As part of ongoing efforts to improve the migration system, enhance security and simplify entry procedures for foreign nationals, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has introduced amendments to Decree No. 148 of 21 January 2012, establishing the procedures for obtaining prior Electronic Travel Authorisation (QazETA).
The new digital system aims to make border control procedures more transparent, convenient and predictable for visitors to Kazakhstan.
Who Is Required to Obtain QazETA?
The requirement to obtain QazETA applies to nationals of 85 countries that are eligible for visa-free entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Phased Implementation Schedule
To allow travellers and transport operators sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements, the system will be introduced in stages as follows:
- From 1 November 2026: At Aktau International Airport and the following road border crossing points: Urlyutobe (Pavlodar Region), Aukhatty (Zhambyl Region), Atameken (Turkistan Region) and Nurly Zhol (Jetisu Region).
- From 1 January 2027: At Astana and Almaty International Airports.
- From 1 March 2027: At all remaining border crossing points along the State Border of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Until 30 June 2027 (Transitional Period): Obtaining QazETA will remain voluntary but recommended. During this period, travellers will not be refused entry solely on the grounds that they do not hold an electronic authorisation. Border Service officials will instead provide travellers with information and guidance on the new requirements.
- From 1 July 2027: QazETA will become a mandatory entry requirement. From this date, failure to obtain a valid QazETA authorisation will constitute official grounds for refusal of entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Application Procedures and Key Requirements
- Official Portal: Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated digital platform at qazeta.kz.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before the intended entry into Kazakhstan.
- Application Fee: QazETA is issued free of charge (KZT 0).
- Validity Period: An approved QazETA remains valid for 180 calendar days. The permitted duration of temporary stay in Kazakhstan remains subject to the country's applicable migration legislation.
- Passport Requirements: Travellers must present the same valid passport used when submitting their electronic application upon arrival at the border.
Please note that possession of a valid QazETA does not guarantee entry into Kazakhstan or exempt travellers from existing immigration requirements. Border control authorities retain the right to refuse entry on the grounds stipulated in Article 48 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan On Population Migration.
Categories Exempt from QazETA Requirements
Under Kazakhstan's legislation, 29 categories of individuals are exempt from the QazETA requirement, provided that they possess the necessary supporting documentation. These include:
- Heads of state, heads of government, heads of international organisations and their family members;
- Members of official state and government delegations, as well as members of parliaments;
- Holders of diplomatic and service passports, and personnel of diplomatic missions and consular offices accredited in Kazakhstan;
- Foreign nationals holding a valid Kazakh visa, temporary residence permit or residence permit in Kazakhstan;
- Children under the age of 16 and individuals over the age of 65;
- Transit passengers who remain within airport transit areas without crossing the State Border; and
- Members of aircraft, maritime and river vessel crews, railway crews, and drivers engaged in international freight and passenger transport.
Foreign nationals and those involved in organising international travel are kindly requested to take note of these requirements when planning visits to the Republic of Kazakhstan.