Launched on July 15, 2025, the “QazETA” mobile application, available on Google Play and the App Store, was designed as a digital one-stop shop to facilitate access to Kazakhstan’s digital public services, particularly for foreign visitors and international users.
The app brings together several administrative procedures, including electronic visa applications and digital identification, all directly accessible from a smartphone.
Conceived as a digital assistant, “QazETA” aims to simplify entry into Kazakhstan, stays in the country, and certain official formalities through secure and user-friendly tools.
Among its key features is a system expected to play a central role in future travel to Kazakhstan: a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers.
An ETA for travelers from visa-exempt countries to Kazakhstan
Kazakh authorities state that “during the pilot period, obtaining an ETA is recommended but not mandatory for citizens of countries exempt from the Republic of Kazakhstan’s visa requirements.”
They add that “after the pilot period, the ETA will be gradually introduced as a mandatory requirement for these categories of citizens.”
Fully digital, the ETA must be requested via the “QazETA” mobile app no later than 72 hours before departure. It is valid for 180 days, while the actual length of stay remains governed by Kazakhstan’s current migration regulations.
The ETA is currently issued free of charge. However, authorities plan to introduce paid options, including a “Standard” processing service priced at USD 10, as well as an “Express” option. “If you’re in a rush, choose the expedited option to receive your ETA within 6 hours,” officials explain.
Holders of diplomatic or service passports, members of official delegations, and accredited diplomats are exempt from the ETA requirement.
Authorities also emphasize that the issuance of an ETA does not guarantee entry into Kazakhstan, as the final decision rests with border control authorities.
Visa-exempt countries affected by the Kazakhstan ETA requirement
Kazakhstan grants visa-free entry to a wide range of nationalities, allowing eligible travelers to stay in the country without obtaining a visa in advance.
Below is the list of countries currently exempt from Kazakhstan’s visa requirement whose citizens will soon be required to obtain an ETA:
90 days visa-free
- Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Ukraine.
30 days visa-free
- Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Maldives, Morocco, Nicaragua, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Vietnam.
30 days visa-free per entry (maximum 90 days within 180 days)
- Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.
14 days visa-free
- Hong Kong, India, Iran, and Macau.
ETA application process via the “QazETA” app
ETA applications are submitted directly through the “QazETA” app following a structured process.
First, applicants must create a personal account by providing their last name, first name, phone number, email address, and setting a password.
Once the account is created, travelers can begin the ETA application by taking a photo of their passport or scanning it using the RFID chip reader.
After verifying the extracted data, applicants must provide a phone number, an email address, and specify the purpose of travel (tourism, business, studies, transit, etc.).
The form also requires details about the intended mode of entry (air, land, sea), country of departure, arrival and departure dates, and, if traveling by air, the airline and flight number. Applicants then indicate the region to be visited in Kazakhstan and provide emergency contact details (name and phone number).
Two declarations complete the process:
- Health declaration, including proof of valid medical insurance, policy details, recent symptoms, and countries visited during the 30 days prior to arrival
- Customs declaration, covering various customs-related questions
At the end of the process, supporting documents may be uploaded, such as a flight ticket, hotel reservation, or other proof of accommodation.
Once the application is completed, no fee is currently charged unless an expedited processing option is selected, and the request is immediately submitted to the relevant authorities for review.
Electronic visa available to nationals of 104 countries
In addition to the ETA, the “QazETA” platform also allows eligible travelers to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) if their nationality requires a visa.
This digital public service complements the existing e-Visa system available on the portal www.vmp.gov.kz. It is open to citizens of 104 countries and covers multiple visa categories, including official, investment, business, tourism, medical treatment, and digital nomad visas.
The e-Visa is issued based on an electronic invitation from Kazakh authorities. It is single-entry, strictly personal, and non-transferable. A new application is required if the passport is renewed.
Entry to and exit from Kazakhstan with an e-Visa are permitted only through the country’s international airports.
Electronic Residency for remote activities
Finally, “QazETA” also includes an Electronic Residency (e-Residency) service for foreign nationals and stateless persons residing outside Kazakhstan.
Implemented under the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), this program provides remote access to digital administrative and commercial services.
It includes the issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN), bank account opening, payment cards and eSIMs, as well as remote company registration and management.
Kazakh authorities note that “further expansion of the platform’s functionality is planned, including the issuance of health insurance, the possibility of expedited border control for ETA holders (Fast Track), payment of service fees, and other digital services.”
