Entering Kazakhstan will now come at a cost

Entering the neighboring country will now require obtaining permission in advance. Starting November 1, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will become mandatory for anyone arriving in Kazakhstan by plane.

Starting November 15, the requirement expands further. This time it will also apply to those crossing the EAEU's (Eurasian Economic Union) external border by car or bus — including Kazakhstan's borders with China, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This means the rule will directly affect Uzbek citizens driving to Shymkent or Almaty.

How much will it cost?

The official fee has not yet been announced by the Kazakh government. However, according to information circulated by Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its own citizens, the cost of the permit will depend on when the application is submitted. If the application is filed at least 72 hours before arriving at the border, the cost will be around 3,900 tenge (roughly 100,000 sums). If payment is made directly at the border, the price doubles to 7,800 tenge (roughly 200,000 sums).

The permit is valid for 180 days and allows multiple entries into the country during that period. Applications are submitted through the QazETA digital platform.

A trial period is currently underway

From August 25 to November 1, the system will operate in test mode: foreigners can still enter without a permit, though border officers are warning travelers that it will be required on their next visit.

The changes don't stop there. Starting November 30, the requirement will extend to the borders with Russia and Kyrgyzstan, and starting December 15, the final phase will begin, covering sea and rail crossing points.

Many Uzbeks travel through Kazakhstan on their way to Russia. Whether this will mean extra cost and extra paperwork for them is a question that still remains open.