{
  "id": 4839705,
  "title": "Kazakhstan to introduce mandatory paid electronic entry permits for foreigners starting November 1. This will also affect Russians.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/kazakhstan-to-introduce-mandatory-paid-electronic-entry-permits-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T10:42:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Meduza (English)",
    "slug": "meduza-english",
    "url": "https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/01/kazakhstan-to-introduce-mandatory-paid-electronic-entry-permits-for-foreigners-starting-november-1-this-will-also-affect-russians"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Starting November 1, Kazakhstan will introduce mandatory paid electronic entry permits for foreigners and Russians visiting the country. This Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, will be issued through the digital platform QazETA, with applications required 72 hours prior to travel. The permit is valid for 180 days and allows multiple entries. Obtaining the permit through QazETA will cost 3,900 tenge (approximately 730 rubles or 7 euros). Border crossings will incur a double fee of 7,800 tenge (around 1,460 rubles or 14 euros). From August 25 to November 1, the system will operate in test mode, allowing entry without a permit, though border guards will inform travelers that one will be necessary for future visits. Beginning November 1, the mandatory permit requirement will apply to travelers arriving by plane. On November 15, it will extend to those crossing Kazakhstan's external border by car or bus, encompassing borders with China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Starting November 30, the requirement will include road crossings at the Eurasian Economic Union's internal borders, such as those with Russia and Kyrgyzstan. By December 15, the requirement will apply to travelers arriving by train or sea. Kazakhstan announced plans to introduce the paid electronic entry permits for visa-exempt citizens in early August, when it released a draft of the corresponding resolution. The permits will be rolled out between August and December 2026, though specific stages and costs have not been disclosed. Serbia and Kazakhstan maintain a visa-free agreement, and Serbia's Foreign Ministry did not provide details on the information source for the rollout stages. As of now, Russians can enter Kazakhstan without a visa or permit but must obtain a temporary residence permit if they stay for over 90 days within six months.",
  "summary": "Kazakhstan has begun phasing in paid electronic entry permits for foreigners who don’t need a visa, a requirement that will also apply to Russians. Serbia’s Foreign Ministry published details of the new entry rules.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mandatory paid electronic entry permits introduced for foreigners and Russians on November 1.",
    "Permit valid for 180 days with multiple entry capability.",
    "Cost of 3,900 tenge (approximately 730 rubles or 7 euros) for electronic permits."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}