Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

We would like to inform you about recent legislative changes affecting the entry and stay of foreign nationals in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On 24 June 2026, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed Law No. 326-VIII “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Issues of Digitalization, Personal Data Protection, Road Traffic and Regulation of Advanced Technologies in Transport” (the “Law”).

The Law introduces, among other changes, amendments to the migration legislation of Kazakhstan, including a legal framework for the implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorization (“ETA”) system.

Pursuant to Article 2 of the Law, the Law enters into force upon expiry of sixty calendar days following the date of its first official publication, except for certain provisions expressly subject to different effective dates. Accordingly, the ETA-related amendments will enter into force on 25 August 2026.

Key Changes

1. Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The Law introduces the concept of an electronic authorization for entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the Law, the ETA represents an electronic document containing a decision of the competent authorities granting a foreign national or stateless person the right to enter and transit through the territory of Kazakhstan.

The Law provides that the categories of foreign nationals subject to the ETA requirement and the procedure for its issuance will be determined by migration legislation and implementing regulations.

2. Grounds for Refusal of Entry

The Law also introduces a new ground for refusal of entry into Kazakhstan. In particular, a foreign national or stateless person may be prohibited from entering Kazakhstan if they fail to obtain an ETA where such authorization is required under the applicable migration legislation.

Accordingly, once fully implemented, the absence of a required ETA may constitute an independent legal basis for refusal of entry.

3. Digitalization of Migration Processes

In addition, the Law introduces several new migration-related concepts, including:

• digital profile of an immigrant;
• digital platform for foreign nationals and stateless persons;
• centralized immigrant database; and
• digital registration mechanisms.

These changes form part of a broader initiative aimed at the digitalization of migration administration and migration control procedures in Kazakhstan.

4. Clarifications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Following the adoption of the Law, we have received additional clarifications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the practical implementation of the ETA system.

Key information includes:

• the ETA system is expected to be launched from 25 August 2026;

• the requirement is expected to apply to nationals of countries benefiting from Kazakhstan's visa-free regime. Accordingly, the requirement may apply both to nationals of EAEU member states and to nationals of other visa-free countries, regardless of the purpose of travel;

• foreign nationals holding a valid Kazakhstan visa, Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) are expected to be exempt from the ETA requirement;
• the ETA does not guarantee admission into Kazakhstan. The final decision on entry is taken by the competent authorities during border control procedures;
• the ETA applications are expected to be submitted electronically by the foreign national through the QazETA platform no later than 72 hours prior to the planned date of entry;
• issued ETAs are expected to be valid for multiple entries and remain valid for 180 calendar days from the date of issuance.

During the initial implementation phase, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has indicated that the ETA mechanism is expected to operate in an informational mode. Based on the Ministry's clarification, while obtaining an ETA is expected to constitute a mandatory requirement, the absence of a valid ETA is not expected to result in refusal of entry at the State Border of Kazakhstan during the initial stage of implementation. Instead, foreign nationals may be informed of the requirement to obtain an ETA prior to a subsequent entry into Kazakhstan.

At the same time, it should be noted that the Law expressly introduces the absence of a required ETA as a statutory ground for refusal of entry into Kazakhstan for nationals of countries designated by the Government.

The Ministry further clarified that the relevant implementation rules are expected to be incorporated into the “Rules on Entry and Stay of Immigrants in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Their Departure from the Republic of Kazakhstan”, approved by Government Resolution No. 148 dated 21 January 2012.

5. Practical Impact

As the relevant amendments to Government Resolution No. 148 and other implementing regulations have not yet been finalized, it is recommended to closely monitor developments, including:

• adoption of amendments to Government Resolution No. 148;
• confirmation of the nationalities and categories of travelers subject to the ETA requirement;
• final application procedures and operational requirements; and
• any transition measures or implementation arrangements introduced by the authorities.

It is recommended that foreign nationals who are expected to be subject to the ETA requirement obtain the authorization prior to travel. Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs has indicated that the system is expected to operate in an informational mode during the initial implementation phase, the Law expressly identifies the absence of a required ETA as a potential ground for refusal of entry into Kazakhstan. Accordingly, obtaining an ETA in advance represents a prudent compliance measure and may help mitigate potential travel disruptions, carrier boarding issues and entry-related risks.

Compliance with all other applicable immigration requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan remains mandatory.

Please note that the information provided above is a general overview of the changes and does not constitute an exhaustive summary of all legislative amendments. The full text of the changes is available at the following link.

Disclaimer

This alert is based on Law No. 326-VIII dated 24 June 2026 and official clarifications received from the Ministry of Internal Affairs as of August 2026.

The practical application, scope and enforcement of the ETA system may be further clarified, supplemented or amended through implementing regulations, amendments to Government Resolution No. 148 and additional guidance issued by the competent authorities. Accordingly, the information contained in this alert should be regarded as preliminary and subject to future regulatory developments.

Should you have any questions, we would be pleased to provide further assistance.