The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan has proposed a new legislative draft that could introduce paid entry permits for foreign citizens and stateless persons starting in 2027. The initiative, currently undergoing public discussion, aims to transition the country toward a more digitized border management system. The proposal involves the issuance of electronic entry permits, marking a significant shift in the nation's immigration policy as it seeks to modernize its cross-border infrastructure.
Implementation Timeline and Digital Infrastructure
To ensure a seamless transition, the government plans to implement the system in stages. According to the draft resolution, a pilot phase is scheduled to run from August to December 2026. This period is intended to facilitate the stable adaptation of border infrastructure and ensure that technical systems are fully functional before the official launch in January 2027. The project focuses on several key areas:
- The maintenance and modernization of digital border infrastructure.
- Enhanced protection and encryption of travelers' personal data.
- The integration of the system with existing platforms like QazETA.
- Improved monitoring of migration flows across the Republic's borders.
Impact on Visa-Free Travel and Logistics
While Kazakhstan currently allows citizens from over 50 countries, including members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), to enter without a visa, this new permit would add a financial component to the arrival process. The specific amount of the entry fee has not yet been disclosed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This development follows the previous introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the QazETA application, which were designed to simplify the acquisition of electronic visas and other necessary documentation for international visitors.
The introduction of this fee is positioned as a strategic step toward self-sustaining border management. By directing proceeds toward technological upgrades, the Ministry aims to improve the efficiency of processing travelers at major hubs in Astana, Almaty, and other regional entry points. Travelers are advised to monitor official government portals for updates on the final fee structure and the official list of nationalities required to obtain the paid permit once the public discussion phase concludes.