Planned changes to Kazakhstan’s Entry Regulations: Electronic Entry Authorization (QazETA)
The Republic of Kazakhstan is currently considering draft amendments that would provide for the phased introduction of a mandatory electronic entry authorization (QazETA) for foreign nationals entering the country under the visa-free regime.
If the proposed amendments are adopted, foreign nationals will be required to obtain an electronic entry authorization in advance, prior to crossing the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The system is designed to pre-screen data on foreign nationals, expedite border procedures, and provide immigration services through a “one-stop shop” approach.
If the proposed amendments are adopted, foreign nationals will be required to obtain an electronic entry authorization in advance, prior to crossing the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The system is designed to pre-screen data on foreign nationals, expedite border procedures, and provide immigration services through a “one-stop shop” approach.
What does the draft provide?
Under the draft, foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will be required to obtain an electronic entry authorization through the QazETA portal prior to their arrival in Kazakhstan.
Under the draft, foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry will be required to obtain an electronic entry authorization through the QazETA portal prior to their arrival in Kazakhstan.
QazETA is an instrument of Kazakhstan’s migration policy. The system does not repeal the existing visa-free regime and does not restrict the rights of citizens of EAEU member states and countries with visa-free entry to Kazakhstan to move freely within the framework of current legislation.
An electronic permit is not required for:
- children under 16 years of age;
- transit passengers staying for up to 3 days;
- holders of diplomatic and service passports;
- members of official foreign delegations;
- persons holding a valid Kazakhstani visa or residence permit;
- persons holding a valid temporary residence permit (TRP);
- persons arriving in Kazakhstan at the invitation of the highest state authorities.
Application procedure
The draft provides for the following application procedure:
The draft provides for the following application procedure:
- applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours prior to entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan
Validity period of the authorization
The electronic authorization is expected to:
The electronic authorization will not affect the existing rules governing visa-free stay.
Foreign nationals will still be required to comply with the permitted period of stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan and independently monitor the number of unused days available to them under the visa-free regime.
The electronic authorization is expected to:
- allow multiple entries;
- remain valid for 180 calendar days from the date of issuance.
The electronic authorization will not affect the existing rules governing visa-free stay.
Foreign nationals will still be required to comply with the permitted period of stay in the Republic of Kazakhstan and independently monitor the number of unused days available to them under the visa-free regime.
Proposed implementation stages
According to the draft, the QazETA system will be introduced in stages.
According to the draft, the QazETA system will be introduced in stages.
The requirement is expected to apply to air and road checkpoints across the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At this stage, the absence of an electronic authorization will not constitute grounds for refusal of entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan. If an electronic authorization has not been obtained, a foreign national may still be permitted to cross the state border, subject to being informed of the requirement to obtain an electronic authorization for subsequent entries into the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At this stage, the absence of an electronic authorization will not constitute grounds for refusal of entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan. If an electronic authorization has not been obtained, a foreign national may still be permitted to cross the state border, subject to being informed of the requirement to obtain an electronic authorization for subsequent entries into the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The electronic authorization will become mandatory for all air checkpoints.
In the absence of a valid authorization, airlines will not be permitted to board the passenger, and entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan will not be possible.
In the absence of a valid authorization, airlines will not be permitted to board the passenger, and entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan will not be possible.
The mandatory electronic authorization requirement will be extended to road checkpoints located along the external borders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The requirement will also apply to road checkpoints located along the internal borders of the EAEU member states.
The mandatory electronic authorization requirement will come into effect for all railway and maritime checkpoints of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the pilot launch phase, it is important to keep the following rules in mind:
During the pilot testing period, obtaining an electronic permit is recommended but not required. The current procedure for crossing Kazakhstan’s state border remains unchanged.
At this stage, the permit is issued free of charge. The list of countries whose citizens will be required to obtain a QazETA, the effective date for mandatory use of the system, and any potential fees will be determined at a later date and published in advance.
Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before travel. Applications can be submitted via the mobile app or the QazETA portal. The issued permit is valid for 180 days.
Possession of an electronic permit does not extend the permitted duration of a visa-free stay and does not waive existing visa requirements.
During the pilot testing period, obtaining an electronic permit is recommended but not required. The current procedure for crossing Kazakhstan’s state border remains unchanged.
At this stage, the permit is issued free of charge. The list of countries whose citizens will be required to obtain a QazETA, the effective date for mandatory use of the system, and any potential fees will be determined at a later date and published in advance.
Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before travel. Applications can be submitted via the mobile app or the QazETA portal. The issued permit is valid for 180 days.
Possession of an electronic permit does not extend the permitted duration of a visa-free stay and does not waive existing visa requirements.
What should be taken into account?
If the draft is adopted, foreign nationals planning to travel to Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime are advised to obtain an electronic authorization in advance through the QazETA portal in order to avoid being denied boarding or experiencing difficulties when crossing the state border.
In addition, regardless of whether an electronic authorization has been obtained, foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and monitor the permitted period of stay under the visa-free regime.
If the draft is adopted, foreign nationals planning to travel to Kazakhstan under the visa-free regime are advised to obtain an electronic authorization in advance through the QazETA portal in order to avoid being denied boarding or experiencing difficulties when crossing the state border.
In addition, regardless of whether an electronic authorization has been obtained, foreign nationals must comply with the requirements of the migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and monitor the permitted period of stay under the visa-free regime.
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About WPK
WPK Consulting Company is a 100% Kazakhstani-owned company founded in 2002, with offices in Astana, Almaty, and Atyrau.
For over 20 years, we have specialized in immigration law and business process outsourcing.
Our consultants support foreign companies of all sizes in Kazakhstan, providing services and representing the interests of HR managers, specialists, foreign executives, and employees.
For over 20 years, we have specialized in immigration law and business process outsourcing.
Our consultants support foreign companies of all sizes in Kazakhstan, providing services and representing the interests of HR managers, specialists, foreign executives, and employees.
About WPK
WPK Consulting Company is a 100% Kazakhstani-owned company founded in 2002, with offices in Astana, Almaty, and Atyrau.
For over 20 years, we have specialized in immigration law and business process outsourcing.
Our consultants support foreign companies of all sizes in Kazakhstan, providing services and representing the interests of HR managers, specialists, foreign executives, and employees.
For over 20 years, we have specialized in immigration law and business process outsourcing.
Our consultants support foreign companies of all sizes in Kazakhstan, providing services and representing the interests of HR managers, specialists, foreign executives, and employees.