstan;
• from 15 December, for train passengers and those arriving via seaports.
The permit will be valid for 180 days and will allow multiple trips.
The cost of the ETA has not yet been finally decided. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has denied media reports of fees set at 3,900 and 7,800 tenge. Experts note that no fee is currently being introduced, and its amount has not yet been approved by the government of Kazakhstan. According to the authorities, any funds collected are planned to be used for maintaining and modernising digital infrastructure and protecting personal data.
Frequently asked questions
-
Do Russians need an electronic permit to enter Kazakhstan?
Yes, from 1 November 2026, citizens of Russia and other visa-free countries will be required to obtain an electronic entry permit (ETA) through the QazETA platform. -
When will QazETA become mandatory for everyone?
The system is being introduced in stages: from 1 November for air passengers, from 15 November for motorists at the external borders of the EAEU, from 30 November for the border with Russia, and from 15 December for trains and maritime transport. -
How much does the electronic entry permit for Kazakhstan cost?
The official price has not yet been approved. Information about fees of 3,900 and 7,800 tenge has been denied by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. At the initial stage, the application will be free of charge. -
How do I apply for an ETA to enter Kazakhstan?
Applications must be submitted through the QazETA mobile app no later than 72 hours before travel. Passport details and an email address will be required. -
How long is the electronic ETA permit valid for?
The permit is valid for 180 days and allows multiple trips within that period. -
Can I enter Kazakhstan using a Russian domestic passport?
Yes, Russians can still enter using their domestic passport with a migration card or with an international passport. -
Is the visa-free regime between Russia and Kazakhstan being abolished?
No, the visa-free regime remains in place. The ETA is an additional electronic permit, not a visa. -
Who is exempt from applying for an ETA?
The following are exempt: children under 16, persons over 65, holders of diplomatic passports, members of official delegations, and holders of a Kazakh visa or residence permit. -
What happens if I do not obtain an ETA before travelling?
Until 1 November 2026, the absence of a permit is not grounds for refusal. After the mandatory system comes into force, entry without an ETA will not be possible.
For more information, please contact the consultants of the Confidence Group company.
* The texts of the newsletters are intellectual property of Confidence Group, protected by the copyright laws of Russia. The information may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without linking to this web site or to pages of this website.
