Photo: @qr_tjm
Rescue workers and military personnel from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) provided assistance to drivers stranded at the Zhaisan border checkpoint in the Martuk District of Aktobe Region, near the Russian border, the ministry’s press service reported.
A large buildup of freight and passenger vehicles was observed at the checkpoint the previous day. Emergency responders were deployed to the scene, where they organized hot meals, drinking water deliveries, medical aid, sanitary monitoring, and informational support for those affected.
“The primary cause was the introduction of a new procedure requiring mandatory use of QR codes for visa-free border crossing,” the agency said.
The new rules, introduced by the Russian side on June 30, require foreign nationals to pre-register digitally via the 'Gosuslugi RuID' mobile app and obtain a QR code before entering Russia. However, it was revealed last week that this procedure is currently optional and not mandatory.
Despite this, problems at the Kazakhstan–Russia border began over the weekend and continue, with many drivers complaining of long queues and slow processing.
