Kazakhstan plans to install nearly 200 additional biometric Q-Gate terminals at border checkpoints by 2028 as the country moves to speed up passport control and modernize border crossings.

The government said the terminals are already operating at 11 checkpoints, including the international airports in Astana and Almaty. Kazakhstan has installed 54 Q-Gate terminals so far, informburo.kz reports.

The automated passport control system verifies travelers using facial biometrics and passport data in just 15-50 seconds, making the process up to five times faster than standard checks.

The technology could significantly reduce waiting times at airports.

A flight carrying 200 passengers currently takes around 30 minutes to clear passport control, while Q-Gate can process the entire aircraft in approximately seven minutes.

“The terminal enables citizens aged 16 and above to cross the state border without contact and without approaching border service officers. Passport and facial biometric verification takes 15 seconds, increasing checkpoint capacity sixfold without expanding physical infrastructure,” said Duman Sembayev, CEO of Kazdream Special Systems.

Kazakhstan plans to add another 198 Q-Gate terminals by 2028. Authorities are also developing algorithms for automated, contactless processing of foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has begun pilot testing a system that would allow travelers to pass through border controls using a QR code linked to their passport in the eGov system, without presenting a physical document.