Kazakhstan has begun rolling out its QazETA electronic travel authorization, but it has not yet made the requirement immediately mandatory at the border. Several sources now point to a transition period lasting until November 1, 2026, followed by a phased rollout depending on the mode of entry.
Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to introduce a paid electronic travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Already available on a trial basis through the QazETA mobile app, the ETA remains optional for now, and authorities have yet to announce its fee or the date it will become mandatory.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has revived plans for a single tourist visa covering Central Asia. According to the president, the initiative now has the backing of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, although no agreement or launch timeline has yet been announced.
Launched in July 2025, the “QazETA” mobile application is now at the heart of Kazakhstan’s strategy to digitize migration services and improve the reception of foreign visitors. The app brings together, within a single digital gateway, electronic visa (e-Visa) procedures, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers, and electronic residency (e-Residency) services.
Travel freely through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, on a single visa? This is the proposal put forward by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. This project to unify the “Stans”, inspired by the Schengen model, could mark a key stage in the regional integration of Central Asia. Central Asia,
