The Interior Ministry of Kazakhstan has drafted a regulation that would require foreign nationals and stateless persons to obtain electronic permits before entering the country. The document was published on the Open NPA portal, but the text of the regulation itself is not publicly available, according to Azattyk Asia.
The permits will be paid, but the fee amount and how it will be differentiated have not been disclosed. The ministry said the differentiation would help accumulate funds for maintenance, modernization of digital infrastructure, and protection of personal data.
The system is proposed to be introduced in stages from August to December 2026. The draft will be open for public discussion until August 17.
The changes are based on the migration law in its 2026 edition, which President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on June 24. The law stipulates that foreigners must obtain electronic permits before traveling, and they will be issued by internal affairs bodies in coordination with national security agencies. It also envisages creating a "digital profile" for each entrant and a unified database of immigrants.
The draft does not specify which categories of foreigners will need the permits. Digital Business notes that it is premature to say the requirement will apply to everyone.
Kazakhstan remains one of the main destinations for Russians emigrating since the start of the war, with visa-free entry for them. After 90 days of stay within six months, a temporary residence permit is required. Recently, human rights activists have warned that the country is becoming unsafe, with an increase in deportations at Russia's request and Russians being summoned for questioning in a case involving fake temporary residence permits.