Russian citizens will be required to obtain electronic travel permits before entering Kazakhstan starting in autumn 2026, according to statements made by platform representatives to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
The new entry rule stems from legislation signed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that took effect on August 25. Authorities have established a pilot phase running until November 1, during which travelers will not be denied entry into the country if they lack the electronic permit.
Representatives of the QazETA digital platform, which stands for Kazakhstan Electronic Travel Authorization, explained that the requirement will apply broadly. All foreign citizens who currently benefit from visa-free entry to the Republic of Kazakhstan, including passport holders from the Russian Federation, must complete the online registration.
Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked nation in the world and a major Central Asian hub, shares a land border with Russia extending over 7,500 kilometers. The two neighboring nations maintain an extensive visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens to travel across the border using national identity documents or international passports for tourism, family visits, and trade.
Staggered roll-out timetable across transit routes
Enforcement of the mandatory QazETA requirement will follow a phased schedule across different modes of transportation throughout late 2026.
Airline passengers will be the first group required to present an approved ETA, with mandatory checks beginning on November 1. Drivers and passengers entering by car through international border checkpoints, excluding those along borders shared with Eurasian Economic Union states, will need the permit starting November 15.
Motorists crossing into Kazakhstan through border checkpoints shared with Eurasian Economic Union member nations will be required to hold an ETA starting November 30. Finally, travelers arriving through maritime seaports must obtain authorization starting December 15.
The Eurasian Economic Union is a regional economic integration organization comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Member states share a single market for goods and services and generally operate streamlined customs procedures along their internal borders.
Permit validity and potential application fees
Once issued to a traveler, an electronic travel authorization will remain valid for 180 days. Electronic travel authorizations are widely used by governments internationally to pre-screen foreign visitors before travel without requiring full visa applications.
Earlier reports indicated that the QazETA authorization system might include a processing fee for applicants. However, the legislation signed into law currently does not state any specific price or fee structure for obtaining the ETA.
Travelers preparing to visit Kazakhstan later in 2026 will be expected to complete their digital applications online prior to departure once full enforcement takes effect.
