Kazakhstan starts QazETA travel authorisation at Aktau airport and four border crossings
Kazakhstan has started the first stage of its new electronic travel authorisation, known as QazETA, on Sunday, 1 November. The system now applies at Aktau International Airport and four road border crossings, for travellers from 85 countries who can currently enter Kazakhstan without a visa.
Travellers can apply free of charge through the official QazETA platform at qazeta.kz. Applications must be sent at least 72 hours before entry, and an approved authorisation is valid for 180 days and allows multiple entries, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. Travellers must use the same passport at the border as the one used in the application.
For now, getting QazETA is voluntary. Kazakhstan’s government says travellers will not be refused entry during the transition period, which runs until 30 June 2027, solely because they do not have the authorisation. Border officials will instead explain the new rules. From 1 July 2027, however, the authorisation becomes compulsory, and not having one can be a reason to refuse entry.
The rollout will widen in stages. Astana and Almaty international airports join on 1 January 2027, and all remaining border crossings follow on 1 March 2027. The government says 29 groups of travellers are exempt, including children under 16, people aged 65 or older, visa or residence permit holders, diplomats, and transit passengers who stay inside the airport transit area. The authorisation is not a visa, does not extend how long a visitor may stay, and does not guarantee entry.
Why it matters
Visa-free travel to Kazakhstan will no longer mean travelling without any advance paperwork. Once it becomes compulsory, eligible visitors will need to plan at least three days ahead, even for a short trip. The long transition period gives travellers, airlines and tour operators time to learn the new step before it can block entry.
What happens next
Travellers entering through Aktau or one of the four road crossings can apply for QazETA now, even though it is still voluntary. Astana and Almaty follow on 1 January 2027, and other crossings on 1 March 2027. Anyone planning a trip after 1 July 2027 should check whether they are covered, and whether an exemption applies, on the official QazETA platform before booking.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://www.gov.kz/org/mfa-kuala-lumpur/press/article/details/251249?lang=en (Government of Kazakhstan, gov.kz, 21 October 2026)
- https://kz.usembassy.gov/services/electronic-travel-authorization-qazeta/ (U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, 2026)
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/5xhengk6tyfd/ (Travel and Tour World, November 2026)
