Kazakhstan to introduce paid electronic entry authorisation

Citizens of Russia and other countries whose nationals can enter Kazakhstan visa-free will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation through the QazETA (Kazakhstan Electronic Travel Authorisation) system.

The authorisation will become mandatory for international air passengers from November 1, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

From November 15, it will be required for those entering by car across borders with countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while from November 30, the requirement will also apply to those crossing into Kazakhstan by car through EAEU member states.

From December 15, the requirement will extend to train passengers and those arriving through seaports.

The authorisation will be valid for 180 days and allow multiple trips to Kazakhstan.

The application fee will be the same for citizens of all countries, although the exact amount has yet to be determined.

Until November 1, QazETA will operate in pilot mode, so the absence of an authorisation will not yet be grounds for refusing entry.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov