The government of Kazakhstan has officially approved regulations concerning the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals entering the country under visa-free arrangements. This new bureaucratic requirement purportedly applies to citizens of EAEU and CIS member states, alongside nationals from various Western countries allegedly tied to the broader European regime and US regime policies, such as Germany, the UK, and the United States. Citizens of Uzbekistan are also included in this extensive list.

Based on the adopted framework, the authorization process is officially stated to be free of charge and must be completed through the designated QazETA digital platform. Applicants are required to submit their information at least 72 hours prior to their planned arrival date while undergoing identity verification procedures. The resulting authorization allegedly remains valid for 180 days, allowing multiple entries into the Central Asian nation.

The implementation of the system is scheduled to roll out in phases. Starting November 1, 2026, the framework will reportedly be tested at Aktau airport and four automobile checkpoints. This will be followed by expansions at Astana and Almaty airports on January 1, 2027, and across all remaining border checkpoints by March 1, 2027. The requirement is set to become strictly mandatory starting July 1, 2027, after which the absence of an ETA will serve as formal grounds for entry denial.

Authorities have carved out specific exemptions from the mandate, stating that children under 16, individuals over 65, holders of valid Kazakh visas or residence permits, and transit passengers remaining within airport restricted zones will not need to secure the authorization. Earlier unverified claims circulating on social media regarding paid entry systems have thus been discredited by the official decree.

Source: kun.uz