Anyone travelling to Kazakhstan should also check their planned border crossing before booking in future. Visa-free entry for German nationals staying for up to 30 days remains in place. In addition, Kazakhstan is gradually introducing the QazETA electronic travel authorisation. During the rollout, what matters is whether you enter via Aktau, Astana, Almaty or another border crossing.
Distinguishing visa-free travel from an ETA
Visa-free continues to mean that German nationals do not need a visa for a stay of no more than 30 days. The ETA is a separate electronic authorisation for travellers covered by visa-free entry arrangements. According to the Federal Foreign Office, applications are made through the QazETA app.
A visa is still required for longer stays. An ETA does not change any other entry or residence rules. The Federal Foreign Office states that German travellers need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining on entry; a national identity card is not sufficient.
The launch depends on the border crossing
Since 1 November 2026, QazETA has been introduced at selected crossings: Aktau International Airport and the road border crossings at Urljutobe, Auhatty, Atameken and Nurly Zhol. The international airports in Astana and Almaty will be added on 1 January 2027. From 1 March 2027, the procedure will cover the remaining border crossings, according to the Kazakh embassy.
For travel planning, this means that it is not just your destination that matters, but also your actual point of entry into Kazakhstan. Anyone landing in Aktau or entering via one of the road crossings listed, for example, will already encounter the first phase of the rollout. If you are taking connecting flights or travelling overland, you should therefore check the border crossing where you will actually enter the country.
Applications and transitional rules
The Kazakh embassy states that applications should be submitted through the QazETA app at least 72 hours before the planned entry. According to this information, the authorisation is free, valid for 180 calendar days and linked to the passport used for the application. The same passport must be presented on entry.
A transitional rule applies up to and including 30 June 2027: the absence of an ETA alone is not grounds for refusing entry. The requirement to apply begins on 1 July 2027 for travellers covered by the scheme; exemptions are planned. The Federal Foreign Office states that, from that date, not having an ETA may result in refusal of entry. An authorisation is also not an automatic guarantee of entry: Kazakhstan’s border authorities will continue to decide on admission under the applicable rules.
At a glance
Kazakhstan remains visa-free for German nationals staying for up to 30 days. QazETA launches on 1 November 2026 in Aktau and other locations, on 1 January 2027 in Astana and Almaty, and on 1 March at the remaining border crossings. Until 30 June 2027, the absence of an authorisation alone will not result in refusal of entry; from 1 July 2027, an ETA is mandatory for the travellers concerned. The information on entry and QazETA was checked as of 11 November 2026; regulations may change.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
