Kazakhstan: QazETA Under Consideration
Kazakhstan is currently considering draft amendments providing for the phased introduction of a mandatory electronic travel authorization (QazETA) for foreign nationals entering the country under the visa-free regime.
According to the draft, foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization through the QazETA portal prior to arrival in Kazakhstan.
Key Details of QazETA
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Requirement: Mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt foreign visitors. Currently in a pilot phase with implementation rolling out through late 2026.
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Application Timeline: Must be submitted at least 72 hours before entry.
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Validity: Expected to be valid for 180 calendar days for multiple entriesю
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Fees (Proposed): 1 MCI (Monthly Calculation Index) if applied in advance online, or 2 MCI if obtained directly at a border checkpoint.
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Stay Limits: Does not change existing visa-free stay lengths or rules; travelers must still track their permitted days.
Importantly, the electronic authorization will not affect the existing rules governing visa-free stays.
Foreign nationals will still be required to comply with the applicable permitted period of stay in Kazakhstan and independently monitor the number of days remaining under the visa-free regime.
If the draft is adopted, foreign nationals travelling to Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime are advised to obtain the electronic travel authorization via the QazETA portal in advance to minimize the risk of being denied boarding or facing difficulties at the state border.
Please note that obtaining the electronic authorization will not change the existing visa-free stay requirements. Foreign nationals will still be required to comply with the applicable migration rules of Kazakhstan and monitor their permitted period of stay.