Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Requirement for Foreign Nationals Entering Kazakhstan
Dear Colleagues,

According to the latest information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) procedure is being introduced for foreign nationals entering Kazakhstan under a visa-free regime through designated border crossing points.
If you have business partners, representatives or other foreign guests planning to visit Kazakhstan, please take this new procedure into account and inform them accordingly.

When will the ETA be required?
The procedure will be introduced in two stages:
  • From 25 August 2026: the ETA procedure will apply on a recommendatory basis.
  • From 1 November 2026: obtaining an ETA will become mandatory for foreign nationals subject to the requirement.

The ETA procedure is currently free of charge. A standard processing fee of 1 MCI and an accelerated processing fee of 2 MCI are expected to apply.

Where applicable, it is recommend obtaining the ETA at least 72 hours before entering Kazakhstan.

Who is exempt?
The ETA requirement does not apply to foreign nationals who:
  • hold a valid Kazakhstan visa, including a C3 Work Visa;
  • hold a valid Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP); or
  • hold a diplomatic passport or have diplomatic status.

Important: A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is not a visa. Foreign nationals holding an LOI but not yet holding a valid Kazakhstan visa must obtain an ETA before entering Kazakhstan, including those intending to obtain a visa on arrival at Astana or Almaty International Airport.

How to obtain an ETA?
• Download the https://qazeta.kz/en/eta application and register using your email address.
• Select “Border Crossing (Get Certificate)”.
• Complete and submit the application, providing the following information:
  • a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity;
  • a valid email address to receive the result; and
  • the purpose of your entry into Kazakhstan.
• Once issued, download the ETA and keep it available electronically or in printed form when travelling to Kazakhstan.

The ETA certificate is valid for 180 calendar days and allows multiple entries. It does not replace a visa or extend the permitted period of stay in Kazakhstan.

For visitors travelling to Kazakhstan for Astana Finance Days 2026, we recommend obtaining the ETA certificate at least 72 hours before entering Kazakhstan, where applicable.

We kindly ask you to take this requirement into account when planning visits to Kazakhstan by your foreign business partners and other guests.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at expat@aifc.kz.