- Kazakhstan launched QazETA in pilot mode on September 1, 2026 for visa-free visitors using a mobile app.
- The system becomes mandatory first for international air passengers on November 1, 2026, before other entry points.
- Applications cost 3,900 tenge in advance or 7,600 tenge at the border, and approval still does not guarantee entry.
Kazakhstan put QazETA, an electronic travel authorization for visa-free visitors, into pilot mode on September 1, 2026. Applications go through the mobile app at least 72 hours before travel. Voluntary now.
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Greece said the trial keeps border checks intact.
“Foreigners planning a trip to Kazakhstan must submit an ETA application through the mobile application no later than 72 hours before travel.”
“The final decision on entry into the country is made by the authorized state body of Kazakhstan during border control.”
“After its completion, the phased introduction of mandatory ETA requirements for these categories of citizens is planned.”
The embassy tied the pilot to a phased rollout.
During the pilot, travelers from visa-free countries can still enter without the authorization. Not yet mandatory.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed Law No. 326-VIII on June 24, 2026. Most provisions tied to the framework took effect on August 25, 2026, 60 calendar days after first official publication. The law came first.
The platform is wider than a single entry permit. It also covers electronic visas, e-Residency, and certificates confirming border crossings. One system, several documents.
Mandatory use begins with air passengers
| Date | Transport mode | Planned status |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | International air passengers | Mandatory use expected |
| November 15, 2026 | Motorists entering through external EAEU land borders | Mandatory use expected |
| November 30, 2026 | Automobile crossings on borders with EAEU states, including Russia | Mandatory use expected |
| December 15, 2026 | Train passengers and sea arrivals | Mandatory use expected |
The timetable turns on transport mode. Air comes first.
During the pilot, the app remains optional, and travelers may still be admitted without it. Some reports say the first phase does not itself trigger refusal of entry. The warning is for the next trip.
Fees and exemptions are already built in
A fee schedule tied to the rollout lists 3,900 tenge if the application goes in at least 72 hours before arrival, or 7,600 tenge if paid directly at the border. The authorization is valid for 180 days, but the actual length of stay still depends on Kazakhstan's migration rules. Stay and validity differ.
Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempt, along with official delegation members and accredited diplomatic corps representatives. They stay out. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been identified as the authority clarifying implementation.
Border control still makes the call. The embassy said approval does not guarantee entry, and the first mandatory check is set for November 1 for international air passengers.
