Changes to Kazakhstan’s Entry Rules: QazETA Electronic Travel Authorization

Starting August 25, 2026, Kazakhstan is gradually introducing the QazETA electronic travel authorization system. It is intended for advance digital screening of foreign nationals who plan to enter the Republic of Kazakhstan on a visa-free basis.

During the pilot period, obtaining an ETA is recommended for nationals of countries exempt from the visa requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Once the pilot period ends, mandatory ETA requirements are expected to be introduced gradually for these categories of travelers. When will the procedure become mandatory? No exact information is currently available.

IMPORTANT POINTS:

1. If you have a visa, you do not need to obtain QazETA.
2. The system is operating in test mode and is not currently mandatory.
3. Information about the fee varies, ranging from 1 MCI to USD 10. If the authorization is issued directly at a border checkpoint, the fee will be higher.
4. The authorization will permit multiple entries during a 180-day period.
5. Final adoption of the project is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
6. How Does QazETA Work During the Trial Period?

During the phased rollout, the absence of an electronic travel authorization upon first entry should not, by itself, be grounds for refusing admission across Kazakhstan’s state border. A foreign national may be admitted while being advised to obtain QazETA before the next trip.

Upon subsequent entry after the trial period, the electronic travel authorization must be obtained in advance. Failure to have the authorization at a later border crossing may be grounds for refusal of entry.

Therefore, foreign nationals who regularly enter Kazakhstan are advised not to wait until their next trip and to obtain QazETA in advance.

When Should You Apply?

An application for an electronic travel authorization is submitted online through the platform or the QazETA mobile app. It must be submitted no later than 72 hours before the planned entry into Kazakhstan. We did not find this requirement stated in the legislation, but it is included in a publication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the published information about the platform, preliminary processing of an application may take about 10 minutes. An electronic travel authorization is valid for 180 calendar days. However, this timeframe should not be treated as a guarantee: additional data checks, corrections to the application, technical delays, or other circumstances may arise.

Practical recommendation: submit your application not on the day of travel, but at least 3-5 business days before crossing the border. This is especially important when booking a flight, arranging a business trip, inviting a foreign worker, or planning travel with non-refundable tickets.

Payment for the Electronic Travel Authorization

The electronic travel authorization is expected to be a paid service. However, the final fee may not have been officially approved at the time this article was prepared.

Payment in the system is expected to be accepted using international bank cards:

• Visa;
• Mastercard;

Until the final fee and payment rules are published, travelers are advised not to rely on unofficial offers from intermediaries. Payment should be made only through the official QazETA service or another government resource expressly designated by the competent authorities.

What Documents Will Be Required?

To submit an electronic application, a foreign national is advised to prepare the following in advance:

• an international passport valid for at least six months;
• a valid email address;
• a telephone number for registration in the system;
• information about the purpose and planned dates of the trip;

For certain categories of travelers, national identity documents permitted for border crossing under international agreements may be used. In particular, the published guidance mentions:

• the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• ID cards of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Before completing the application, check the spelling of the surname and given name, date of birth, document number, date of issue, and expiration date. Even a minor error may result in a data mismatch during border control.

Who Does Not Need an Authorization?

According to the published guidance, an electronic travel authorization is not required for:

• children under 16 years of age;
• transit passengers, provided their transit stay in Kazakhstan does not exceed 72 hours.

Transit passengers should carry documents confirming their onward journey and the duration of their stay. If the transit period exceeds 72 hours or the purpose of travel changes, the entry requirements should be clarified before the trip.

Possible Grounds for Refusal?

An authorization or entry may be refused on the following grounds:

• errors, incomplete information, or inaccuracies in the application;
• a mismatch between the application details and the passport or another border-crossing document;
• an existing restriction or ban on entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• technical errors or malfunctions in the electronic system.

If a technical problem occurs, keep the application number, electronic notifications, screenshots, and proof of payment if payment has already been made. These materials may be needed when contacting customer support or the competent authorities.

How Should You Prepare for the Trip?

To reduce the risk of problems when crossing the border, travelers are advised to:

1. Check whether QazETA is required for your next trip, especially if you have already entered Kazakhstan without an authorization during the trial period.
2. Submit the application at least 72 hours before travel, and preferably several business days in advance.
3. Enter the application details exactly as they appear in the document that will be presented at the border.
4. Check the passport’s validity period: it must be valid for at least six months.
5. Monitor your email and mobile app notifications after submitting the application.
6. Save the electronic travel authorization on your phone and carry a printout or file for presentation if necessary.
7. Do not purchase non-refundable tickets until your ability to enter has been confirmed if the circumstances require an individual review.

Important Information for Employers

Companies inviting foreign specialists may add QazETA verification to their standard pre-arrival checklist. This is especially relevant for employees who previously entered Kazakhstan while the system was being tested.

The employer or host organization should request confirmation that the foreign national has submitted an application and verify that its details match the passport, visa, invitation, employment contract, or other documents related to the purpose of the trip.

An electronic travel authorization does not replace a visa, a temporary residence permit, a permit to employ foreign labor, a work permit, or other immigration documents if they are required for the specific purpose of the stay in Kazakhstan.