The government has approved updated rules governing the entry, stay and exit of foreign citizens on the country's territory. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
One of the main innovations is the mandatory introduction of an electronic permit for foreign citizens arriving in Kazakhstan without a visa.
Who will need the electronic permit
The electronic permit for entry into Kazakhstan will be mandatory for citizens of member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as for citizens of states with which Kazakhstan has an agreement on a visa-free regime.
This requirement also applies to citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the UAE, Turkey, India and Iran, which are included in the list of countries covered by the visa-free regime.
The electronic permit will be required both for entry into Kazakhstan and for transit through the country's territory.
Stages of introducing the electronic control system
The QazETA electronic permit issuance system will be introduced in stages. From 1 November, checks for the electronic permit will begin at Aktau International Airport and at the following road checkpoints:
- 01"Urlitobe" (Pavlodar Region);
- 02"Aukhatty" (Zhambyl Region);
- 03"Atameken" (Turkistan Region);
- 04"Nurly Zhol" (Zhetisu Region).
At this stage, foreign citizens without an electronic permit will not be denied entry into Kazakhstan. However, they will be informed about the need to obtain the permit.
From 1 January 2027, the requirement will begin to apply at Astana and Almaty international airports. From 1 March 2027, the electronic permit will be checked at all other checkpoints in the country. From 1 July 2027, the electronic permit will become fully mandatory. Without this document, foreign citizens will not be allowed to enter Kazakhstan.
Procedure for obtaining the electronic permit
To obtain the electronic permit, foreign citizens must submit an application through a special digital platform. The application must be submitted at least 72 hours before the planned date of travel. During the process, the applicant's identity is verified. The permit is issued by internal affairs bodies in coordination with national security bodies. The electronic permit is issued free of charge. Its validity period is 180 calendar days. During this period, stay on the territory of Kazakhstan is permitted within the established time limits. When crossing the border, a foreign citizen must present the passport used when obtaining the electronic permit. The border service checks for the document through the unified digital system "Bürkit".
Who may be denied the electronic permit
An electronic permit may be denied on the grounds provided for by legislation on population migration. In addition, a previously issued permit may be revoked in the following cases:
- 01if the foreign citizen's period of stay in Kazakhstan is shortened;
- 02if the foreign citizen is administratively expelled from the country;
- 03if the permit was issued in violation of legal requirements.
Notification of refusal to issue the permit or of its revocation is sent to the foreign citizen through the digital platform.
Who is exempt from obtaining the electronic permit
Under the new rules, 29 categories of citizens are provided for who, if they have the relevant supporting documents, do not need to obtain an electronic permit. These include:
- 01children under 16 years of age;
- 02citizens over 65 years of age;
- 03foreigners holding a valid visa of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- 04foreign citizens holding a temporary residence permit or a residence permit;
- 05refugees and asylum seekers;
- 06transit passengers who do not leave the transit zone of the airport;
- 07crew members of air, sea and river vessels, as well as employees of train and locomotive crews;
- 08drivers engaged in international freight transport (certain weight and passenger limits apply), as well as bus drivers;
- 09heads of state, diplomats and members of official delegations.