Kazakhstan is actively introducing digital technologies at its state border, focusing on automated control for citizens and foreign guests. By 2028, 198 new biometric Q-Gate terminals will appear at checkpoints, and developers are already creating algorithms for checking foreigners, reports infohub.kz.
As Duman Sembayev, General Director of Kazdream Special Systems LLP, said, in parallel with expanding the terminal network, algorithms are being developed for automated contactless control of foreign citizens. This will strengthen border security, optimize migration flow accounting, and eliminate the human factor in document checks.
In addition, the country has launched a pilot test of border crossing using a passport QR code via the eGov portal, without presenting a physical document.
Currently, 54 Q-Gate terminals are already operating at 11 checkpoints, including the international airports of Astana and Almaty. The system verifies facial biometrics against passport data in 15–50 seconds, which is 4–5 times faster than standard manual control. The throughput is also impressive: border guards take about 30 minutes to check a flight of 200 passengers, while a whole plane goes through the procedure in just 7 minutes via Q-Gate. The terminal provides contactless passage for citizens aged 16 and older without the need to approach officers of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan.
Scaling the system by 2028 will significantly increase the capacity of border points without physically expanding airport and ground crossing infrastructure.
In July 2026, Astana International Airport served over 1 million passengers in a single month for the first time, setting a record for the capital's air harbor.