Kazakhstan has begun phasing in QazETA, a free electronic travel authorisation for foreign visitors entering under a visa-free regime. Indian ordinary passport holders are included: Kazakhstan’s visa table lists India as visa-free for up to 14 days. QazETA is a separate pre-travel authorisation; it does not change India’s visa-free stay limit.
For Indian travellers: visa-free entry remains up to 14 days per visit, with a maximum of 42 days in any 180-day period. QazETA becomes mandatory for covered visa-free travellers from 1 July 2027, subject to the published exemptions.
QazETA at a Glance
| Question | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Who is covered? | Foreign nationals entering Kazakhstan under a visa-free regime, including Indian ordinary passport holders |
| Does it replace a visa? | No. It is a separate electronic authorisation for visa-free travellers |
| Fee | Free (0 KZT) |
| Apply by | At least 72 hours before planned entry through the official QazETA platform |
| Validity | 180 days; this does not extend the permitted length of stay |
| Mandatory from | 1 July 2027 for travellers covered by the rules, except published exemptions |
Rollout Dates
Kazakhstan is introducing the system in phases. During the transition period from 1 November 2026 through 30 June 2027, a traveller cannot be refused entry solely because they do not have QazETA. Officials may explain that the authorisation should be obtained.
| Start date | Checkpoints in the rollout |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Aktau International Airport and the Urlyutobe, Aukhatti, Atameken and Nurly Zhol road crossings |
| 1 January 2027 | Astana and Almaty international airports |
| 1 March 2027 | All remaining Kazakhstan border checkpoints |
| 1 July 2027 | QazETA becomes mandatory for covered travellers; lack of a valid authorisation may be grounds to refuse entry |
How to Apply
Submit an application through the official QazETA platform at least 72 hours before you plan to enter Kazakhstan. The authorisation costs nothing and is valid for 180 calendar days. Use the same valid passport for the application and at the border.
The 180-day validity is not permission to stay for 180 days. Indian ordinary passport holders’ existing visa-free allowance remains up to 14 days per visit and no more than 42 days within each 180-day period. Entry remains subject to Kazakhstan’s normal border checks, even with an approved QazETA.
What Indian Travellers Should Do
- If travelling through Aktau or one of the listed road crossings, check the QazETA process before departure. During the transition, missing it alone is not grounds for refusal.
- If flying into Almaty or Astana, note that the rollout reaches those airports on 1 January 2027.
- For trips on or after 1 July 2027, apply at least 72 hours ahead if you are covered by the requirement and do not fall within an exemption.
- Recheck the official QazETA site and Kazakhstan’s current visa regime before booking. The entry authorisation does not guarantee admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Indian ordinary passport holders currently have visa-free entry for up to 14 days per visit, subject to a maximum of 42 days within each 180-day period. Verify the latest rules before travel.
Do Indians need to apply for QazETA now?
QazETA is being phased in by checkpoint from 1 November 2026. Until 30 June 2027, not having one alone is not grounds to refuse entry. It becomes mandatory for covered travellers from 1 July 2027, subject to exemptions.
Is QazETA a visa, and does it cost anything?
No. It is a separate electronic travel authorisation for visa-free travellers, and Kazakhstan’s official guidance says it is free.
Does QazETA allow a 180-day stay?
No. The authorisation is valid for 180 days, but the permitted stay is determined separately by the visa-free or visa conditions applying to the traveller.
Official Sources
- Kazakhstan MFA: QazETA rollout and implementation dates
- Kazakhstan MFA: application timing, fee, validity and transition period
- Kazakhstan MFA: visa regime table for foreign citizens
- Official QazETA platform
Last verified 7 November 2026. Entry rules can change. This guide is for general planning and is not a guarantee of entry; official Kazakhstan instructions take precedence.