VISA REGIME
For holders of national passports and other travel documents: Visa is not required for stays up to 30 days
For holders of diplomatic and official passports: Visa is not required for stays up to 30 days
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE COUNTRY
The permitted period of stay for foreigners in Kazakhstan is three months during each six-month period. Foreign nationals who do not require a visa may legally stay in the country for 30 days at a time, and for a total of up to 90 days during any 180-day calendar period. A foreign national who has no legal basis for staying in Kazakhstan may cross the border again only after the expiry of the 180-day calendar period.
Kazakhstan has abolished the so-called “visa run,” which previously allowed foreigners to remain in Kazakhstan for 30 or 90 days, then leave the country and immediately re-enter, thereby renewing their period of legal stay. These restrictions do not apply to foreigners who entered Kazakhstan on a visa, nor to those who have been granted temporary residence.
On 25 August 2026, Kazakhstan began implementing new migration legislation introducing a mandatory electronic entry permit, issued through the QazETA digital platform.
This requirement is being introduced in five clearly defined stages, scheduled from August through December 2026. Each stage introduces new requirements for different types of border crossings and carriers.
First stage – Test mode (from 25 August 2026)
The first stage, which began on 25 August 2026 and will last until 1 November 2026, represents a so-called test or transitional regime.
The key feature of this phase is that the absence of an electronic permit will not constitute grounds for refusing entry into Kazakhstan. A foreign national arriving at any type of border crossing without this document will still be allowed to enter, but the border authorities will inform them that the permit will be mandatory for all subsequent entries. This period serves as a preparatory phase for all participants — passengers, airlines, bus operators and other carriers — allowing them to familiarize themselves with the new system and procedures.
Second stage – Air border crossings (from 1 November 2026)
At this stage, the electronic permit becomes mandatory for all air border crossings of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The key feature of this phase is that airlines will be instructed not to board passengers who do not possess a valid electronic permit. In practice, this means that entry into Kazakhstan by air without QazETA will be impossible, as the passenger will not be allowed to board a flight to the country. This measure will apply to all international airports in Kazakhstan, including the main airports in Astana, Almaty and Aktau.
Third stage – Road crossings at the external borders of the EAEU (from 15 November 2026)
The requirement to possess an electronic permit will be extended to road border crossings located on the external borders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The key feature of this phase is that the requirement will apply to all land crossings with countries that are not members of the EAEU, including China, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and other neighboring states outside the Union. Passengers entering Kazakhstan by road through these borders will be required to possess an electronic permit, and the border authorities will deny entry to those who do not have one.
Fourth stage – Road crossings at the internal borders of the EAEU (from 30 November 2026)
At this stage, the requirement will apply to road border crossings located at the internal borders of the Eurasian Economic Union member states.
The key feature of this phase is that it will apply to border crossings with Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan — countries with which Kazakhstan shares borders within the same economic bloc. This step is particularly significant because these crossings are among the busiest and form the backbone of land transportation in the region. Passengers from these countries, as well as transit passengers arriving via the territories of these states, will be required to possess an electronic permit.
Fifth and final stage – Railway and maritime crossings (from 15 December 2026)
Mandatory possession of an electronic permit will also become a requirement for railway and maritime border crossings of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The key feature of this final phase is that the requirement will apply to all railway crossings, including those used by international passenger trains, as well as to all maritime ports and terminals on the Caspian Sea. This will complete the system, and from that date an electronic permit will be required for entry into Kazakhstan regardless of the means of transportation.
In addition to the stages outlined above, it is important to provide some basic information about the electronic permit itself. Passengers will be required to submit their application no later than 72 hours before their planned entry into Kazakhstan. The permit will be issued for a period of 180 calendar days and will allow multiple entries into the country during that period.
The regular fee is expected to be approximately KZT 3,900 (around EUR 8). If the application is submitted directly at the border crossing, the fee will be doubled to approximately KZT 7,800 (around EUR 16).
It is important to emphasize that the electronic permit does not change the existing visa-free stay rules. Foreign nationals will still be permitted to remain in Kazakhstan for the number of days provided for under the visa-free regime applicable to their nationality.
SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
No social security agreement has been concluded.
USEFUL INFORMATION
HEALTH SITUATION – The Republic of Kazakhstan invests a lot in health care and health centers in major cities are modernly equipped, and the medical service is well organized.
Tap water is not consumed, but only bottled or filtered. In the country, great attention is paid to the prevention of smoking, so smoking is prohibited in all public institutions and most restaurants.
SECURITY SITUATION – The security situation in the country is stable, with occasional increased controls at border crossings.
TRANSPORT – During temporary stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, can be used driving license R. of Serbia on the new form, provided that it meets the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968). You must have a certified translation of your driver's license in Russian or Kazakh.
The most reliable form of transport is air transport. During the winter, due to harsh weather conditions, particularly in the northern parts of the country, rail and road traffic could be disrupted for several days.
In addition, it is useful to install the YandexGo taxi application, which provides insight into the fixed amount of transportation costs.
OTHER INFORMATION – The national currency is the Kazakh tenge (KZT). The country has a developed network of banks and exchange offices which facilitates exchange of foreign currency for the local currency and vice versa. Money transfers to foreign countries is possible through Western Union. It is allowed to take 10,000 US dollars, in cash, out of the country. Daily budget for stay in Kazakhstan is approximately 50 US dollars or more, depending on the region, the standard of accommodation, the quality of food, and the method of travelling.
Contact information:
During your stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan, for consular assistance and protection you may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Astana (Address: Sariarka 6, 010000 Astana), at the following telephone number: 00 7 71 72 99 00 27, and e-mail: amb.astana@mail.ru.