Kazakhstan changes entry rules for Ukrainians: terms, permits and exceptions

Ukrainians planning a trip to Kazakhstan will have to obtain an electronic entry permit in advance. The new rules will be introduced gradually from November 2026, and from July 1, 2027, the absence of such a document will become grounds for refusal of entry. At the same time, the visa-free regime between Ukraine and Kazakhstan is not canceled.

The relevant changes are approved by the resolution of the Government of Kazakhstan No. 890 dated October 10, 2026. The document will enter into force on October 24, reports the Kazakhstani publication Zakon.kz.

The innovation will apply not only to Ukrainians. An electronic permit will be required for citizens of countries that have the right to visa-free entry to Kazakhstan, including Poland, the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, Belarus and other states. At the same time, the rules provide for a number of exceptions.

Is the visa-free regime canceled for Ukrainians

No, Ukrainians will not have to obtain a visa for ordinary short-term trips to Kazakhstan. The agreement on mutual visa-free travel of citizens dated May 19, 2000 continues to operate between the countries.

According to the current regime, citizens of Ukraine can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days. This rule applies, in particular, to tourist and private trips.

The new electronic permit, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), is not a visa. It confirms the prior approval of entry with Kazakhstani state bodies.

Thus, after July 1, 2027, a Ukrainian planning an ordinary visa-free trip will need two basic documents: a valid foreign passport and a pre-approved ETA, if the traveler does not belong to the categories exempt from the permit.

When the new requirements come into force

Kazakhstan has provided for a transition period of several months. During this time, the new system will be gradually implemented at checkpoints, and foreigners will be explained the procedure for issuing permits.

• From November 1, 2026 - the system will begin to be implemented at the international airport of Aktau and automobile checkpoints "Urlyutyube", "Aukhatty", "Atameken" and "Nurly Zhol".
• From January 1, 2027 - new procedures will be applied at the international airports of Astana and Almaty.
• From March 1, 2027 - the system will be extended to other checkpoints across the state border of Kazakhstan.
• From July 1, 2027 - the electronic permit will become mandatory for all foreigners to whom this requirement applies.

Until July 1, 2027, the absence of ETA will not be an independent ground for refusal of entry. That is, Ukrainians will be able to continue traveling under the current visa-free rules if they meet other conditions for crossing the border.

After the end of the transition period, the permit will have to be obtained before arrival in Kazakhstan. Without it, the border service will have the right to refuse entry.

Where to issue an electronic permit

For obtaining ETA, Kazakhstan uses the state digital platform QazETA. It is already operating in a pilot mode and provides foreigners with access to electronic migration services.

Applications can be submitted through the QazETA mobile application, which is available for Android and iOS. The official website of the platform is qazeta.kz.

To obtain a permit, a traveler must:

1. Register in the QazETA application.
2. Select the service for issuing an electronic entry permit - ETA.
3. Provide passport data and information about the purpose of the trip.
4. Undergo electronic identity verification, including document scanning and verification provided by the system.
5. Submit the application and receive a decision through the digital platform.

According to the new rules, the electronic permit will be issued by the internal affairs bodies of Kazakhstan in agreement with the national security bodies.

The application must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the planned entry. Therefore, the permit should not be postponed until the day of departure or crossing the land border.

On the QazETA website, among the requirements are a valid foreign passport with a remaining validity of at least six months, a valid email address and information about the purpose of the trip.

How much does the permit cost and its validity period

The resolution of the Government of Kazakhstan provides for free issuance of an electronic entry permit. It must be obtained through the official digital platform.

ETA will be issued for 180 calendar days. At the same time, this term does not mean that a foreigner can continuously stay in Kazakhstan for six months.

For Ukrainians, the restriction established by the bilateral agreement will continue to apply: no more than 90 days within 180 days without a visa.

Thus, ETA will determine the period of validity of the prior entry permit, and the maximum length of stay will be regulated by separate migration rules.

Who will not need an electronic permit

The new rules contain a list of categories of foreigners exempt from obtaining ETA. For ordinary travelers, the most important exemptions are:

• Children under 16 years old.
• Persons aged 65 and older.
• Foreigners who already have a valid Kazakhstani visa.
• Holders of a valid temporary residence permit or residence permit in Kazakhstan.
• Transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone of the airport and do not undergo border control for entry into the country.
• Certain categories of diplomats, representatives of official delegations and other persons specified in the rules.

Thus, for example, a Ukrainian tourist aged 30 will have to obtain ETA, while a person aged 65 or a child under 16 are exempt from this obligation.

For international carriers, separate exceptions are also provided, particularly for drivers of certain categories of freight and passenger transport. However, before a commercial trip, one should check the compliance of the vehicle and route with the established criteria.

Is a permit required for transit through Kazakhstan

If a traveler only makes a transfer at an international airport of Kazakhstan, does not leave the transit zone and does not cross the state border, ETA is not required.

However, if passport control is required for the transfer, baggage must be collected and re-registered for the flight, or leaving the transit zone, ordinary entry rules may apply.

Therefore, for complex air routes with a transfer in Astana, Almaty or other cities, it is advisable to clarify transit conditions with the airline in advance.

Does ETA guarantee entry to Kazakhstan

Having an electronic permit does not mean automatic passage through the state border. The final decision will be made by the Kazakhstani border service.

During passport control, the traveler must present the document whose data was used for obtaining ETA. The border guards will check the electronic permit through the state digital system "Berkut".

The permit may be denied on the grounds provided by the migration legislation of Kazakhstan. An already issued ETA may also be canceled, in particular in case of violation of the issuance procedure or a decision to deport the foreigner.

What Ukrainians should do before traveling

For those planning a trip to Kazakhstan in the coming months, there are currently no fundamental changes in the visa-free regime. A transition period will operate until July 2027, during which the absence of an electronic permit will not in itself be a reason for refusal of entry.

At the same time, travelers should check the validity of their foreign passport in advance, familiarize themselves with the operation of QazETA and follow updates of official rules.

It is especially important to take into account the new requirements for those planning trips after July 1, 2027. For most Ukrainians aged 16 to 64, electronic entry approval will become a mandatory part of trip preparation.

Based on materials: Zakon.kz, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine