Kyrgyzstan border crossings and border permit

Below, you will find a map of the restricted areas and main border crossings in Kyrgyzstan. This map is taken from the book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN. The restricted areas have not changed for many years, but may change at any time. To access these restricted areas, you must apply for a border permit. You can order your border permit here.

Along with Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. These countries share the same customs regime, meaning you do not need to temporarily import your car anew when crossing the borders between Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. Each time you leave and re-enter the Customs Union, the temporary import is renewed.

When entering Kyrgyzstan or another country of the Customs Union, you get a TIP (temporary import paper) for a duration of 6 months up to to 1 year, meaning your vehicle is allowed to stay within the borders of the Customs Union for 12 months maximum. However, note that your visa is likely to run out earlier. In Kyrgyzstan, this is not a problem, you can leave without your car and re-enter Kyrgyzstan, you will receive another 2 month free visa.

Unlike Iran, India and other Asian countries, you do not need a Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) to enter Kyrgyzstan. However, since 2015, you have to pay an eco-tax. In 2020 this eco-tax was 500 soms for a motorbike, 1,000 soms for a car, and 2,500 soms for a truck. If you arrive via Kazakhstan, you will not need to pay this ecotax. You will have to pay it when your enter the Custom Union for the first time.

Be careful, do not venture into border areas unless you have a border permit or are actually crossing at the border crossing.

Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border crossing

Whether through the Kordaï, Ak-Tilek, Sypatay Batir, Aisha Bibi or Karkyra checkpoints, the border between kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is open to international travellers and is not causing any particular difficulties.

Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan border crossing

There are two border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan which are open to international travelers: Izboskan and Dostyk. Izboskan border crossing is pen for foreigners, BUT only for pedestrians and cyclists, not for cars and motorbikes! Shared taxis run on either side of the border.

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border crossing

Due to a conflict at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, all borders between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has remained closed for 2 years. Since 28th July 2023, the Kyzyl-Art border crosing has reopened to foreign visitors. In the KG-TJ direction you will need a letter from the Kyrgyz Department of Tourism and a GBAO permit.

Kyrgyzstan-China border crossing

Before attempting to cross the high altitude borders between Kyrgyzstan and China, it is important to check the weather conditions and ensure that there are no holidays on either side of the border. Crossing into China on a Friday can be challenging as any delays could result in being stuck there for two additional days. The borders are often closed in winter due to the important snowfall. This area has limited resources for fuel, food, and spare parts. There are two border crossing points between Kyrgyzstan and China: Irkeshtam and Torugart. The Irkeshtam pass is probably the less difficult route into China.

Since 2018, it has been compulsory to insure your vehicle in Kyrgyzstan. Nevertheless, there are relatively few people who have insurance and it is rare to come across a customs officer who asks to see it at a border crossing. You can take out a local insurance at the border. It is important to note that if you have an accident with a Kyrgyz driver, they are often not insured themselves. Rental vehicles always have insurance included.

What is the border permit?

Some border areas are subject to strict regulations regarding the circulation of persons, especially foreigners. If you wish to visit these areas, you must apply for a permit in advance.

There are five restricted areas:

• Chuy region: Chong-Kemin Valley
• Issyk-Kul region: Karkyra, Sary-Jaz, Engilchek, Khan-Tengri national park, Sarychat-Ertash reserve, Ak-Shyrak, and Karasay checkpoint
• Naryn region: Ak-Say Valley, Lake Kol-Suu, Kok-Kiya canyon, Lake Chatyr-Kul and Torugart checkpoint
• Osh region: Trans-Alay chain (Lenin Peak)
• Batken region: Kadamjay, Leïlek and Batken districts

How much does the permit cost?

It is theoretically possible to apply for a permit yourself at the Department of Registration in Bishkek, which costs 200 soms. However, if you do not speak and write Russian, it is difficult to do it yourself without being accompanied. You can therefore apply for a permit at any travel agency for a small (or large) fee.

• 1,800 soms for 1 zone
• 3,000 soms for 2 zones
• 4,000 soms for 4-5 zones

How long is the permit valid for?

Permits are valid for one month. It is possible to extend the validity of the permit by up to 2 months (see with the agency).

It is recommended to apply for a permit at least one week in advance for a “one zone” permit and one month in advance for a “three-zone” permit or more.

It is also possible to obtain a “one zone” permit within 48 hours for an additional fee.

Keep the original version and make several copies of your permit

You can collect your permit in several cities: Bishkek, Osh, Karakol, or Naryn. Once you have obtained your permit, keep the original version and make several copies, as you will have to leave one at each military checkpoint. Your passport will also be required for verification. Check that there are no errors in the passport number, dates, and your name on the permit. A simple mistake and you will be stuck at the checkpoint.