A new electronic permit system will be introduced for foreigners entering Kazakhstan. From July 1, 2027, the absence of the free document will constitute grounds for refusing entry to the country.
The legal basis for the system is a set of amendments to Kazakhstan's rules governing the entry, stay and departure of foreigners, adopted by the government on October 10, 2026. The regulation will enter into force on October 24, 2026.
Electronic permits will be introduced at border crossings
The electronic permit system will initially be introduced on November 1, 2026, at Aktau International Airport and four land border crossings. Astana and Almaty international airports will be added to the system on January 1, 2027.
The system will be introduced at all other border crossings on March 1, 2027. However, until July 1, 2027, lacking an electronic permit will not lead to entry being refused; foreigners will be informed that they are required to obtain one.
Citizens of Türkiye and the United States will also be covered
The electronic permit requirement will apply to citizens of Türkiye and the United States, as well as citizens of European Union countries, member states of the Eurasian Economic Union and other countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Kazakhstan.
Applications must be submitted through a digital platform no later than 72 hours before the planned date of entry into the country. The interior authorities will issue the permit free of charge in coordination with national security authorities, and identity verification will be completed during the application process.
The electronic permit will be valid for 180 calendar days. However, the document will not grant foreigners the right to exceed the periods of stay stipulated in migration legislation. Border guards will verify the validity of the permit through the integrated Berkut digital system.
Children, older people and some officials will be exempt
Children under 16, people aged 65 and over, and foreigners holding a valid Kazakh visa, residence permit or temporary residence permit will be exempt from the electronic permit requirement.
Heads of foreign countries and governments, diplomats, members of official delegations and passengers traveling in transit without crossing Kazakhstan's border will also not be subject to the system.
Unless international agreements provide otherwise, foreigners entering without a visa may not stay in the country for more than 30 days from the date of entry or more than a total of 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union countries will be permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
