Kazakhstan Launches QR Code System for Foreign Visitors at Airports

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented a new QR code system at all international airports across the country. The initiative, announced by Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov, is designed to enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors by providing easy access to essential services. According to the Ministry, the QR codes grant immediate access to: Electronic SIM card services; Licensed taxi operators; Online hotel booking platforms; Information regarding the registration of foreign citizens; Details on major tourist attractions. The primary goal of the system is to reduce the risk of fraud targeting tourists, particularly in areas such as transportation, mobile communications, and currency exchange, and to improve service quality throughout a visitor’s stay. In 2024, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million foreign nationals, of whom 10.4 million spent more than a day in the country and were officially classified as tourists. The new digital system is part of broader efforts to create a safer, more convenient environment for international travelers, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. Kazakhstan currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of 87 countries, and an electronic visa application system is available to nationals of 107 countries.

Kazakhstan’s Tourism Revival Attracts International Visitors and $1.8 Billion in Investment

Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is undergoing a notable resurgence, with a growing number of both international visitors and domestic travelers exploring the country. According to analysts at Ranking.kz, this revival is not merely inflation-driven; it reflects substantial structural changes and targeted investment in tourism infrastructure. Data from the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that in 2024, the total volume of services provided by hotels, motels, and other accommodation facilities reached KZT 299.8 billion (approximately $580 million), marking a 30.8% increase from the previous year. Tax revenues from tourism-related businesses rose by 25.1% year-on-year to KZT 254 billion (about $492 million), underscoring the sector’s expanding fiscal footprint. Tourism continues to attract both domestic and international investors. In 2024, capital investment in the sector totaled KZT 947.5 billion ($1.8 billion), encompassing both private funding for resort and hotel construction and public subsidies aimed at developing tourism infrastructure. Throughout 2024, investment in fixed capital across the hospitality, arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors reached KZT 321.1 billion ($622 million). Of that, KZT 163.8 billion ($317 million) was directed toward accommodation and food services. In the first quarter of 2025, investment in these areas rose by a further 6.5%. The Almaty agglomeration, home to the Zailiyskiy Alatau ski resorts and scenic natural areas, remains a top destination for investment. In 2024, it accounted for 17.4% of total capital investments in the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) and entertainment sectors. Currently, approximately 55 large-scale investment projects are in development across Kazakhstan’s tourism sector. Notable among them are the creation of a multifunctional tourist quarter in Astana, the Aqbura Resort in the Akmola region, and the expansion of the Oi-Qaragai ski resort, one of the largest in Central Asia. The Oi-Qaragai development includes the construction of a new four-star hotel and significant upgrades to tourism infrastructure. With an estimated total investment of $150 million, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 new jobs. So far, $44.5 million has been invested, with an additional $57.4 million projected by the end of 2025.