Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Kazakhstan is beginning the phased introduction of QazETA, an electronic pre-entry authorisation system for foreign nationals. The new procedure will affect foreign visitors, including citizens of Uzbekistan who travel to Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime.
During the transition period, obtaining authorisation will be recommended rather than mandatory. The system is scheduled to become compulsory in line with the approved implementation timetable.
Kazakhstan will begin introducing QazETA on 1 November 2026. The electronic system is designed to digitalise border-crossing procedures and enable the preliminary processing of information about arriving travellers.
For Uzbek citizens who regularly visit Kazakhstan for tourism, business or private purposes, it is important to be aware of the implementation schedule and the procedure for obtaining electronic authorisation.
Where will QazETA be introduced first?
According to information published by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from 1 November 2026 the system will be introduced at selected border checkpoints, including Aktau International Airport and the Urlyutobe, Aukhatti, Atameken and Nurly Zhol road checkpoints.
The system will subsequently be extended to other locations.
From 1 January 2027, it is planned to cover the international airports of Astana and Almaty. From 1 March 2027, it is scheduled to be extended to the remaining border checkpoints.
The requirements applicable to travellers will therefore depend on their travel date and chosen route.
Will QazETA be mandatory for Uzbek citizens?
Citizens of Uzbekistan can travel to Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime. However, the absence of a visa requirement does not automatically exempt them from the electronic pre-entry authorisation procedure.
During the transition period, which is scheduled to run until 30 June 2027, obtaining QazETA will be recommended. The absence of authorisation during this period should not, by itself, serve as grounds for refusing entry.
From 1 July 2027, the system is expected to become mandatory in accordance with the announced schedule.
Travellers are advised to check the latest requirements issued by the Kazakh authorities before departure, as the implementation arrangements for digital procedures may be updated.
How to apply for QazETA
Applications can be submitted through the system’s electronic services.
Foreign nationals are advised to:
- Visit the official QazETA website at https://qazeta.kz/ru/ or use the official mobile application.
- Review the conditions for obtaining electronic authorisation.
- Enter details from their valid international passport and information about their planned trip.
- Complete the required fields and submit the application.
- Wait for the outcome and save the authorisation confirmation.
According to the published guidance, applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before the planned trip. Applicants should check the latest deadlines, conditions and service availability on the system’s official website.
The electronic authorisation does not replace a passport or guarantee automatic entry. The final decision on admitting a foreign national is made by the competent authorities of Kazakhstan in accordance with established procedures.
Will the visa-free regime change?
The introduction of QazETA does not, in itself, mean the cancellation of the visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It is an additional digital procedure that will be applied under the established rules.
Uzbek citizens planning to travel should consider not only QazETA requirements but also the applicable rules governing their stay in Kazakhstan.
As a general rule, Uzbek citizens may stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 calendar days per entry. Their total stay must not exceed 90 calendar days within any 180-day period, unless special rules apply to their particular circumstances.
Obtaining QazETA does not grant the right to stay beyond the permitted period or exempt travellers from other migration requirements.
What should travellers keep in mind?
The introduction of QazETA marks a further step in the digitalisation of Kazakhstan’s entry procedures. Travellers will need to familiarise themselves with the host country’s requirements in advance, particularly when using border checkpoints where the system is being introduced first.
Uzbek citizens planning trips to Kazakhstan in late 2026 and 2027 are advised to check the latest rules, application deadlines and required documents well before departure.
Particular attention should be paid to the accuracy of passport details, compliance with application deadlines and consistency between the information submitted and the documents presented at the border.
As QazETA is extended to more checkpoints, electronic authorisation may become a standard part of travel preparations for citizens of countries whose nationals can enter Kazakhstan without a visa.
