Kazakhstan launches electronic entry permit ETA and digital platform QazETA. Find out who needs to apply for an ETA, how the system works and what services are already available to foreigners

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Kazakhstan continues to digitize migration processes and introduces an electronic travel authorization (ETA), as well as launches a state digital platform for foreigners QazETA. The new tools are designed to simplify the procedures for entry, stay and access to key state services.

Currently, the system is operating in pilot mode, but in the future, obtaining an ETA will become a mandatory condition for entering Kazakhstan for certain categories of foreigners.

We will tell you about the main changes in Kazakhstan’s migration policy in this article.

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What is ETA and who needs it?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is intended for foreigners who can enter Kazakhstan without a visa. During the pilot launch, the issuance of an ETA is recommended, but after the test phase is completed, it is planned to make it mandatory.

Basic conditions for obtaining an ETA to Kazakhstan

- ETA must be issued exclusively to citizens of countries with a visa-free regime with Kazakhstan.

- The application must be submitted via a mobile application no later than 72 hours before the trip.

- The validity period of the electronic permit is 180 days.

Important! ETA does not guarantee entry into the country: the final decision is made by the border services. The actual period of stay is regulated by the current migration legislation of Kazakhstan.

Who does not need an ETA?

The following are exempt from obtaining an electronic permit: holders of diplomatic and service passports, members of official delegations and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan

Important! Citizens of countries with which Kazakhstan has a visa regime, including representatives of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Egypt, must obtain permission from a diplomatic mission before traveling. The ETA requirement does not apply to such travelers.

What is QazETA?

QazETA is a state digital platform for foreign citizens, created on the principle of a “single window”. It provides convenient, transparent and secure access to the main migration and related services of Kazakhstan. The main goal of the platform:

- Simplifying the procedures for entry and stay of foreigners in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

- Creating a single digital entry point for interaction with state bodies.

- Increasing the transparency of processes and reducing the time for considering applications.

- Transferring basic migration services to a digital and mobile format.

At this stage, QazETA is operating in test mode and is being implemented in stages.

What services are already available on the QazETA platform?

Currently, the following services are available to foreigners:

- Issuance of electronic visas (e-Visa).

- Obtaining an electronic entry permit ETA.

- Issuance of electronic residency (e-Residency).

- Obtaining a certificate of crossing the state border of Kazakhstan (in particular, for verifying IMEI of mobile devices)

Electronic visa (e-Visa)

An electronic visa is a digital visa format for foreigners and stateless persons, including representatives of Tunisia.

Citizens of 104 countries can apply for a single-entry electronic visa in the following categories:

- A3 – service;

- A5 – investor;

- B1, B2, B3 – business visas;

- B9-1 – Digital Nomad Visa;

- B10 – private;

- B12 – tourist;

- C12 – for treatment.

It is important to note that e-Visa is issued on the basis of an electronic invitation, which is approved by the internal affairs bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The visa is valid only for the holder and does not apply to accompanying persons.

In case of replacing the passport, the electronic visa must be obtained again.

Entry and exit with an e-Visa is allowed only through international airports in Kazakhstan.

Electronic Residency (e-Residency)

e-Residency is an innovative tool that allows foreigners outside Kazakhstan to use digital government and commercial services within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).

Electronic residency provides for:

- Remote receipt of an individual identification number (TIN).

- Opening bank accounts and payment cards.

- Issuance of eSIM.

- Remote registration of companies and doing business.

Additional opportunities and plans for the development of QazETA

Foreigners can also receive a certificate of crossing the state border, which is used for administrative and technical purposes.

In the future, the functionality of QazETA is planned to be expanded, in particular:

- Add registration of medical insurance.

- Introduce accelerated border control for ETA holders.

- Provide online payment of service fees.

- Integrate additional digital services for foreigners.

How to use the QazETA platform?

The QazETA mobile application is available for download on Google Play and App Store.

The project has a technical support service - applications are accepted by email at [email protected].

Kazakhstan is taking an important step towards digitalizing migration processes. ETA and the QazETA platform simplify entry and stay procedures for foreigners, ensure transparency and security, and open up new opportunities for remote access to government services. When planning a trip, it is worth obtaining an ETA and medical insurance in advance for a peaceful trip.

When planning a trip abroad, it is worth taking care of your own safety.

International medical insurance will help avoid financial losses in the event of illness, injury, or hospitalization during your stay in Kazakhstan.

Take out an insurance policy in advance and focus on the trip, not on possible problems.

Reminder! In 2026, many countries introduced new requirements for tourists: ETIAS in the EU, ETA in the UK, updated ESTA for the US and digital arrival cards. We have already told you what will change and how to prepare for travel in advance.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Kazakhstan;

Legal advice on immigration to Kazakhstan;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Kazakhstan;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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