Aviation & transport1 min read
Kazakhstan to Introduce eTA Electronic Travel Authorisation for Visa-Free Entry
Starting 1 November 2026, Kazakhstan will begin a phased rollout of its eTA electronic travel authorisation system for citizens of visa-free countries, including the EAEU. The authorisation will become mandatory from 1 July 2027.
Kazakhstan2 min read
Kazakhstan is initiating a phased introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for foreign nationals from visa-free countries, including EAEU member states. According to Exclusive.kz, citing Government Decree No. 890 dated 10 October 2026, the system's pilot launch begins on 1 November 2026, becoming fully mandatory from 1 July 2027.
✦Key Highlights
- Kazakhstan is introducing a phased eTA system for tourists and visitors from visa-free countries.
- Applications must be submitted online free of charge at least 72 hours prior to travel, with the authorisation valid for 180 days.
- Holding a valid eTA will become a mandatory requirement for crossing the Kazakh border from 1 July 2027.
The authorisation is issued free of charge on the migration service's digital platform. Applications must be submitted online no later than 72 hours before entry. Once issued, the document remains valid for 180 days, with border control verifying its status via the 'Berkut' system. Crucially, the eTA does not alter permitted lengths of stay: most visa-free travelers can still stay up to 30 days (max 90 days per 180-day period), while EAEU citizens may stay up to 90 days.
Implementation Schedule
The system rollout will take place in four phases:
- From 1 November 2026: Aktau Airport and the road checkpoints of Urlyutobe, Aukhatty, Atameken, and Nurly Zhol. Entry will not be refused for lacking an eTA during this phase; border guards will simply offer guidance.
- From 1 January 2027: Astana and Almaty airports will join the pilot testing phase.
- From 1 March 2027: System registration opens for all remaining border checkpoints.
- From 1 July 2027: eTA becomes mandatory; lack of authorisation will result in denied entry.
Twenty-nine categories of travelers are exempt from obtaining the eTA, including children under 16, individuals over 65, holders of valid Kazakh visas, permanent or temporary residency permits, as well as international truck and bus drivers.
Travelers from visa-free nations are advised to allow at least three days prior to travel to obtain their eTA and to apply using the exact passport they intend to use at border control. Although entry without an eTA will not be barred before July 2027, potential delays at border control are possible, making advance registration highly recommended.
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Source: Exclusive.kz
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