Kazakhstan introduces an electronic entry permit: including for Russians

Photo: gov.kz

Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce an electronic entry permit (ETA) for foreign nationals, including Russians, writes DKNews.kz. The new format is currently operating in a pilot mode and is not mandatory. The authorities view the system as part of the digital transformation of migration procedures and plan a gradual transition to mandatory implementation.

ETA features

An ETA application must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the trip. The permit is valid for 180 days, while the actual length of stay in the country is determined by Kazakhstan’s migration legislation and does not change with the introduction of the new format. ETA does not grant an automatic right of entry. The final decision remains with border control officers at the point of entry. At the testing stage, the application remains recommended rather than mandatory.

In the future, the authorities plan to gradually move to a mandatory format, although no specific launch dates have been announced. The permit is issued through the QazETA mobile application and is intended for citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with Kazakhstan. The new system will also apply to Russians. Travelers are advised to monitor up-to-date information before planning their trips.

Electronic visas

The QazETA platform operates as a single digital window for foreign nationals and brings together key migration and related government services in one mobile application. The project has been launched in pilot mode and is considered an infrastructure base for digital interaction between foreigners and Kazakhstan’s state authorities.

Electronic visas are already available for citizens of 104 countries in the following categories:

— tourist;
— business;
— private;
— medical;
— for investors;
— for digital nomads.

An electronic visa is issued on the basis of a digital invitation, and entry and exit with such a visa are only possible through Kazakhstan’s international airports.

Residency

Another element of the platform is electronic residency, which allows foreign users to remotely obtain an individual identification number, open bank accounts and payment cards, activate an eSIM, register a company, and conduct business online within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre.

Through QazETA, it is also possible to obtain digital confirmation of crossing Kazakhstan’s state border, including for administrative procedures and IMEI verification of mobile devices. In the future, the platform’s functionality is expected to be expanded. Potential new services include digital health insurance, accelerated border control procedures for ETA holders, online payment of government fees, and additional digital public services.

Additional conditions

The Government of Kazakhstan reports that holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as members of official delegations and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, are exempt from obtaining an ETA.

The QazETA mobile application is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. A technical support service is provided for users, with inquiries accepted via email at support@qazeta.kz
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Analysts at International Investment note that Kazakhstan has been consistently tightening control over migration flows in recent years. Rules for stay and entry have already been made stricter, visa runs have been banned, and conditions for obtaining residence permits have become more complicated. This policy fits into the global trend toward preliminary control and screening of incoming travelers. Against this backdrop, the digitalization of migration procedures appears to be a logical continuation of the reforms. The most noticeable changes affect citizens of visa-free countries, including Russians, for whom an additional stage of travel authorization is effectively being introduced.