Kyrgyzstan border permit and border crossings
+ Updates of the book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN
This page contains all the latest updates about the Kyrgyzstan border crossings and border permit. You will also find updated information about the book Explore Kyrgyzstan, particularly the condition of the routes described in the book. Many thanks to our readers and contributors who help us to update this page.
- If you are planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan by van, 4×4, motorbike or bicycle, our book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN will be of great help.
- If you wish to rent a vehicle (4×4, van, motorbike or bicycle) in Kyrgyzstan, you will find our recommendations here.
Update 07/22/2021 :
Kyrgyz air borders are open to travelers from all countries with a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival or proof of vaccination. Please note that some airlines require a PCR test even if you have been vaccinated. It is better to have both.
Only 69 nationalities are allowed to cross land borders of Kyrgyzstan:
1. Russia, 2. Georgia, 3. Azerbaijan, 4. Armenia, 5. Belarus, 6. Kazakhstan, 7. Turkmenistan, 8. Belgium, 9. Austria, 10. United Kingdom, 11. Germany, 12. Ireland, 13. Iceland, 14. Italy, 15. Lithuania, 17. Liechtenstein, 18. Luxemburg, 19. Portugal, 20. Turkey, 21. Switzerland, 22. Sweden, 23. Qatar, 24. UAE, 25. China, 26. Malaysia, 27. South Korea, 28. Pakistan, 29. Slovenia, 30. Kuwait, 31. Japan, 32. Uzbekistan, 33. Hungary, 34. Albania, 35. Bulgaria, 36. Taiwan, 37. Cyprus, 38. Northern Macedonia, 39. Mexico, 40. Thailand, 41. Romania, 42. The Netherlands, 43. Israel, 44. Poland, 45. Finland, 46. Croatia, 47. Norway, 48. Czech Republic, 49. Singapore, 50. Denmark, 51. Canada, 52. Estonia, 53. Maldives, 54. Argentina, 55. France, 56. Montenegro, 57. Greece, 60. Spain, 61. Slovakia, 62. Malta, 63. Serbia, 64. San Marino, 65. Sultanate of Oman, 66. Bangladesh, 67. Saudi Arabia, 68. Iran, 69. Vietnam
The land borders with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are still closed.
Land borders with Uzbekistan are open.
The green corridor has been declared. This means that the tourist visa allows you to stay indefinitely in Kyrgyzstan without having to renew your visa after 2 months.
Map of Kyrgyzstan’s restricted areas and border crossings.
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. You can buy a printed version here. The restricted areas have not changed for many years, but may change at any time. They seem to be doomed to disappear.
Kyrgyzstan border crossings
Entering Kyrgyzstan by land
Unlike in some Central Asian countries, you do not need to pay an import tax or have a customs clearance document to bring a foreign vehicle into 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 if you arrive via Uzbekistan, Tajikistan or China.
Be careful, do not venture into border areas unless you have a border permit or are actually crossing at the border crossing.
Main border crossings open to foreigners in Kyrgyzstan
| Border | Border post | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| China | Irkeshtam | The busiest and easiest border crossing. Be aware that it is better to arrive early in the morning, as the office is closed from 11am to 2pm on the Kyrgyz side and from 1p.m. to 4p.m. on the Chinese side (Kyrgyz time) for lunch. |
| Torugart | To cross the no-man's land between the two border posts you have to pay for an expensive, certified Chinese guide. The pass is often closed in winter because of snowfall. | |
| Tajikistan | Kyzyl Art | You will need a GBAO permit to use the Pamir road. Beware of very corrupt customs officers. Border post is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| Kulundu | Be aware that 12 km further west there is another border crossing which is forbidden to foreigners. | |
| Isfara | No specific difficulties. | |
| Uzbekistan | Izboskan | No specific difficulties. |
| Dostyk | No specific difficulties. | |
| Kazakhstan | Kordaï | No specific difficulties. |
| Ak-Tilek | No specific difficulties. | |
| Sypatay Batir | No specific difficulties. | |
| Aisha Bibi | No specific difficulties. | |
| Karkyra | The post is only open in the summer (May to October). There is no currency exchange. |
Vehicle insurance in Kyrgyzstan
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 in Bishkek or Och. There was no insurance available at the border in 2019. 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.
Kyrgyzstan border permits
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, which are shown on the map above.
- 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: 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. Or you can apply online here. Agencies usually charge:
- between 1,400 and 1,600 soms for one zone
- between 2,300 and 3,000 soms for three 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.
Order your permit in advance
You can now apply for your border permit online on our website! The permit includes 4 zones:
- Chuy region: Chong-Kemin Valley
- Issyk-Kul region: Karkyra, Sary-Jaz, Engilchek, Khan-Tengri national park, 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)
Please note that the Batken region (Leïlek and Batken districts) and the Sarychat-Ertash reserve are not included in this permit.
- Validity: 1 month
- Delivery time: 15 days (in 5 days with supplmement)
- Price: 30€ / person.
- Include 4 zones : Issyk-Kul, Chong-Kemin, Naryn and Osh.
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.
Updates of the book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route (25/08/21): Be careful, check the weather! With the rain, the red sand becomes completely slimy. If you drive down to point 4, there is a real risk of sliding with your car and returning may be difficult!
Condition of the route (25/08/21): Be careful, check the weather! With the rain, the section between the salt lake and the canyon of the forg. riv. becomes difficult. The sand turns into slimy clay and you risk slipping in the potholes if you do not have suitable tyres.
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route (25/08/21): Before point 2, the track was washed away by the floods of July 2021. 2km before, a new track was built to bypass the collapsed section and to reach the other side of the river bank by a small bridge
( GPS: 42.3246686, 78.0620017)
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route (25/08/21): On Route 19 towards Kol-Suu, one of the bridges is broken. The track therefore crosses a small ford.
On the track between Kol-Suu and Torugart, the floods of July 2021 have completely destroyed the bridge which was already in bad condition. The track has been diverted but is poorly marked with fords and many sandy passages in the river bed (level 4). The border post at Torugart permanently blocks access to the track and must be bypassed without any signposting.
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route (25/08/21): The connection between Route 21 and 22 which was blocked by a rock fall when we passed through in June 2019 is now accessible. However, it is clearly a level 5 trail: very very narrow trail on the side of a cliff, hairpin bends and two very technical fords.
Condition of the route (25/08/21): Between point 5 and 6, a section of the route collapsed due to a landslide (from the beach to the main road via the hills). No bypass is possible.
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
Condition of the route : Nothing to report
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All information on border crossings and permit areas. How to get a permit? How much does it cost? How long does it take? We answer all your questions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to join our facebook discussion group dedicated to exploring Kyrgyzstan. You will also be able to share your experience of the country and/or discover the photos of other travellers.
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