Flying to Almaty in 2027? What QazETA Means for Your Trip from January

The short answer
Yes, you will need it. From 1 January 2027, Almaty and Astana airports join Kazakhstan's QazETA electronic entry authorisation. Indian passport holders, who currently enter visa-free for up to 14 days, are covered.
It is free. Apply on the official QazETA portal or app at least 72 hours before you fly. It is valid for 180 days and multiple entries.
Some travellers are exempt: children under 16, travellers aged 65 or over, and anyone already holding a Kazakh visa or residence permit.

Almaty has become one of the easiest international trips from India: a direct flight from Delhi of about four hours, visa-free entry for short stays, and snow on the mountains just outside the city. From January 2027, there is one new step to add to your checklist. Kazakhstan is rolling out QazETA, an online entry authorisation that visa-free visitors must get before they travel.

This guide explains what changes at Almaty airport, whether your trip is affected, who in your family needs one, and how to apply without paying a rupee.

What is QazETA?

QazETA is Kazakhstan's Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is not a visa. It is a quick online pre-clearance for travellers who are allowed to enter Kazakhstan without a visa, similar in idea to the arrival forms Indians already fill for Malaysia and Thailand. The Kazakh government adopted the resolution in October 2026.

•       Cost: free of charge.

•       Where to apply: the official QazETA portal or the QazETA mobile app.

•       When: at least 72 hours before you arrive in Kazakhstan.

•       Validity: 180 days from issue, with multiple entries allowed.

•       What it does not do: it does not extend your visa-free stay, and it does not guarantee entry.

What changes at Almaty airport from January 2027

Kazakhstan is introducing QazETA in phases, one group of entry points at a time:

•       1 November 2026: Aktau International Airport and some land border crossings.

•       1 January 2027: Almaty and Astana International Airports.

•       1 March 2027: all remaining entry points.

•       1 July 2027: required for all foreigners who need it. Without it, entry can be refused.

Source: U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, QazETA, summarising the October 2026 government resolution.

Will you be turned away at Almaty before July 2027?

Sources describe the early months differently. The US Embassy summary lists Almaty airport as a QazETA entry point from 1 January 2027, with refusal of entry clearly stated from 1 July 2027. A specialist visa news report says that until 30 June 2027, travellers without QazETA will be informed of the rule rather than refused for that reason alone.

Our advice is simple: do not test it. The authorisation is free and takes a few minutes, so apply for every trip to Almaty from January 2027 onwards.

Do Indian travellers need QazETA for Almaty?

Yes, if you are entering visa-free. Indian passport holders can currently visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 14 days per entry, and QazETA applies to visa-exempt travellers. If you hold a Kazakh visa, for example an e-visa for a longer stay, you do not need QazETA. Our Kazakhstan visa page explains the visa-free and e-visa routes.

Who in your family needs one

•       Adults aged 16 to 64: each person needs their own QazETA.

•       Children under 16: exempt.

•       Parents or grandparents aged 65 or over: exempt.

•       Holders of a Kazakh visa or residence permit: exempt.

•       Airside transit passengers: exempt if you stay in the international transit area and do not enter Kazakhstan.

Exempt travellers should still carry their passports as proof of age or status. Check the full exemption list on the official portal before you fly.

How to apply for QazETA: step by step

1.     Go to the official QazETA portal or download the official QazETA app.

2.     Enter your personal and passport details exactly as printed in your passport.

3.     Add your travel details, including your arrival date and entry point (Almaty International Airport).

4.     Submit the application at least 72 hours before you arrive. Applying 1 to 2 weeks ahead gives you a buffer.

5.     Save the confirmation on your phone and keep a printed copy with your passport.

6.     Repeat for each traveller who is not exempt.

Watch out for fake QazETA websites

QazETA is free. If a website asks you to pay a fee, it is not the official portal. Type the address yourself, avoid sponsored search ads, and never share passport details on a site you are not sure about.

Already booked an Almaty trip? Here is what to do

•       Arriving at Almaty in November or December 2026: Almaty airport is not yet in the rollout, so QazETA is not required for your arrival there. Our winter departures in November and December fall in this window.

•       Arriving between 1 January and 30 June 2027: apply for QazETA. This covers the January and February snow season at Shymbulak.

•       Arriving from 1 July 2027: QazETA is mandatory, and you can be refused entry without it.

Planning the days themselves? Our 5-day Almaty itinerary covers Kok-Tobe, Shymbulak, Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon.

Your Almaty arrival checklist for 2027

•       Passport valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages.

•       QazETA confirmation for each non-exempt traveller.

•       Confirmed return or onward ticket within your 14-day visa-free stay.

•       Hotel booking or tour voucher.

•       Enough funds, by card or cash, to show if asked.

•       Travel insurance that covers medical care and winter activities.