Kazakhstan is introducing an electronic travel authorization system for citizens of visa-free countries. The new rules will apply to air passengers from November 1 and will be extended to all major modes of transport by the end of the year.
According to CentralAsia.media, Kazakhstan has begun testing the electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. For now, the absence of an ETA is not grounds for refusing entry, but the rules will become significantly stricter after the pilot period ends.
From November 1, an ETA will be required for foreigners entering Kazakhstan by air. From November 15, the requirement will also apply to road crossings with China, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; from November 30, to crossings with Russia and Kyrgyzstan; and from December 15, to railway and maritime entry points.
Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before the trip. The authorization will be valid for 180 days and allow multiple entries into the country.
However, the issue of whether the ETA will be subject to a fee has not yet been finally settled. Earlier reports suggested a cost of around 3,900 tenge, but Kazakh authorities have not officially confirmed these tariffs.
Kazakhstan is not abolishing its visa-free regime, but for most foreign visitors, traveling to the country will soon require additional electronic authorization.
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