Kazakhstan considers paid electronic entry permits for foreigners
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has drafted a resolution that would introduce paid electronic entry permits for certain foreign nationals and stateless persons.
A brief description of the proposal has been published on the country’s Open NPA portal, although the full text of the draft is not yet publicly available.
Under the proposal, obtaining an electronic entry permit would become a paid service. However, the authorities have not yet disclosed the fee or specified which categories of foreign nationals would be required to obtain the permit.
According to the explanatory note, the system is intended to make the monitoring of migration flows more transparent and efficient.
Revenue from the permits would be used to maintain the service, modernise digital infrastructure and strengthen the protection of personal data.
The system is expected to be introduced in stages between August and December 2026. Public discussion of the draft will continue until August 17.
Fergana news agency reported that the initiative forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to strengthen migration controls.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously instructed the government to adapt migration policy to changing geopolitical conditions, intensify efforts against illegal migration and accelerate the digitalization of migration records.
Citizens of more than 50 countries can currently enter Kazakhstan without a visa for short stays, including nationals of CIS countries and several European Union states.
It remains unclear whether the proposed electronic permit system would affect travelers from visa-free countries. The entry rules for some foreign nationals could change if the draft is adopted.
A brief description of the proposal has been published on the country’s Open NPA portal, although the full text of the draft is not yet publicly available.
Under the proposal, obtaining an electronic entry permit would become a paid service. However, the authorities have not yet disclosed the fee or specified which categories of foreign nationals would be required to obtain the permit.
According to the explanatory note, the system is intended to make the monitoring of migration flows more transparent and efficient.
Revenue from the permits would be used to maintain the service, modernise digital infrastructure and strengthen the protection of personal data.
The system is expected to be introduced in stages between August and December 2026. Public discussion of the draft will continue until August 17.
Fergana news agency reported that the initiative forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to strengthen migration controls.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously instructed the government to adapt migration policy to changing geopolitical conditions, intensify efforts against illegal migration and accelerate the digitalization of migration records.
Citizens of more than 50 countries can currently enter Kazakhstan without a visa for short stays, including nationals of CIS countries and several European Union states.
It remains unclear whether the proposed electronic permit system would affect travelers from visa-free countries. The entry rules for some foreign nationals could change if the draft is adopted.
Комментарии (0)