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.
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.
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.
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;
- the application fee will be 1 MCI;
- if the authorization is obtained directly at a border checkpoint, the state fee will amount to 2 MCI.
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.
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.