Kazakhstan begins rolling out electronic entry permits for visa-free nationals

From November 1, Kazakhstan is gradually introducing electronic entry permits for citizens of visa-free countries, including Russia’s citizens. Until the end of June 2027, travelers will still be admitted without a permit, but the document will become mandatory on July 1, 2027.

Kazakhstan has begun introducing electronic entry permits for citizens of countries with which it has a visa-free regime, including Russia’s citizens. The changes are provided for in a resolution adopted by the Government of Kazakhstan.

From November 1, 2026, the system will operate at Aktau International Airport and at the Urlyutobe (Pavlodar Region), Aukhatti (Zhambyl Region), Atameken (Turkistan Region) and Nurly Zhol (Zhetysu Region) road border-crossing points. Urlyutobe, on the border with Omsk Region, is the only one of them on the Russian route; on the Russian side, it is called Olkhovka. Travelers are currently admitted without a permit but are warned that they need to obtain one.

Международный аэропорт Актау

The second stage will begin on January 1, 2027, at the airports of Astana and Almaty, and the system will become operational at the remaining border-crossing points from March 1. Until the end of June 2027, the absence of a permit will not be grounds for refusing entry.

From July 1, 2027, the electronic permit will be mandatory: travelers without one will not be allowed to enter Kazakhstan. The requirement also applies to citizens of other visa-free countries, including Türkiye.