Citizens of Russia and other countries with visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan will soon need an electronic travel authorization to enter the country.

The new requirement will be introduced through QazETA (Kazakhstan Electronic Travel Authorization) and will be rolled out in stages depending on the mode of travel, according to Gazeta.ru.

Starting November 1, the electronic authorization will become mandatory for passengers arriving on international flights.

From November 15, the requirement will apply to travelers entering Kazakhstan by car through borders with countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

From November 30, QazETA will also be required for those entering by car through EAEU member-state borders.

The requirement will then be extended to train passengers and travelers arriving through seaports from December 15.

The electronic authorization will remain valid for 180 days and allow travelers to make multiple trips to Kazakhstan during that period.

The application fee will be the same for citizens of all eligible countries, although the exact amount has not yet been finalized.

Until November 1, QazETA remains in a pilot phase, meaning travelers without the authorization will not yet be denied entry solely for that reason.

The phased rollout is intended to give visa-free travelers and transport operators time to adapt to Kazakhstan’s new electronic entry system.