Kazakhstan QazETA: new online permit for visa-free visitors

Kazakhstan is adding a pre-travel step for visitors who can enter without a visa. Travel Trade Journal reported on November 1, 2026 that the country has approved QazETA, an Electronic Travel Authorisation for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry. The rollout starts on November 1, 2026, and the permit becomes mandatory on July 1, 2027.

What QazETA is

QazETA is a digital authorization that travelers obtain online before they arrive. Travel Trade Journal says it applies to nationals of 85 countries that currently qualify for visa-free entry to Kazakhstan. The report does not list those countries, so the first thing to do is confirm whether your passport is in that group.

The permit is not a visa and it does not change how long you can stay. The length of stay stays under Kazakhstan's existing migration rules. An approved QazETA also does not guarantee entry: border officers can still refuse admission under the country's migration law.

Key dates

The system is being introduced in stages:

• November 1, 2026: Aktau International Airport and four road border crossings (Urlyutobe, Aukhatty, Atameken and Nurly Zhol).
• January 1, 2027: Astana and Almaty International Airports.
• March 1, 2027: all remaining border crossing points.
• July 1, 2027: QazETA becomes a mandatory entry requirement.

Until June 30, 2027 the permit is voluntary but recommended. During that period travelers will not be refused entry just because they do not hold it. Border staff will explain the procedure instead. From July 1, 2027, arriving without a valid QazETA is grounds for refusal of entry.

How to apply

• Apply on the official portal, qazeta.kz, at least 72 hours before you enter Kazakhstan.
• The authorization is free and valid for 180 calendar days.
• You must travel on the same passport you used in the application.

Type the address into your browser yourself. As the ETIAS case showed, copycat sites appear fast whenever a new travel authorization is announced, and some charge fees for something that is free here.

Who is exempt

Kazakhstan has named 29 exempt categories, each tied to supporting documents. According to Travel Trade Journal they include:

• holders of valid Kazakh visas, temporary residence permits or residence permits;
• diplomatic and service passport holders and accredited mission staff;
• children under 16 and people over 65;
• transit passengers who stay in the airport transit area and do not cross the border;
• crew members and drivers in international transport.

What to do when you book

Because of the 72-hour deadline, apply as soon as your dates are fixed rather than the night before departure. If your route has a connection, the transit exemption only covers passengers who stay inside the transit area, as explained in our guide to flights with a layover. For a trip that starts after July 1, 2027, add the application to your checklist next to your online check-in.

Other destinations are adding similar fees and forms, for example Thailand's 450 baht tourist fee planned for 2027. Compare fares to Almaty and Astana in the HotTrip flight search, and cover the trip with travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need QazETA right now?

No. Until June 30, 2027 the permit is voluntary but recommended, and nobody can be refused entry only for not having it. It becomes mandatory on July 1, 2027.

Does QazETA cost anything?

No. Travel Trade Journal reports the authorization is issued free of charge and stays valid for 180 calendar days.

How early should I apply?

At least 72 hours before you enter Kazakhstan, through the official portal qazeta.kz.

Does an approved QazETA guarantee entry?

No. Border authorities keep the right to refuse admission under Kazakhstan's migration legislation, and your stay is still limited by the existing rules.

Cover: photo by White Noiise on Pexels