Kazakhstan Imposes QazETA Travel Permits on Russian Citizens

Kazakhstan will introduce mandatory paid electronic travel authorizations (QazETA) and biometric digital profiles for Russian citizens beginning Nov. 30, 2026, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. Signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the rules mandate applications 72 hours before land crossings, costing 3,900 tenge ($8.60) online or 7,600 tenge ($16.70) at the border, under penalty of deportation. The system launches at airports before expanding to rail routes and ports, granting 90-day stays within a 180-day validity window.